On September 16, eligible Hempstead ISD employees were surprised with their employee retention incentive and sign-on bonus checks. Superintendent Herbert O’Neil hand-delivered the incentive checks to each employee.
The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees approved employee retention incentives and sign-on bonuses during the June 20, 2022, School Board meeting. New employees who were eligible to receive a sign-on bonus, receive half of their $1,250 or $3,000 for bilingual teachers check.
Uncertified teachers are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. To receive this incentive, the teacher must pass a content area test and PPR exam by May 30, 2023. The retention incentive is determined by the service time an employee has spent with the district and will be paid in two installments.
Many of the employees were shocked and commented that the incentive checks were right on time.
Employees who were employed at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year received half of their incentive compensation based on the number of years worked in Hempstead ISD.
Employee Retention Incentives:
$1,500 for employees with 1-5 years of service in Hempstead ISD
$2,500 for employees with 6-10 years of service in Hempstead ISD
$3,500 for employees with 11+ years of service in Hempstead ISD
“I am grateful that our Trustees recognize the importance of awarding our staff for their years of service in Hempstead ISD,” Superintendent Herbert O’Neil said. “This decision reflects the Board of Trustees commitment to our students and staff. Your work does not go unnoticed.”
O’Neil thanked each employee for serving the students and families of Hempstead ISD. Employees will receive the second half of their incentive checks during the second half of the school year in the spring.