Teachers will be paid not rocked into retirement

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — For years, the Cleveland City school board presented decorated rocking chairs to retirees.

No more.

Beginning in August, retiring teachers will walk away with cash.

“I think this is a better idea,” school board member Max Carroll said.

The routine before the school year starts is for retiring teachers to be recognized by the school board for their career accomplishments and years of service.

Each teacher takes a seat in a rocking chair that is identified by the carved name in the wood.

Board members said some retirees simply don’t have room for the large rockers. But many of the retirees have other things on a to-do list and do not intend to rock away the hours.

“With people living longer and more healthy than ever, I don’t think many people are retiring and rocking any more,” Schools Director Rick Denning said.

The cost of the cash gifts will be about the same as buying, designing and storing the rocking chairs.

The cash gift is calculated based on accumulated sick days.

To determine the cash payout impact on the school budget, central office staff used the information from retirees for 2007. The dsitrict paid $2,093.45 for rocking chairs. If the 2006-07 retirees had received cash, the cost would have been $2,619.69.

While board members agreed the budget impact is slight, Dr. Denning cautioned this year’s retirees: The cash is subject to federal income taxes.

RETIREMENT PAY PLAN

Eligibility:

* At least 15 years with Cleveland City Schools

* Meets Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System requirements

Benefits:

* $5 per day for first 100 days’ accumulated sick leave

* $10 per day for 101-150 accumulated sick days

* $20 per day for 151-200 accumulated sick days

Source: Cleveland City Schools