The Newark City School District will continue compensation of all regular employees throughout the current mandatory school closure, after the Board of Education passed a resolution during a special meeting on Thursday.
“We certainly believe we have some incredible people working for us and we wanted to try to take care of them during a difficult time,” Board President Tim Carr said. “This is one way we could help.”
The board has authorized district Treasurer Julio Valladares to pay all regular employees, aides and substitutes until the governor ends the mandatory school closure, or the authorization is withdrawn by the board.
“I truly believe that we are doing the right thing for our staff during these difficult times,” Valladares said. “This is the time to come together and show appreciation for what all employees do for our students and community.”
The Newark City School District has been closed since March 16, however staff members are still working to serve children in the community. Meals will continue to be available for any Newark child throughout this crisis. Teaching staff have also been working to create an online framework for blended learning opportunities for all students, which will launch on March 30.
“We pride ourselves in taking care of our students and families, but also in taking care of our staff,” Superintendent Doug Ute said. “It’s less stress on them as they take care of our students and families.”