LISBON Schools chief retires, is rehired

The district has moved to a self-insured health-care program for its employees.
By SUE DROTLEFF
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LISBON -- The board of education accepted the retirement/resignation of superintendent Charles McShane effective Dec. 31 but then promptly rehired him for a three-year contract beginning Jan. 1.
The board made the unanimous decisions at its Monday night meeting.
The board's actions will save the district money and allow McShane to stay on without a break in his service.
State law no longer requires a person to wait 30 days after retirement before getting rehired.
McShane, 52, a former principal at Salem High School, has 31 years in education and has served as superintendent for three years. His contract was to expire July 31, 2003.
The board issued a statement that McShane's salary would be frozen at $81,870, which would save the district $16,000 over the life of the new three-year contract.
All benefits, including sick days and vacations, will remain the same, and McShane will receive any negotiated percentage increases, the board's release says. Under state law, he will no longer receive insurance benefits from his employment.
McShane added he would be forgoing retirement benefits for two months and wouldn't begin collecting his retirement until March 1.
Health program
In other matters, the district will move from a fully insured to a self-insured health program effective Jan. 1.
Clerk Cindy Altomare said the move will result in a 3-percent increase in health insurance costs to the district, compared with a 12-percent increase if the district had remained fully insured.
Monthly rates set by the board include medical coverage, single $363.70, and family $759.10; and dental coverage, single, $19.84 and family, $56.45.
There will be no changes in the current coverages offered to employees, Altomare noted.
She added that the district had been self-funded for insurance purposes for many years, both individually and as part of a consortium of schools. During those years, the district was able to realize a savings of about $70,000 per year, she said.
Board President Eugene Gallo commended the work done by Altomare for changing the insurance program, noting it would provide a substantial savings to the district.