The Board of Education is offering an early retirement package to district teachers, custodians and secretaries as a cost-saving measure to avoid future layoffs.
Earlier this year, the district laid of four secretaries and four custodians after union representatives would not agree to district ‑wide furlough days — days off without pay.
“Right now we are in the process of offering early retirement to eligible members,” said School Superintendent Judith Palmer. “Once we know who has taken it, we’ll have a better idea what money will be saved.”
Under the early retirement package, teachers will receive $7,500 a year for three years to cover health insurance. Custodians and secretaries will receive annual insurance coverage, based on age and Medicare eligibility, said Debbie Sherman, a member of the board of education.
Teachers have until July 31 to take the package. Custodians and secretaries have until July 1.
About 20 teachers in the district are eligible for early retirement. Depending on how many teachers, custodians and secretaries retire, the district could rehire the laid off custodians and secretaries and replace veterans teachers who took the package with younger teachers at a lower salary, Sherman said.
“Until we know the savings, we won’t know what the needs of the district will be, what positions we’ll need,” Sherman said.
Union representatives could not be reached for comment.
Palmer said the school board has been negotiating with union leaders for some time to consider concessions and cost saving measures. She said teachers do not face any layoffs.
Sherman said the early retirement package, comes after a “bad budget year” when the district saw insurance premiums and salaries rise.
“A lot of things played into the budget, along with a bad economy,” Sherman said.
