During a Feb. 17 regular meeting, Willie Watson, Jr., PfISD's chief human resources officer, recommended to district officials that staff be compensated for winter weather- and COVID-19-related absences that resulted in campus closures on Jan. 21, Jan. 24 and Feb. 3-4.
Watson said the measure is necessary to maintain morale, reduce turnover and ensure continuity of district staff.
Since the board approved the compensation measure, administrators will now identify employees and absences covered by the resolution to provide the appropriate monetary compensation.
Maggie Fulton, who works for Pflugerville ISD and had to miss work during the four days referenced, addressed the board and said it hurts hourly workers significantly when they are forced to miss work.
"If we didn't get paid for those four days, it would be a hardship for the hourly employees who are just trying to make ends meet," Fulton said.
Mary Kennedy, speaking on behalf of another Pflugerville ISD employee, also implored the board to compensate staff who had to miss work.
"The board ... must approve compensation for these four days," Kennedy said. "Their very livelihood depends on it."
Though several attendees spoke on behalf of hourly workers during public comment at the Feb. 17 meeting, Superintendent Doug Killian clarified the compensation is intended for all district staff.
Watson said district staff will now determine the amount of money needed to compensate employees.
