Brandon school board inks buyout deal

Brandon Twp.-The Brandon School Board Ok’d by a vote of 6-0 Monday night a comprehensive severance package for teachers who choose to retire early from the district.
The decision comes after school officials say an estimated 13 teachers may receive layoff notices in the next few months due to declining enrollment. The district is projected to lose an estimated 160 students by this September creating a possible shortfall of more than a $1 million in the $29 million district budget.
‘Times are tough,? said Tom Miller Brandon school district superintendent. ‘With declining enrollment comes a reduction in staff’this concerns us a great deal.?
The Brandon district budget shortage is coupled with an anticipated per-pupil reduction for 3,668 Brandon students as Lansing contends with a sagging $850 million state budget. .
Adding to the shortfall is a $90,000 cut in career development, drops in the Choices program enrollment, and staff wage increases. The district keeps about 13 percent or about $4 million in a fund equity account to cover any shortfalls that may occur during the school year.
Miller estimates the severance package which goes into effect next week, will save the district an estimated $700,000 in the first year and $500,000 in the second year.
School administration officials along with Brandon Education Association representatives gathered recently to discuss the severance plan for district teachers which includes:
n A minimum of 18 teachers must agree to the severance package
n Teachers will have 45 days to sign up and seven days after that time to reverse their decision
n Teachers must have been with the district for a minimum of 12 years
n Teachers that agree to the severance package will receive a payout of $50,000 over 60 months.
Kristy Spann, BEA president representing about 190 teachers in the district praised the boards decision considering the tough economic times.
‘The severance package is a humane way to keep a balance across the district,? said Spann. It’s a big decision to leave and teachers have to be emotionally ready to go.?
Spann said that Educators Preferred Corporation, who organized the plan scheduled one-on-one financial planning meetings to help teachers that qualify for the severance plan decide if it’s right for them.
‘For each person at the top of the pay scale’about one and one half is saved at the bottom,? said Spann. ‘There’s a great potential for this plan to ‘fly,? it will however be a tough decision for some people. But I’m confident we’ll have at least 18 teachers.?
The BEA is now in the first year of a three year contract with the district which started in the spring 2006 through the 2009 school year.