Autauga school employees get bonus for work during COVID-19 pandemic

PRATTVILLE — Full-time employees of the Autauga County School system will be getting a $500 bonus, a thank you for working during the pandemic.

The board of education approved the checks, which will go out Dec. 18.

"This is just a way to say thank you for the people who have made it possible to have school during this pandemic," said Superintendent Spence Agee. "So far we have had very few cases of COVID occurring among our students and staff. 

"I feel that's because so many people have worked so hard to stay within guidelines and prevent the spread of the virus in our schools. In this situation, the custodians are just as important as the teachers, and the bus drivers are just as important as the nurses. It takes all of us working together to make this possible during these times."

The final tally will be $644,668.50 to cover the 1,074 full-time employees. The breakdown comes to $600.25 per check, since the system is paying for the retirement contribution. The taxes deducted will come from the employees portion of the check.

The money comes from the system's general fund.

"We are doing very well financially," Agee said. "State law says we must have one month operating expenses in reserve. We have like 2.6 months in reserve, and this will take us to like 2.5 months.

"It's a good time for the checks to go out, maybe it'll make Christmas a little brighter for our employees."

Recently the Elmore County BOE approved supplemental pay of $220 to full-time and $110 to part-time employees. The Montgomery County BOE has not approved supplemental money for employees.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.