OMAHA- Omaha Public Schools staff have concerns about stipends that were recently created to improve district staff retention.

Full-time staff would get $4,500 a year, while part-time staff would receive $2,250 for the next two school years. District officials said they anticipate the money would be distributed on Sept. 1, Dec. 1 and May 15.

While the stipends were approved, dozens of teachers expressed concerns to the board at the meeting.

“The announcement of stipends last week makes it appear there were strings attached to it,” said Robert Miller, president of the Omaha Education Association.

Miller said members are wondering if accepting the stipend money will result in an expectation of working longer hours, tolerating larger class sizes or covering more classes.

Teachers also said they don’t want the stipends to affect future compensation negotiations.

Some teachers said the changes are positive steps, but the district still isn’t improving working conditions.

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