The Gainesville City Schools assistant superintendent said that when he arrived in the system earlier this year, he noticed that the system recognizes above-and-beyond teachers.

"But we do nothing that is tangible. We need to show that we really care what they do," Bibb said. "People don't live to work. They work to make a living."

Bibb and interim Assistant Superintendent Shirley Whit-aker, along with a panel of seven teachers and one principal, have created an incentive plan to encourage a higher level of teacher performance.

The plan also calls for incentives for students, including recognition for good behavior and most improve- ment in subject areas.

The panel presented the plan at the city Board of Education's work session Thursday night.

The board voted to approve up to $15,000 for savings bonds for teachers with perfect attendance.

Also, Whitaker asked the board to include in the 2003-04 budget some $10,000 for teachers who learn Spanish well enough to conduct parent conferences and other tasks.

At a previous meeting, the board approved incentives that have no costs involved, such as naming teachers of the month.

Patti Kemp, a third-grade teacher at Centennial Elementary School and a member of the incentives committee, said she has talked with other teachers about the plan and has heard a lot of support.

"It's a good idea to show appreciation. ... Everybody realizes what a tough job (teaching) is, and (the plan) is important for morale. It's all very positive and upbeat."

Whitaker, who retired last year as Centennial principal, said she believes the incentive plan is "long overdue."

"It's a way to let students and teachers know how much we appreciate them and how important they are to this school system," she said.

Whitaker said her favorite teacher incentive is the saving bonds.

She said the system has solid substitute teachers, but "the students learn so much more when their regular teacher is in their classroom."

Bibb borrowed the incentives idea from his former employer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina.

"I know it can be done. I've seen it in action," he said.

Bibb said that once the plan has board approval, he will try to get the schools' business partners involved in the endeavor, "as well as (businesses) not on board with us."

He said the program's overall goal is to foster "excellence in education."

"We want to stimulate student achievement. That is at the top of the pyramid," Bibb said.