City school workers to get hazard pay

by TERRAN S. YOUNG • STAFF WRITER

NORTON — The city school system has received $136,488 in COVID-19 relief funds.

During the Nov. 16 school board meeting, members discussed the disbursement of the money, which includes hazard pay for employees.

All school employees, including paraprofessionals, will receive $400 in hazard pay. Also included is a $100 stipend for teachers for professional development in virtual Google Classroom techniques.

“We also are able to use these funds for awnings at Norton Elementary and Middle School to enhance social distancing during arrival and dismissal times and protect our faculty, staff, and students from inclement weather as we continue to check temperatures and monitor all students for COVID-19 before they enter the building,” wrote Superintendent Dr. Gina Wohlford in an email.

Wohlford added that funding is going toward “pick-up meals” that are still being provided to virtual students. Also, money has been allocated to purchase an additional school bus to allow more room for social distancing. Wohlford stated that she hopes this will help see the return of some in-person students next semester.

City schools received an additional $25,000 from the city of Norton from its federal CARES Act funding. Wohlford stated that the money helped cover initial expenses such as electrostatic cleaners, gloves, masks and other cleaning supplies at the beginning of the year.