By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Goodrich – While the school district won’t realize savings this year, early retirement incentives will save money in coming budget years.
Calling back laid-off teachers will cost Goodrich schools about $220,000 less this year than paying high-seniority teachers, which may translate to budget savings next year. The savings this year is offset by retirement incentive payouts amounting to approximately $220,000, plus about $30,000 in sick time payouts, said Goodrich schools superintendent Kim Hart, who couldn’t estimate cost savings for next year.
In its July 18 meeting, the Goodrich Board of Education accepted the early retirement of Joan Metzger, who’s been with the district 31.5 years; Linda Jackson, 37 years; Barbara Romain, 30 years; Nancy Tenniswood, 25.5 years; Joan Turner, 29.5 years; Barbara Western, 30 years; and Fritz Wolff, 42 years. The board previously accepted the retirement announcements of Jim Jackson, 30 years; and Karen Philo, 9 years.
The teachers? retirement also means new Goodrich Education Association officers must be elected this fall.
Western served as GEA president, and Turner served as GEA treasurer. Linda Jackson served as chief bargaining chairperson of the GEA, said Michigan Education Association spokesperson Dianne Bregenzer.