190 Newark teachers get merit pay bonuses

190 Newark teachers get merit pay bonuses as part of landmark contract

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Dozens of Newark teachers have some extra cash in their pockets.

Officials say 190 teachers have received $1.3 million overall in merit pay bonuses that are part of a landmark teacher's contract ratified last year.

Part of the bonus money is funded through a $100 million gift given to the Newark schools by Facebook Inc. founder Mark Zuckerberg.

The bonuses, given on a four-tiered system, range from $5,000 to $12,500.

Seventeen teachers received top bonuses.

Newark Superintendent Cami Anderson sent out letters and checks to the recipients last week.