ALDINE – During the September 21 Aldine ISD Board meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees approved a COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program to offer a one-time $500 incentive to qualifying full-time employees, permanent part-time employees, dedicated substitutes, and long-term substitutes serving as the teacher of record who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
AISD Trustees took this action with the safety and well-being of staff and students in mind. The voluntary program will begin Thursday, September 23, with all incentives paid by December 10, 2021.
“COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective against the virus,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney. “By increasing the number of vaccinated staff, we increase our ability to provide our students with a safe and healthy classroom where they can continue with in-class instruction.”
Employees must complete the COVID-19 vaccine incentive form and submit proof of vaccination by November 19. Qualifying full-time employees, permanent part-time employees, and dedicated substitutes are eligible to receive a $500 incentive.
AISD will utilize district Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds and emergency COVID-19 relief money to fund the incentive. The initiative will also give the district an idea of how many employees are fully vaccinated. This may help to inform the contact tracing and quarantine processes, which are different depending upon vaccination status.
“We feel a responsibility to encourage every possible preventative measure to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Superintendent Goffney.
Aldine ISD continues to encourage the following of the three Ws — wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance — to prevent the spread of the virus effectively. In addition, the district requires staff, students, and visitors to wear a mask while on district buses and when visiting campuses and administrative buildings.