Durham Public Schools giving out up to $8,000 in sign-on bonuses in hiring effort

Up to $8,000 is what the district is offering for as they launch a Recruitment Incentive Bonus Program.

DPS is looking to hire more than 300 people through the program. Math, science and exceptional children's teachers are needed as well as bus drivers. A $3,500 sign-on bonus is the offer to start with additional bonuses offered based on the school, grade level and field of study. Those bonuses are cumulative up to $8,000.

The recruitment bonus would be paid over a three-year period with an expectation that teachers agree to work at the school for three full years. Four virtual job fairs are scheduled in concert with the recruitment campaign. The first fair is scheduled for July 20 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Durham schools to receive more funding from county, but educators want more

The district said its vacancies are largely on par with prior years, although there is the addition of more than 100 positions to support accelerated learning after COVID-19 and a new school opening.