Shows the estimated comparisons between benefits five employees of the Dekalb (Georgia) school system would receive under social security and under the alternative plan the district has created. (IRT)

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)

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…

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…

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…

To facilitate teacher mobility in the Northeast, barriers to interstate movement must be lessened. Presently, teachers are restricted from transferring pension assets across state lines; they can lose up to 40 percent of their retirement benefits, can usually transfer only part of their years of service, and may be financially unable to "buy…

The extent, causes, and possible consequences of underfunded teacher pensions are examined. The analysis is divided into two separate studies. Essay I, "Appraising the Funding Status of Teacher Pensions: An Econometric Approach," examines the funding status of teacher pension plans for the 50 states and for selected localities for the…

Explores the attitudes of older (Australian) female education workers toward continuing to work or retiring early. Little interest was shown in early retirement, partly because it was not an attractive financial option and partly because of strong commitment to continued workforce participation. Shows how former discriminatory practices have…

Some superintendents and school board members tout early retirement plans as a way to reduce school personnel costs and offer attractive employee benefit at the same time. However, such plans are not always a sound idea. Potential benefits depend on a district's financial outlook, its staffing structure, and its goals for students. (MLH)

Tax-sheltered annuities for school employees are benefits to employees who authorize the district to deduct a specified amount from their paychecks and forward that amount to the accounts selected. Article surveys recent legislative changes that enable school employees to make better use of their tax-sheltered annuities. (MLF)

Retiring public school teachers receive a pension typically equalling 75 percent of the average salary earned during the three peak years. The pension subsidy, an important component of the per pupil cost of instruction, is highly correlated with school district income and wealth. Several alternative reform measures are considered. Includes 26…

Governors and legislators are looking for ways to help offset budget deficits, and the public pension funds that cover working and retired school employees are tempting targets. Discusses problems in a number of states, pros and cons of federal regulation, calculating retirement benefits, and how pension funds are controlled. (MLF)

Presents data on the disparity between salaries of school administrators compared with other professionals. The National Average Base Salaries report shows school administrative salary increases continue to be lower at an average of 3.5% compared to 4.3% for other executives. (GR)