In an effort to recruit and retain teachers, MCPS will issue a one-time $1,100 bonus to bargaining unit members on their Dec. 17 paychecks.

   “I think it’s a great idea if [MCPS wants] to keep [teachers] because money always works it’s a good idea to give them a little incentive,” ASL teacher Barbara Grysavage said.

   One of the county’s main goals is to recruit new teachers. 

   “I think this will help recruit and retain new teachers and the people receiving will be really appreciative and especially this time of year and I think it will go a long way,” Assistant Principal Adam Saltzman said.

   Not every employee will receive the full amount of the bonus. “Employees who were bargaining unit members on Oct. 15, 2021, will receive a one-time payment of $1,100 in their Dec. 17, 2021, paychecks,” according to MCPS. “Those hired after Oct. 15, 2021, but before Feb. 1, 2022, will receive a pro-rated incentive amount in their Feb. 25, 2022, paychecks.”

   Once they get the bonus teachers will use the money in various ways.

 “I would put it into crypto, maybe buy some stuff for the classroom. Or just buy more avocados,” Grysavage said.

   The Maryland State Department of Education is providing funding to all MCPS bargaining unit member employees. The funding is part of Maryland’s American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grant process. Earlier this year agreements between the Board of Education and employee associations included the incentives. The goal of the bonuses was to distribute the payments on Nov. 19, but the final plan was approved on Nov. 9 and sent to the county council on Nov. 16 and was approved on Nov. 30

   “It’s a nice gesture. It shows we care about our employees and we are willing to give out bonuses to show we care and to bring in new employees,” Saltzman said.

   These bonuses are also to help with the Montgomery county teacher shortage by trying to bring in new teachers and keep the current ones from quitting.

   “The shortage is a big problem right now,” Grysavage said.