Some recent actions by the Burlington School Board could help the panel craft the district's upcoming budget.
Early Retirement Incentive
The recently-approved incentive is available to employees who are at least 55-years-old and who have been with the district for at least ten consecutive years.
Those who qualify would receive payment on their years of service ($250/year for years 1-19 & $350/year beyond that) and for their unused sick leave ($75/day).
Superintendent Pat Coen said the district is facing a deficit due to declining enrollment, so the incentive will benefit veteran teachers and help the district's bottom-line.
“Somebody who has been here a long time and is at the top of the pay scale," said Coen, "if they retire, then we have the option of looking at candidates and quite possibly saving a good chunk of money.”
The district will accept applications for two more weeks.
Coen said the school board did not cap the amount of potential savings from the incentive, so the board members will decide how many applications can be approved.
Instructional Support Levy
The district's ISL has been extended for five years, from July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2020.
Coen said this levy generated about $1.75-million during the most recent fiscal year.
"Without that," said Coen, "we would have to look at our operating costs and make drastic cuts. So the ISL is very critical for what Burlington is doing in our classrooms."
Districts across Iowa have implemented ISL's as a way to account for past reductions in state aid. Burlington chose to do so about 20 years ago.
Coen said his district uses the money for a wide variety of topics, including textbooks, computers, and professional development.
The district had the option to extend the ISL for ten-years, but that would have required a vote of the people.
