In a recent meeting held on November 21, 2024, the Plainview Independent School District (PISD) Board of Trustees made a significant decision to reward its dedicated staff with a one-time retention incentive of $500. This initiative aims to acknowledge the hard work of both returning and new permanent employees, as well as long-term substitute teachers who have filled crucial roles throughout the school year.

As the meeting unfolded, the board discussed the details of the incentive, which is set to be distributed to staff who sign an intent to return for the next school year. The incentive will not extend to temporary substitutes or part-time workers, but an exception was made for approximately 18 long-term substitutes who have been serving as teachers of record. This thoughtful approach highlights the district's commitment to supporting its workforce during challenging times.

The total cost of this incentive program is estimated to be around $300,000, a notable investment for PISD, especially as many districts have scaled back similar initiatives in recent years. The board expressed pride in being one of the few districts in the Panhandle still offering such incentives, emphasizing the importance of treating staff well to foster a positive work environment.

Following a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved the motion to implement the retention bonus, with members expressing their hope that this gesture would be appreciated by the staff as a holiday gift. The incentive is expected to be processed quickly, with payments scheduled to be issued separately from the regular December payroll.

In addition to the retention incentive, the board also approved the consensus agenda from the previous meeting, which included the minutes and a budget amendment. With these decisions, the PISD Board of Trustees continues to demonstrate its commitment to both its employees and the educational community it serves.