Early Retirement Option Saves Job

Dozens of teachers from Desert Sands Unified School District are giving up their jobs and helping younger teachers keep their jobs.

“We’re thrilled. We’re thrilled,” said Sharon McGehee, Desert Sands Unified School District superintendent.

In March, DSUSD gave more than 200 teachers and staff members layoff notices. Then the district offered an early retirement package.

“This will enable us to bring back many teachers,” said McGehee.

Of about 370 teachers who are 55 or older and eligible for early retirement, about one-third took advantage of the option. McGehee says this will save at least 100 jobs.

“It was almost like a party as the retirees were turning their papers in, there was a lot of excitement,” said McGehee.

The retirees are not only saving newer teachers, they’re also saving themselves from the hassles of the budget crisis.

“They’re facing larger class sizes and a smaller budget with less resources,” said McGehee. “The fiscal crisis in the state is not anticipated to get better.”

Despite the battle still ahead for the remaining teachers, the early retirement response knocks down at least one big hurdle.

District leaders have until May 15 to hand out final layoff notices. At that time teachers will learn whether they’ll have a job next year.