Recounts the circumstances leading to the author's decision to retire from teaching--an example of "knowing when to quit." (MCG)

This report summarizes teachers' and employers' contribution rates to retirement, Social Security and Medicare, and major medical plans. Several Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states have adopted multi-year goals to raise teacher pay, which involves additional costs for benefits tied to those salary increases. These benefits can add…

By examining teacher attrition and retirement and their impact on teacher salaries in Iowa Public Schools between 1980-1985, this study determines how annual percentage increases in teacher salaries had consistently exceeded percentage increases in school budgets. Results show that schools had managed these salary increases through savings…

For school executives, annuities have become the preferred retirement vehicle, because other private-sector investments (some deferred compensation and profit-sharing plans) are closed to public employees. This article explains Internal Revenue Code sections 403 (b) and 457 and 1986 Tax Reform Act provisions related to tax-sheltered annuity plans.…

Despite steep odds, the American Association of School Administrators is renewing its effort to ease the financial sacrifice of border-hopping superintendents. A 1998 legislative initiative, the Retirement Account Portability Act, drew 50 cosponsors. A similar legislative push is expected in 1999. (MLH)

The data presented in this combined report--"Rankings & Estimates"--provide facts about the extent to which local, state, and national governments commit resources to public education. As one might expect in a nation as diverse as the United States--with respect to economics, geography, and politics--the level of commitment to…

California annually experiences significant turnover among its superintendents; 468 out of 1,002 superintendents vacated K-12 superintendent seats in California between 1986 and 1989. Of this number, 92 accepted superintendencies in other districts and 4 became county superintendents. To discover where the other 372 superintendents went,…

The decision to retire from board membership is not easy. Provides a discussion on how to identify the proper time for retirement. Some reasons for not seeking re-election are: becoming a single-issue member, developing a closed mind, assuming a proprietary attitude, and getting old. (MD)

Reminisces on a full and many-faceted career as teacher, counselor, and administrator at Briarcliff Public Schools (New York). This woman administrator shuns visions of a comfortable, leisurely retirement for the rewards and challenges of her everyday work with students, teachers, parents, and colleagues. (MLH

Examines early retirement plans (ERPs) for public school teachers, compares them with private-sector ERPs, and notes legal considerations involving ERPs' impact on regular retirement systems. Discusses methods for cost analyses of ERPs and proposes a model for assessing an ERP's fiscal impact on a school district. (RW)

Politicians are increasingly pressuring school districts to improve instruction while holding down costs. To achieve this aim, western New York school districts are experimenting with mutual gains bargaining, an alternative negotiation process based on Roger Fisher and William Ury's 1991 book "Getting to Yes." Instead of bargaining from…

Although education level reveals nothing directly about an individual's productivity, there is a positive relation between productivity (ability) and chosen education level. This paper describes a study that shows a positive private and social return to educational screening. Firms' use of contingency contracts can be either efficient or…

According to a survey of 46 recently departed Michigan school superintendents, departing superintendents can announce their intention to leave and still maintain a viable leadership role. Lame-duck superintendents should help the board think through the superintendent-selection process and review possible promotions, recognize staff achievements,…

For many administrators, retirement does not usually provide flow of accomplishments and satisfaction because small emotional gratifications of day at work are gone and time suddenly seems too open-ended. Superintendents need to pursue something that keeps them vibrant physically, intellectually, and emotionally. For some, work is tonic.…

In negotiating a superintendent's contract, caution and expert legal counsel are as important for the school board as for the superintendent. Offering a well-rounded package providing both annuities and insurance policies can help boards attract the best superintendent candidates. The most serious negotiation issue for superintendents involves…