Group pushes for bonuses and pay increases for GCS teachers and staff

Educators and community members are asking for bonuses and pay increases for employees in the Guilford County Schools district. The school board is expected to discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting.

The Guilford County Association of Educators held a rally Tuesday, asking for $4,000 bonuses for teachers and staff, and saying that the district can tap into federal pandemic relief funds to do it. Organizers say they also launched a petition to call attention to a school staffing crisis. 

The group says the additional money is needed to help retain educators and prevent student impact.

Nearby school districts, including those in Rockingham and Randolph counties, have recently approved large bonuses for employees.

Guilford County Schools officials say they have given some step pay increases and bonuses over the past year and a half. 

The school board recently discussed the possibility of bonuses at a recent meeting. Superintendent Sharon Contreras says any plan that she would bring before the board would include something for all of the district's employees, which is about 10,000 people.

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet again on December 14.

This comes as North Carolina lawmakers approved a new state budget that includes a series of raises and bonuses for most state workers and teachers.

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