CC/E board approves retention incentive for staff members

After a two-month debate, the Clay Central/Everly Board of Education on Aug. 25 approved a special bonus for staff members who returned to their positions this fall.

Labeled a "retention incentive," the bonus rewards employees for sticking with CC/E through the COVID-19 pandemic and coming back for the 2021-22 school year. It is worth $500 per qualifying staff member, or $9,000 overall.

Board Member Allyn Heikens originally proposed the retention incentive in June as a way to thank employees for all their hard work during the pandemic. She had seen other school districts offering the bonuses a...