Fort Wayne Teachers Getting Bonuses For Work During Pandemic

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — Teachers and other employees of the Fort Wayne Community Schools will receive payments of up to $2,000 for working during the pandemic, the school board has voted.

The board on Monday unanimously approved applying about $7 million in federal coronavirus relief dollars to employee stipends of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000, The Journal Gazette reported.

“This is money well deserved, well earned,” board member Steve Corona said. “It’s hazard pay.”

Administrators and salaried staff including teachers will receive the highest amount.

To be eligible, workers must be employed on the last day of school, which is May 25 for students, said Charles Cammack Jr., chief operations officer for the district. Prorated amounts will be given to those who worked fewer than 120 days.

Leaders in the East Allen County Schools and Northwest Allen County Schools recently approved similar payments of between $500 and $1,000 for their employees.