Early retirement approved

—H-W school board voted yes
CRESCO - An exempt work session was held before the Oct. 17 regular board meeting in regards to early retirement. 
The proposal recommended by Supt. Einck included:
• Clerical/Associate Staff: Qualifying individuals will receive half of their current salary plus $65 per sick day.  This amount will be determined by the remaining sick days at the end of the school year.
If all of the qualifying individuals choose to accept this package it will cost the district $84,699, which will be paid out over three years at $28,233.00 per year.
• Certified Staff: Qualifying individuals will receive $40,000 plus $90.00 per sick day.  This amount will be determined by the remaining sick days at the end of the school year.
If all of the qualifying individuals choose to accept this package it will cost the district $454,230, which will be paid out over three years at $151,410 per year.
The expenses would not be taken out of the General Fund but out of the Management Fund.
In the regular meeting, long-time teacher Paula Galvin spoke in favor of early retirement. “We want to get early hires in December. We have local young adults graduating in December who want to come back here. We need to go get them.” Otherwise, they will go to other districts.
She added that the $40,000 given to the retiring teachers per year would just about equal the amount of pay difference between a veteran teacher and a new one.
Shirley Sovereign made the motion, seconded by Toni Johnson, to approve the recommendation. Upon voting, it was Sovereign aye and Johnson and Tom Williams as nay. The nays wanted more information.
A special meeting regarding early retirement was held three days later, on Oct. 20.
Board members were given additional information from Board Secretary Robyn Lane, for which several directors thanked her.
Again, Einck made his recommendation from the Oct. 17 meeting. After some discussion, Williams asked, “Why is there a difference of pay for sick days?” The answer was that was how it was done previously — $65 for Clerical and $90 for certified. He also suggested paying both groups half their pay.
Einck explained the difference in the pay was based on the time, money and energy the certified staff used for their education.
Sovereign added they spend money on continuing education and extra classes. “Many even go above and beyond that.”
 The original motion was voted down by Williams, Sovereign and Johnson, while Andy Ludeking voted aye.
A second motion changed the sick pay to $90 per day of unused sick time, which passed all ayes.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
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Cresco, IA 52136

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