More than 100 North Carolina teachers who received bonuses have been told they must pay the money back because it was a mistake.
One hundred twenty-four teachers in the Wake County public school system mistakenly received the bonus because of a clerical error. State law requires the teachers to return the money, and district officials have begun contacting affected teachers.
They can return the money either by writing a check to the district or by paying it back in installments over time. The money for elementary and middle school teachers averaged $3,000. High school teachers received a range of cash from $25 to $3,500.
The bonuses were intended for teachers who are considered to be in the top 25 percent for effectiveness, which is determined by student achievement levels.
