EAST PALESTINE School officials seek incentive

The state gives the school district about $5,000 per pupil each year.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST PALESTINE -- City school officials hope employees planning to retire soon can use an extra $2,500.
Schools Superintendent Jeff Richardson said school officials are trying to negotiate with the employee unions for early notice of retirement.
The district's five-year financial forecast to the state shows a deficit of $383,963 in 2006. The projected deficit is because of declining enrollment and increased operating costs such as maintenance, utility bills and health-care premiums, he said.
Richardson said the district's enrollment this year is 1,335, down from 1,560 in 1999. The district receives about $5,000 per pupil each year from the state.
Richardson said the district could save money by replacing veteran employees with entry-level teachers.
Salary comparison
The salary of a veteran teacher at the top of the pay scale, for example, is about $52,000. The salary for entry-level teachers is $26,000.
"We want to know where we stand as soon as possible," Richardson said. "We want to be proactive in facing the deficit."
Employees who give notice of retirement by this month will receive $2,500, he said.
Richardson said employees planning to retire can give notice at any time, and an early notification helps school officials plan for the following school year, he said. Sometimes the timing makes it difficult to plan programs and fill positions.
"It's a lot simpler to know someone's plans in February than in June," he said.
tullis@vindy.com