Dear Colleagues:
Hope you all are having a wonderful summer. Many of you are enjoying some well-deserved time off. I hope you are recharging your batteries and spending quality hours with family and friends. With our schools on break, it’s unusual to hear from me. But, I’ve got some news that I’m excited and pleased to share with you.
Because of our continued funding challenges, this has been a tough time. In fact, like many districts across the state, we’ve had to tighten our belts. We’ve suffered the loss of employees. We’ve had to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate programs.
For this reason, we were unable to recommend a salary increase for the coming school year.
However, in lieu of a salary increase, we did recommend to the Board a one-time payment to permanent employees. And, Tuesday evening the Board voted in favor of giving a one-time payment equal to 1% of each employee’s 2011-12 base salary to be made in October.
We’re doing this to let you know how much we value you and your work.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, as well as how this is being funded, go to www.fwisd.org. Importantly, this is doable because unlike a raise, it’s a one-time event and does not carry a continuing financial obligation.
I regret that a one-time 1% incentive in a lump sum is all we can afford at this time. It’s a small amount and by no means reflects the value that you bring to our district.
Again, please know how much we appreciate you and all you do for the students of the Fort Worth ISD. You make the difference – and we hope in some way this one-time payment conveys our gratitude and respect.
Sincerely,
Walter Dansby
Fort Worth ISD Superintendent