Wake County considering bonus for school cafeteria workers

Under the district's proposal, full-time child and nutrition services employees will receive three $450 bonuses for their work during the school year. Part-time employees would receive a pro-rated bonus amount.

If approved, this would not be the first bonus for nutrition workers. In November, cafeteria staff at around 30 Wake County schools participated in staged sick outs to push for higher pay and bring attention to a shortage of staff.

Bonuses were given to the employees as well as an hourly pay increase.

District leaders will vote on the proposed bonus Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Many children rely on school meal programs for both breakfast and lunch, which are served free each day. During the November sick out, the district asked parents to pack their student's lunch but said they would make sure everyone got fed regardless.

Thousands of school district employees work positions in which the starting pay — and pay for the first several years — falls below $13 per hour. Those positions are largely clerical, in food service, couriers, drivers and custodians.