WHEATFIELD -- High participation in a voluntary early retirement program reduced the number of teachers let go by Kankakee Valley schools.
A total of 15 teachers received a reduction-in-force notice by the Thursday deadline, according to Superintendent Glenn Krueger. Another two teachers received dismissal notices, he said. Original estimates called for between 20 and 25 teachers to be let go, about 12 percent of the work force.
Twelve of the teachers received notice prior to spring break. The other three teachers and the two dismissals were notified this week.
"I think we probably are going to end up in this RIF process with some call backs. (Physical education) is one area we are looking at," Krueger said.
This year, the school corporation offered teachers the option of early retirement with 30 months of health insurance paid in a single plan that would carry the early retirees through to full retirement age when they can qualify for Medicare.
"We got a large number of people to take it," Krueger said.
So far 14 teachers have opted into the program. Teachers have until April 8 to sign up for the program. Krueger said it is possible a few more teachers might participate after reassignment letters were sent out this week.
The first arbitration sessions between the school corporation and the Kankakee Valley Teachers Association are set for Monday and Tuesday. Former Superintendent Iran Floyd has been named the arbitrator.
Krueger said it is possible, if a deal were to be reached with the teachers' union, a few of the teachers participating in the early retirement would change their minds.