Brandon Twp.- In 2007, 21 teachers here took a buyout unanimously approved by the school board. Less than three years later, more teachers may be offered an early retirement incentive.
During a meeting Dec. 1, finance committee members agreed to take the issue to the next school board meeting, set for 6:30 p.m., Dec. 14, at the central office, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.
‘In order for the early retirement option to have a chance to take place next year, we have to get it out there now,? said Executive Director of Fiscal Affairs Jamie Cowan. ‘There is a sense of urgency.?
The early retirement incentive was one of several ideas on a cost-savings list Cowan presented to the finance committee Tuesday night, as discussion heats up on how to save money as the district prepares for devastating cuts in per-pupil funding.
Items on the cost-savings list likely to be considered include transportation to sporting events, pool analysis, changes to employee benefits, advertising revenue and the early retirement incentive. Least likely to be on the table, for example, is any change to the music program in the district, Cowan said, because of a desire to maintain educational value.
The district recently paid off a loan they took out to finance the first buyout. In that plan, the district required a minimum of 18 teachers to participate.
Teachers were required to have been with the district for a minimum of 12 years and received a payout of $50,000 over 60 months.
‘It was worthwhile to do it then and we’re looking at it as a worthwhile opportunity to do it again,? Cowan said. ‘There is concern from the board regarding losing senior staffmembers, and the talent encompassed with those senior teachers. It’s always a trade off, so it is with reservation, that the board considers this. This is one very lucrative savings opportunity in these times when we have to find them.?