Pella could see another round of early retirements among teachers to help the district save money.
Superintendent Greg Ebeling tells KNIA/KRLS News they are voting on whether or not to bring back the incentive program this year at their next meeting on August 27th. Ebeling says the move is the best option for the district to save programs, but at the expense of years of experience among the staff. The school tax rate will be maintained for three years, and not drop as fast as it would have before, if 11 teachers accept the agreement. Pella last had an early retirement incentive in 2015-16, with 27 staff members moving on.
However, this time, the board is considering limiting the number of people who will be accepted out of 25 total teachers eligible, as they have less to cut over the next three years. The board will vote to approve retirees on a month-to-month basis over the next four months, and consider numerous factors when determining the number of retirees accepted.
Hear more about the early retirement program in the Pella Community School District on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.