Boosting Morale and Retention: Anne Arundel County Public Schools Offers $2,000 Bonuses to Food Service Staff

In a move aimed at addressing staffing challenges and recognizing the vital contributions of its food and nutrition services employees, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) has announced a significant retention bonus program. The district is offering a $2,000 bonus to its food service workers, with the goal of filling 117 vacant positions and boosting morale among the dedicated team members who serve the district's students every day.

Rewarding Commitment and Dedication

The AACPS retention bonus program is a multi-tiered initiative designed to incentivize both new and existing employees. Some employees who were already on the job last year have already received the first $1,000 installment of their bonuses, with the second $1,000 payment scheduled for July 9, 2025, provided they remain with the district for the remainder of the current academic year.For new hires, the process is slightly different. Employees who start working this year will receive their first $1,000 bonus after just three months on the job. The retention bonuses for these new hires will be prorated based on their length of service, with those hired by December 22, 2024, eligible for the full $2,000 amount.

Recognizing the Unsung Heroes

The decision to offer these retention bonuses is a significant step forward in acknowledging the vital role that food and nutrition services employees play within the AACPS community. Delonya Akindoyo, the president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 1693, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, "In years past, when they haven't had much appreciation, it just kind of makes them feel good when we're appreciated for the job that we do because they love their job."Akindoyo went on to highlight the deep commitment and care that many of these workers have for the students they serve, noting that "a lot of them are here for the children specifically, and they care about these kids." This sentiment was echoed by Karina Sanchez, a food and nutrition service worker who expressed her excitement at the opportunity to "help with the little ones, with the kids."

Fostering a Sense of Community

The AACPS food and nutrition services team is often seen as an extension of the school community, with Jodi Risse, the district's director of food and nutrition services, describing them as "another family – another mom, another dad, it could be a grandmother or grandfather – just an extended family member that makes a difference when they're serving these students each and every day."This familial connection is a testament to the dedication and care that these workers bring to their roles, and the retention bonus program is a tangible way for the district to acknowledge and support this vital aspect of the school experience.

Ongoing Efforts to Attract and Retain Talent

The AACPS retention bonus program is just one part of the district's broader efforts to address staffing challenges and ensure the long-term stability of its food and nutrition services team. Leaders from the AFSCME union have stated that they will continue to work closely with the district on developing comprehensive compensation, retention, and recruitment strategies to support these essential workers.The timing of this announcement, which coincides with National School Lunch Week, underscores the importance of the food and nutrition services team and the district's commitment to recognizing their contributions. As the AACPS community looks to the future, the retention bonus program stands as a testament to the value placed on these unsung heroes who play a vital role in nourishing and supporting the district's students every day.