By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer
Goodrich – Some Goodrich teachers may decide this week whether to leave the district.
An incentive is being offered to teachers who have taught at least eight years in the Goodrich school district who agree to retire or resign by June 23.
After negotiating the agreement with the Goodrich Education Association, teachers were notified June 2 of the plan, which gives teachers a one-time payout of at least $16,000 if seven or more teachers resign. The amount increases to $18,000 for eight teachers, and to $20,000 if nine or more teachers leave.
It’s a plan that will save the school district money on a continuing basis, says GEA President Barb Western, since higher seniority teachers who leave can be replaced with teachers receiving smaller salaries.
According to the district pay scale, a new teacher without experience starts at about $35,000, compared to a teacher with a bachelor’s degree and eight years experience, who earns about $57,000.
Depending on education and experience levels, district teachers eligible for the payout may be earning as much as $70,000 per year.
‘The financial savings to the district could be considerable,? said Western. ‘It’s not just a one-time savings.?
Although most teachers aren’t likely to retire or resign just for the payout, those with additional motivation to leave may be swayed, says Western.
‘My feelings are positive. I think it’s a win-win situation.?
In addition to the early retirement or resignation incentive, teachers may also be eligible for a sick day payout, and may qualify for an additional $5,000 early notification bonus for notifying the district by June 23.
A representative from the Michigan Education Association will meet with teachers June 22 to answer questions, said Western.
Goodrich schools superintendent Kim Hart could not be reached for comment by press time.