Texas Border Business
San Benito, Texas – As communities and schools worldwide are adjusting to life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, school districts are having to face unprecedented circumstances while supporting the education, physical, mental, and nutritional needs of students from afar. As school districts adjust to this new reality, San Benito Consolidated Independent School District leaders have made every effort to make this transition as smooth as possible so that ultimately, students’ academic and distance learning experience remains at the highest standard expected.
This week, at a regular board meeting convened via telephone conference in observance of social distancing measures, the San Benito CISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve the 2020-2021 compensation plan that includes a 4% raise for all employees. Other action items approved at the meeting included the purchase of Microsoft educational software licenses, and a resolution regarding grading and class rank policies for the 2019-2020 school year, among other agenda items.
In an exceptional move and much to the appreciation of district employees, trustees also unanimously approved one-time stipends in the amount of $500 to compensate essential district personnel for the use of their personal phone devices and internet usage, as well as safety prevention expenses and measures.
“During the uncertainty and stress of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are all having to adjust our lives to this new reality,” said Board President Orlando López. “As a board, we wanted to do everything we can to support these employees for all the extra effort, responsibilities, and duties that they have had to make to ensure that our students are successful during this time, and seeing the district come together as a San Benito CISD family is really amazing,” López continued.
López added that because the district has been fiscally responsible and is in good financial standing, the $500 stipend he was recommending would indeed be feasible and appropriate. Vice-President Sonia Weaver added, “It’s a big sacrifice for everybody, and we are with them 100 percent.”
“Our Gold Standard employees have risen to the challenges of this current situation and have enabled the district to continue operating at a high level,” said Dr. Nate Carman, San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools.
“Our Trustees recognized the efforts and sacrifices of our employees. For that, I am quite thankful,” Carman added.
Since the onset of distance learning, San Benito CISD leaders have worked diligently to support students, families, and employees’ needs during this time. The following measures have been taken since schools were closed to students on March 23, 2020:
- Nearly 3,000 students were issued Chromebooks to remain connected virtually with their instructors and classroom environments;
- The District’s Child Nutrition Program continued serving breakfast and lunch meals for all children 0 to 18 years of age, upwards of 65,000 meals this week alone; and
- Sharing and communicating important district information and health and safety tips to students and families via the San Benito CISD website, social media, and the upcoming issue of the District Observer, including sharing photos and videos of students’ distance learning experiences.
District officials will continue to work toward supporting the needs of the entire San Benito CISD community during this time and encourage everyone to continue following the guidance of federal, state, and local authorities and take recommended measures to keep our community safe and healthy.
For more information, visit www.sbcisd.net.
