The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees voted Thursday to approve several recruitment and retention incentives for teachers, educational assistants and other staff members. With an eye to future staffing needs, the Board also approved the creation of a hiring incentive for current and future Round Rock ISD student-teachers.

The incentives were developed and presented to Trustees in efforts to recruit, retain, recognize and support campus staff during a time when school districts across the state and nation are experiencing increased difficulty in staffing hard-to-fill areas.

Incentives include: 

  • Providing a $3,000 stipend to any employee serving in a Special Education teaching position, with half paid in January, half in June 2023.
  • Providing a $1,000 stipend to any employee serving in a Special Education educational assistant position, with half paid in January, half in June 2023.
  • Providing a differentiated longevity incentive to all employees paid on the teacher pay scale and instructional coaches based on years of service at Round Rock ISD. This incentive ranges from $500 to $3000 based on years of service to Round Rock ISD, with half paid in January, half in June 2023. Part-time employees whose full-time equivalent is 0.5 or less will receive half of the retention and recruitment incentive payment for which they are eligible.
  • Providing a differentiated longevity incentive for all other employees not identified above ranging from $250 to $1,500 based on years of service at Round Rock ISD, with half paid in January, half in June 2023. Part-time employees whose full-time equivalent is 0.5 or less will receive half of the retention and recruitment incentive payment for which they are eligible.
  • Providing a $1,000 incentive to all currently employed teachers who have completed Reading Academies, paid in June 2023.
  • Providing a $1,000 incentive to any student-teachers who complete their student-teaching practicum with Round Rock ISD, and a further $1,000 sign-on bonus upon hire in a Round Rock ISD teaching position.

“Our staff keeps our doors open so that the children in our community may continue to be educated and supported at every level,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Hafedh Azaiez said. “Their work is beyond valuable, and we brought this resolution to recognize their contributions to our community each and every day and to show our appreciation for all that they do.”

The incentives will cost the District approximately $9.5 million. Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington told the Board the incentives will be covered by revenue from the District’s fund balance.