© 2024 Peoria Public Radio
A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Report: 144 Illinois school districts gave bonuses last year

Ilmicrofono Oggiono
/
Flickr/Creative Commons

CHICAGO (AP) - Nearly 150 Illinois public school districts gave bonuses to teachers and administrators last school year. 

The 144 districts represent 20 percent of all districts. Citing state data, about 3,100 people received a total of $5.5 million. The average was $1,750. 

Bonuses have become a common way to inspire educators to improve student achievement. But researchers say results are varied, and critics wonder whether it's a good use of tax dollars. 

Lake County's Community High School District 128 recently paid $500,000 in "performance recognition" checks, mostly to teachers for high student achievement. Administrators and custodians were also among those getting bonuses.

School Board President Pat Groody says it's a way to get people focused on "the concept that performance matters." 

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.