Your Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) may not be the best cost-saving strategy in today’s climate of rising health care costs. In fact, OSBA recommends that districts conduct a cost-benefit analysis of ERI programs. A growing number of districts have bargained a sunset on these programs, reduced benefits, or immediately discontinued the program. One alternative is to substitute ERI packages with a district-funded Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA).
Unions are targeting “ending fund balances” as a source to fund their salary and benefit proposals. This has become a popular issue at the legislature, in budget meetings and at bargaining tables. So, what is ending fund balance and why do we need it?
What do striking grocery workers, the longest school district strike in Washington state history, Chicago teachers taking a strike vote and an eagerly awaited report from Portland Public Schools all have in common? The rising cost of health insurance.
As Oregon's economic woes deepen and financial uncertainty grows, some districts are considering early closure or a shortened school year for 2008-09 or beyond. There are several issues districts should consider before deciding to shorten the school year.