As school districts continue to seek administrative efficiencies and cost reductions in the wake of severe budget pressures, the resources they devote to creating or expanding retirement plan consortia is increasing. Understanding how to structure a retirement plan consortium is paramount to successfully achieving the many objectives of…

There's not a school business official in the country who isn't dealing with budget cuts and trying to do more with less. This article shares some proven strategies to help school districts reduce spending and address personnel issues associated with retirement plans. Because public education employers are exempt from the Employee Retirement…

The definition of "retirement" is changing with the boomers, just like everything else that generation has done. Call it a new version of outsourcing. For an early career business administrator or an understaffed business office, there are jobs--often projects--that simply do not get done. The projects require time and expertise that…

For years, people have been taught that maintaining liquidity of assets, particularly at retirement, is beneficial. One's liquidity, that is, monies he/she controls and has ready access to for discretionary withdrawals, translates into uncertainty to the company holding those assets because they can be withdrawn at any time. If one can increase a…

School business officials should attend workshops and seminars to help them plan for retirement. When approaching retirement, SBOs should invest for low-risk growth, determine retirement goals, match insurance with needs, and decide when to stop full-time work. Retirees should invest for growth and income, withdraw assets at the right time, and…

Highlights the issue of states dipping into public employee pension funds and the long-term problems this may generate. (MLF)

Information about tax-sheltered annuity plans and a questionnaire to assist in the evaluation of companies that provide a fixed annuity. (Author/MLF)

Describes several key decisions school business officials will need to make when planning for retirement. (PKP)

This article presents an analysis of six major issues involved in ASBO's resolution opposing mandatory Social Security: fiscal implications for taxpayers; impact on the economy; mandatory coverage as a solution; patriotism as an issue; promises violated by Social Security; and the legal issues of mandatory coverage. (Author/MLF)

In anticipation of a shortage of qualified, experienced administrators, school districts could (1) evaluate their employee demographics; (2) review benefits provided to administrators and consider developing a new package of benefits; (3) ask administrators to identify previously undefined benefits; and (4) identify and provide a career track for…

With many impending retirements of school business officials, school districts and universities should collaborate in assuring smooth transitions in the nation's school business offices. Forward planning includes offering internships in the school business office and extensive cross-training for presently employed specialists. (MLF)

Explores some of the major features of proposed health care plans, which, if enacted, are likely to have a significant impact on school districts' operations, budgeting, and benefits planning. Contains a checklist of key steps districts can take in estimating and planning for the impact of health care reform. (MLF)