HOUSTON – The Houston Independent School District announced Thursday that its board of education approved a one-time stipend of $500 for employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Before district employees receive the stipend, it must be approved by the Texas Education Agency before the program can be implemented.
If approved, employees must show their proof of the vaccination to the Health and Medical Services by Nov. 19.
“The best tool we have in this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is (the) vaccination,” said Superintendent Millard House II. “As vaccinations increase in our communities and schools, the better protected and safe we all will be. The safety of our staff and students continues to be my guiding compass and I am grateful to the Board of Education for approving this stipend that will hopefully encourage more of our staff to be vaccinated.”
Participation to receive the stipend is voluntary. School officials noted that employees who are not able to be vaccinated for medical reasons or those who meet religious exceptions are also eligible to receive the stipend and must submit proper documentation.
The stipend is being paid out through the district ESSER funds.
According to a release, employees who are not vaccinated must use their personal leave to isolate themselves due to COVID-19.