The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education approved applications from staff members interested in participating in the district’s voluntary retirement program at last night’s meeting. The board had previously set six as the maximum number of applications that could be accepted, but they also reserved the right to increase that number if it would free up money in the General Fund and not have a negative impact on classroom instruction. Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, shared financial projections from Director of Business Affairs, Gary Bengtson, on how these retirements would impact the district financially.
The voluntary retirement program aids district officials in shifting a portion of higher paid employee salaries from the more flexible General Fund to the Management Fund, which is restricted in its usage. Bengtson estimates nearly $146,000 will come from this fund to free up just over $149,000 in the General Fund. Berlau says they are well-positioned to handle all nine applications.
Board members, Duane Horsley and Jen Munson, expressed concerns about potentially losing their experienced teaching core. However, Berlau noted only four of the applicants were classroom instructors. After hearing this, the board voted unanimously to approve all the applications presented at Monday’s meeting. Each applicant will receive 50 percent of their current salary up to $20,000 from the district’s Management Fund. This frees up money in the General Fund by replacing older and generally higher-paid staff with people lower on the salary schedule. Combined, these individuals represent over 240 years of service to the district. A list of the approved applicants and their time at CCSD can be found included below.
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Bill Baddeley (High School Physical Education: 41 years)
Doug Sweeny (High School/Middle School Vocal: 30+ years)
Gary Bengtson (Director of Business Affairs: 32 years)
Kandi Millard (2nd Grade Teacher: 29 years)
Elaine Lietz (Employee Benefits Coordinator: 27 years)
Denise Ayers (HS Teacher’s Associate: 27 years)
Debra Fish (High School Spanish: 22 years)
Lois Dentlinger (High School Teacher’s Associate: 18 years)
Laurie Custer (Middle School Teacher’s Associate: 15 years)
