Austin ISD staff will now have extra reason to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The district announced two programs aimed to support its staff by providing a financial incentive and the opportunity to get help with sick days if COVID-19 isolation is needed. By incentivizing staff to get vaccinated, in addition to requiring masks, the goal is to have a multi-layered approach to making campuses as safe as possible.

The programs outlined below are focused on getting staff fully vaccinated by Oct. 15:

1. A one-time incentive of $250 will be offered to eligible employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 15.

• Regular full-time and part-time employees who are fully vaccinated and choose to share proof of vaccination using the form are eligible to receive the $250 incentive.
  • At this time, substitutes and temp/hourly employees are not eligible for the incentive.
• Employees who received their vaccination earlier this year are eligible for the incentive.
• Employees must show proof of being fully vaccinated by October 15.

2. A COVID-19 Sick Leave Co-op has been created to assist with unexpected absences for eligible employees who have to isolate due to COVID-19. Eligible employees who contribute eight hours of their own leave to the co-op will be eligible to use up to five “COVID Leave” days of full payment if needed.

• Eligible staff includes a full-time, benefit-eligible, employee of the district who accrues annual local leave days.
• Employees who want to enroll in the COVID-19 Sick Leave Co-op must complete the enrollment application form between Aug. 24 and Oct. 15.

Participation in the vaccine incentive programs is voluntary. Exemptions are available for staff who are unable to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons. 

Staff who are interested in participating in either of the two programs should carefully review the eligibility requirements and sign-up using the link provided in their internal email.

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