The Allen Parish School Board voted unanimously Monday to approve a one-time pay supplement for the district’s 640 employees, while also agreeing to increase the pay for substitute employees.

“I hope this shows our employees how much they are appreciated for what they do,” Superintendent Kent Reed said. “We are not always able to do this, but when we are we just want to show our appreciation for the job they do.”

As approved, the district’s full-time certified employees, including teachers, principals, counselors and supervisors will receive $2,600. Support personnel, including custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and clerical aides will receive $2,000.

The board will use $1.1 million from its Sales Tax Enhancement Fund approved by voters in 2013, as well as more than $800,000 from its Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to pay the supplements.

The supplement will be received by the employees by Oct. 1.

“We think it is a critical time now with everything that has been going on,” Reed said. “We were able to show our appreciation last spring and we want to do it again this fall.”

The board approved a $2,500 across-the-board salary supplement for all school employees in April.. A third supplement is expected to be paid by the end of the year from funds from the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana gaming compact.

The board also approved a $10 a day increase for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals. The pay will increase from $55 a day to $65 per day for those with a high school diploma and from $65 to $75 per day for degreed personnel.

The increase aligns the surrounding parishes, including Calcasieu and Jeff Davis according to Reed.

“This is a pretty good move for us,” Reed said. “It shows our appreciation for our substitute teachers.”

Substitute bus drivers will receive a $2.50 route increase for a total of $32.50 per route.

Substitute cafeteria workers and custodians will see a $1 per hour increase with the new rate of pay at $8.25 per hour.

Revenue from the general fund will help pay the increase for substitutes.