PUSD extends Golden Handshake PUSD extends Golden Handshake (March 26, 2004)

Resolution allows early retirement for some employees
by Teresa C. Brown

In a cost-saving measure, Pleasanton school board trustees unanimously approved a resolution offering a "Golden Handshake" to eligible teachers and administrators Tuesday.

Trustees Pat Kernon and Kris Weaver were absent from the regular board meeting and did not vote.

The resolution offers two years service credit to eligible school district employees, effectively allowing an early retirement for those employees.

The savings is pretty substantial, said John Casey, superintendent for the Pleasanton Unified School District. Over a four-year period, the district could save $1.9 million, not including interest.

Normally about 13 people retire at this time from the district, said Clem Donaldson, assistant superintendent, Human Resources. However, 27 people have accepted the service credit option, doubling the number of employees retiring.

"What this has done is accelerate people who would retire three, four, five years down the line," Donaldson told the board. In time, as the newly hired people move up the pay-scale schedule, the savings would decrease, he said, adding, "This is a one-year situation."

Responding to Trustee Steve Pulido's question, Casey acknowledged that it was possible that the Golden Handshake may be offered again. "We'll have to watch it from year to year," he said.

The offer has a caveat for the teachers and subsequently the district. Donaldson explained that because of state legislation, those taking an early retirement will be precluded from being a substitute teacher for any school district for a year following retirement, a time period that adversely affects a teacher's credentials. In order to maintain credentials, teachers must teach at least one day of the year.

Haugen lamented the loss of seasoned personnel, especially during times of teacher shortages. "On one hand we're encouraging people to retire, but then we can't let them substitute teach for us."

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