Dear SAISD Staff:
During the April 6 Board meeting, the Trustees approved a resolution to give some level of premium pay to those hourly workers who, beginning Monday, April 13, need to continue to report to a worksite during our distance-learning period of the school year. This premium pay has been adopted for a period of time from April 13, 2020 to May 31, 2020.
You may have been hearing in the news how we are entering a critical period in the COVID-19 crisis. Models indicate we are nearing peak in the number of infections, and therefore, must be extra cautious in practicing social distancing.
As a result, we are continuing to scale back the number of employees who physically report to a worksite until we achieve the minimum number of employees that we absolutely need to perform operations onsite. As much as possible, we are implementing remote-work plans. But, for those hourly workers who still are needed for functions that cannot be done remotely, we wanted to offer them some level of premium pay.
The amount of the increase will be $3 per hour and will apply only to the amount of time that an employee physically works at an SAISD site. This increase is 20 percent above the District’s minimum hourly rate of $15 per hour.
In recent years we have worked to increase our hourly minimum entry rate, and are pleased that our rate is higher than other school districts in our area. With this additional premium, we are further increasing it for those we are asking to go out to a worksite during this increasingly difficult time. We appreciate their commitment and dedication to the SAISD community.
The categories of essential staff who are eligible for the premium pay includes those in the areas of child nutrition, custodial, grounds and facility maintenance, police and transportation. The individuals eligible among these groups are those that are required to report onsite by a supervisor based on their specific roles or functions, and the premium pay applies only to the hours worked onsite.
Other employee groups may be considered later, but that would require my approval. For safety, we are limiting the number of employees reporting to a work site – only those cases where there is not an alternative to be physically at a work location.
With the COVID-19 outbreak intensifying, it is more important than ever to practice social distancing, not just on a worksite, but also in our everyday lives. It is critical to stay home when we can and only leave the house for essential work or errands.
I realize social distancing measures are especially challenging as we near a holiday weekend – a time that we typically spend with extended family and friends. For the health and safety of ourselves and our loved ones, it’s too early to lighten the current recommendations.
Please be safe. I wish each of you a healthy and relaxing Easter weekend.
Sincerely,
Pedro