School "Retirement Incentive Plan"

Baldwin County students might not see some familiar faces on campus next year. In an effort to save the school system money, the Baldwin County Board of Education is offering teachers financial incentives to retire early. The idea is called the "Retirement Incentive Plan." The plan would offer teachers over the age of 60 up to 20-thousand dollars to retire early. Non-certified employees over 60 would also be compensated under the plan.

"I think the response will be very positive," says school supt. Dr. Faron Hollinger. "I think the employees will appreciate that opportunity, I anticipate there will be a high level of interest in that."

The local union is also pleased with the proposal. John Hudson represents educators and works for the Alabama Education Association.

"Offering those incentives is a good idea," says Hudson. "And if it will save some jobs and keep some good people who are not tenured, then certainly that is a good thing."

The plan also offers teachers five-thousand dollars to transfer to another school within the district...and incentive administrators say would save the school system money and redistribute the work force. The school system is paying for the incentives from its own savings account, called a "fund balance." There is no limit to the number of employees who can participate but the plan is a limited time offer and is limited to the amount of money available.

For more information about the Retirement Incentive Plan, go the the Baldwin County Board of Education's website at www.bcbe.org