The Klein ISD board of trustees approved a one-time $500 retention incentive for all of its full-time employees at its Nov. 9 regular board meeting.

The incentive is meant to reward teachers for their hard work through the coronavirus pandemic. The incentive is available for full-time, benefit-eligible employees. Benefit-eligible employees who are working less than full time will receive $250. This payment will be made Nov. 20.

“They’re being asked to do something that they’ve never been asked to do before,” KISD board of trustees member Chris Todd said. “I wish it could be more, but at least it’s something to say, 'You know, we really do realize it’s hard; I hope you all remember that the work is worth it.'”

The board also voted to extend Superintendent Jenny McGown’s contract for another year. Each board member spoke at length about McGown’s leadership and her impact on the district.

“From my estimation, you’re probably the best superintendent in the country,” Todd said. “And I don’t say that just through happenstance; I come to that through data and by working alongside you and watching your work ethic and watching how much you genuinely care about every single student.”