We’re hearing from people throughout Richland Parish about the benefits they’re seeing from Meta’s data center:
Sheldon Jones, Superintendent of the Richland Parish School District, said: “Last year, our teachers received a $10,000 bonus, this year that check was over $50,000. It’s life-altering for our teachers and their families, and it’s transforming our schools. Meta’s investment has made Richland Parish a destination for education as well as industry. This year, for the first time in my 30-year career, every teacher we interviewed was fully certified. With bonuses like that, the best educators come to you. And if we can attract the best teachers, we could become one of the best school districts in our region.”
Thomasina Minor, Second Grade teacher at Start Elementary, said: “The bonus was jaw-dropping. When I first found out, I was sitting on my couch with my eight-month-old. My mouth was wide open in shock. I thanked God because it was a big unexpected blessing.”
Shelly York, Fourth-Eighth Grade teacher at Holly Ridge Elementary, said: “The bonus was extremely nice, very unexpected, very unlike anything we’ve ever had. We’re not in it for the money, we’re teachers because it’s in our heart and we’re here for the kids. To just get that extra compensation, it gives you a boost to go back the next year and continue what you’re doing.”
