The Sandusky school district is offering a Voluntary Severance Incentive Plan to a group of educators in an effort to help with the district’s budget. Superintendent Michael Carmean said 19 teachers are eligible for the program which requires a minimum of 20 years of service to Sandusky. A minimum of five teachers are required to take part in the program for it to be implemented and the projected savings to the district would be $150,000 the first year.
Carmean said there are three state proposals for funding for schools and although no one plan has been chosen, if the Governors plan survives, it would mean an additional $120,000 for the Sandusky school district.
“We are constantly watching the budget and this move is similar to the one we did a few years ago,” said the Sandusky Superintendent. “State funding is based on number of students in a school and if for some reason we lost 20 students next year, that would have a major impact on us. Likewise, if we gain 20 students, that would have a positive impact on our budget. No one has any definite answers yet from the state.”
Teachers have until June 4th to make their decision and another 10 days to reconsider, should they agree to the buyout. A similar offer was made six years ago when 10 teachers took advantage of the buyout.
If the program is implemented, teachers opting to retire will receive a $12,000 one time buyout and be eligible for other benefits, as stated in the Sandusky Education Association contract.
