VWSD offers $1,000 vaccination incentive for teachers and staff

Employees of the Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) are being offered a $1,000 incentive to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The school board approved the incentive in their Oct. 28 meeting, citing the benefits of fewer employee and teacher quarantines that would both save the district money and ensure students are able to continue receiving quality instruction.

The incentives will be paid for using ESSER funds, which are federal dollars awarded to the district as part of the CARES Act. The incentive will be taxed, with state and federal taxes deducted as well as FICA and Medicare.

To be eligible to receive the incentive, employees must complete the application provided by the district via a Google form and provide proof of vaccination. Employees who have already gotten vaccinated previously are eligible as well as newly vaccinated employees.

There will be two rounds of incentives issued. For employees that submit the documentation by Nov. 12, checks will be issued by Dec. 17.  For employees that submit the documentation by Feb. 18, checks will be issued by March 18.