Saturday, June 21, 2008

School Superintendent Will Be Paid After He Leaves

Jun 20 2008 - Fox News: http://www.myfoxnewisconsin.com/

GREEN BAY -- Green Bay School District superintendent Dan Nerad will soon be starting a new job in Madison, but he'll still be getting a Green Bay paycheck -- for the next three years. It's all part of the district's "emeritus" program. FOX 11's Robert Hornacek has balanced coverage on the payout, the program, and why some say it should be reviewed.

Dan Nerad spent, 33 years in the Green Bay School District, the last six as the superintendent. He is stating his new job as superintendent in Madison in less than two weeks. In Madison, Nerad will be paid $198,500 a year. Despite the new job, Green Bay will pay Nerad more than $51,184 a year for the next three years.

The Emeritus program started in Green Bay in the 1970's. For teachers and administrators, at least 55 years old, and have spent a certain amount of time with the district qualify to be paid one years salary when they leave. Payments are spread out 3-5 years and are separate from the state pension plan. In return for the payout the former employee agrees to work 10 days per year for three years.

The program is designed to save taxpayers money. It's designed to allow experienced teachers who are at the top of the salary schedule to retire, and then the district is able to realize a savings by hiring new teachers at a much reduced salary. Does the program save taxpayers money?

In 2008:

53 teachers retired but will still be paid under the emeritus program. The cost is $1,000,140 per year for three years. Also in 2008 four administrators retired. At a total cost of $128,500 per year for three years under the program. The entire emeritus program has 188 participants and will cost taxpayers $3,941,727 for the 2008-2009 school year.

Early retirement programs are common in school districts throughout Wisconsin. But many are actually more generous than Green Bays, by paying not only retirees salary, but also paying for their health insurance.