By Nicole Walton
Gwinn, MI – The Gwinn Area Community Schools District is offering teachers early retirement buyouts, in an effort to save money. Those to choose the buyout option could get $30,000 to $40,000 per year over three years, depending on how many take advantage of the program.
Superintendent Mike Maino says the district will save thousands by replacing teachers at the top of the pay scale with those who are at the lower end, while keeping in mind one teacher will most likely leave anyway.
Each teacher would get $30,000 if five elect the early retirement offer; if six or seven take it, they'd get $35,000; and if eight teachers choose the buyout it would be worth $40,000. Maino says the district could save nearly $169,000 in the first year if five teachers retire early.
Gwinn teachers have until April 17th to pick up buyout information and releases, and must turn them in within 30 days.