Santa Fe public school teachers and staff are expected to get nearly $5 million in bonuses as part of a pilot program that some of them have criticized.
Santa Fe Public Schools are getting the payments as part of a merit-based system approved by lawmakers last year.
Some teachers had opposed the program, arguing it placed too much focus on state standardized tests when gauging a teacher's success.
Nearly 900 teachers, administrators and other staff opted into the incentive program while 27 declined.
Some of those who joined say despite their criticism, they simply could not afford to pass up the money.
Teachers have received bonuses range from more than $100 to more than $10,000.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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