Goodrich-The school board accepted the retirement of Jerry Lawrason during the board meeting Monday night.
Lawrason, 61, has served as middle school principal and transportation director since 1986 and says he will stay on at the school under a yearly contract.
‘It’s a financial win for the school district,? said Lawrason. ‘We’re (the school) trying to cut programs, lopping off a few bucks here and there to balance the budget. The contract will allow me to retire and come back with a private company.?
While terms of the contract established by Contract Ed were not disclosed, Kim Hart district superintendent says the new deal for Lawrason could save the district 30 percent on his conpensation package.
‘The school will save on Jerry’s social security, health package in addition to about an 18 percent reducation in salary,? said Hart.
Lawrason will start drawing his retirement and keep the same job, same hours and remain the schools transportation director says Hart.
‘I’m not ready to retire it’s a great bunch of kids, great staff, why retire?? I’ve worked hard to get to this point, the school is running good,? added Lawrason.
Lawrason started as a subsitute teacher in the Novi School District in 1965. His first teaching job was at the Norup Junior High School in the Berkley School District. During his 21 years in Berkley, he served as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal at the middle school and high school. He came to the Goodrich District in 1986. Lawrason received a B.S and M.A. from Eastern Michigan University. He later earned a Ph. D. from the University of Michigan’Ann Arbor in 1988.