DEWITT —
Eight teachers in the Central Community School District have elected to participate in the early retirement program for June 2012.
The teachers, who have a combined total of 188 years of service to the district, are from Ekstrand Elementary Jolene Anderson, Bev Osmun, and Barb Rohlf, all first- grade teachers, Barb Harlson, preschool and special education and Tom Evans guidance counselor; from the high school Kay Goddard, business, and Kathy Shatz, special education; and middle school science teacher Jeanne Rogis. They will receive 50 percent of their current teacher salaries paid out over three years from the district’s management fund.
The Central Board accepted their resignations and approved participation in the program at the recent regular board meeting.
Superintendent Dan Peterson asked the board to consider providing a second opportunity to participate in another retirement plan (even if only the dates were different). He said legally the district had until April 1 to accept teachers into the policy, the district has nothing to lose by offering it again, and, citing “extenuating circumstances,” there have been discussions with teachers who felt thy would need other employment but did not feel they had had time to explore other options. The purpose of the program is to save money, he said.
Board member Steve Fuglsang questioned the consistency of offering another plan as did board member Jennifer Naeve. Board member Jim Irwin said with the number of teachers eligible (32) to participate, the mass exodus that was possible had not occurred and he had expected more to sign up. Irwin also noted that this was a money-saving endeavor. Board President Christy Kunz asked whether the rewards were worth it.
Ultimately, the board set a special meeting for Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. to discuss the question and make a decision.
Building and grounds director Keith Walker reported on change orders and progress on the facilities construction projects. January 30 is the substantial completion date for the new middle school, which puts fourth and fifth grade students on track for a mid-February move into the former middle school building. Some carpet and electrical issues at the middle school remain but the outside needs will wait until spring.
Among change orders were an air grill at $1,100 added in the middle school art room, some under sink handles in the school kitchen and light fixtures in display cases at $2,200. In the gym/auditorium the backboards are completed, some work is needed on the stage and there are problems with lighting controls, Walker said.
The board approved the 2012-13 school calendar. School starts Aug. 15 and ends May 22. There are seventeen early outs for professional development and five full professional development days for teachers.
The board also approved payment #19 to Kraemer Brothers, LLC for facilities work in the amount of $81,779 and the revisions to the facility rental fees policy. Four separate groups are designated to establish rates for use of buildings.
The board accepted the resignations of Bill Goble as seventh grade girls volleyball coach and Steve Kuehn as assistant varsity volleyball coach.
Finance Director Cindy McAleer informed the board the $445,000 borrowed for cash flow purposes through the Iowa School Cash Anticipation Program will be paid in February and the district still holds $1 million in retainage funds for the construction projects.
From a 2010 census report, Peterson noted the district's population was 9,293.
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Incentive leads to Central teachers’ retirement
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