October 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release
Teutopolis Unit #50 - Signing/Referral Bonus and Contract Amendment
The Board of Education has approved a $1,000 signing bonus, with half payable after six months and half payable at twelve months of employment, for any new full-time or part-time regular route or special education/alternative education route bus driver. Current employees are also eligible for a $500 referral bonus when their efforts lead to the employment of a new bus driver. For those individuals not interested in full-time employment but are still willing to assist the District as a substitute driver, the District will pay a one-time $500 bonus for any new substitute after the first twenty-five trips.
Additionally, at their September regular meeting, the Board of Education voted unanimously to amend the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Teutopolis Education Association. The first amendment compresses the wage scale for bus drivers, increasing the starting wage as another means of attracting new bus drivers. Drivers with some experience may receive modest increases to maintain the incremental nature of the collectively bargained wage scale, and those with the most experience may see minor adjustments.
"The bus driver signing bonus, referral bonus, new substitute driver bonus, and the increase to the base wage for bus drivers through scale compression are intended to allow us to recruit and hire drivers, thus making it possible to better serve our students and families relying on this important service,” said Superintendent Matt Sturgeon. These bonus opportunities are available through the 2024-25 academic year, so all those interested are encouraged to contact the Teutopolis Unit Office.
A second amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement modifies and expands an incentive already available to some employees. Eligible to teachers, and now support personnel of all categories, an unused sick leave incentive is available for all employees with accumulated sick leave beyond what may otherwise be reported to their respective state pension programs. The voluntary amendment to the current agreement will extend through the 2026-27 academic year.
“We prefer that our talented and dedicated team of teachers and support personnel are the ones to deliver instruction and services to our students. When that is not possible, we are most appreciative of our retired colleagues and local friends who fill our shoes in the substitute capacity, “ commented TEA Co-Presidents Kathy Ruholl, Marcia Niebrugge and Misty Mapes. "We are grateful to the Teutopolis Board of Education and the administrative team for recognizing our efforts and commitment in serving our students and one another as Wooden Shoes.”