TERRE HAUTE — More than 80 Vigo County School Corp. teachers and 10 school and central office administrators have chosen to take advantage of the school district’s early retirement incentive offer.
Friday was the deadline, and the retirements are irrevocable.
State funding cuts of $4.6 million and a declining cash balance have prompted a series of cost-reduction measures, including the early retirement incentive.
Among the administrators leaving are four elementary principals, a middle school principal and an assistant middle school principal, said Superintendent Dan Tanoos.
When interviewed, the Friday deadline had not yet elapsed, so more retirements could be forthcoming, he said.
“This is an unprecedented time for the Vigo County School Corp.,” Tanoos said.
He met with his central office staff late Friday afternoon to talk about the early retirements and the vacancies that will result.
The goal in the many cost-cutting measures implemented to date has been to avoid layoffs, Tanoos said. While the district won’t have to lay off employees next year, the day may come where layoffs are necessary if the state continues to cut funding, he said.
Among those taking advantage of the early retirement are people Tanoos has worked with for 30 years. “These are good, quality people. The incentive comes at a time when it’s beneficial to them financially and they can retire,” he said.
Not all retiring teachers will be replaced, and while that will help achieve savings, some class sizes will be larger next year, Tanoos said.
Several high school and middle school principals and assistant principals also have agreed to cutbacks in their contracts on a voluntary basis, he said. It will mean a cut in pay.
The goal was to have at least 60 teachers retire, a number that has been surpassed.
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