TPS Votes To Renew Incentive Program For Teachers Planning To Retire

Tulsa Public Schools will continue an incentive program aimed at recruiting and filling key positions in the district.

Monday night, the school board voted to pay eligible retiring teachers $1,000 if they give notification by a certain time. TPS hopes having more time will lead to higher quality candidates.

The TPS school board voted unanimously Monday night; each member agreed that by knowing who plans to retire the district will have a head start on recruiting.

Talia Shaull with Tulsa Public Schools said, "The earlier we know what vacancies we have the better we can prepare for the next year."

Last year, 72 employees took the incentive, and the number grows each year.

"So, we know it is having some effect on teachers planning early for when retirement happens," Shaull said.

The notice is irrevocable once the employee gives it by February 29th, 2016, for the employees’ contract term for the 2015-2016 year.

TPS said every dollar spent goes a long way.

Shaull said, "We see a high number of vacancies in things like science and math, counselors and special ed. teachers are in high demand."

Monday night, the TPS school board agreed that it needed to offer the incentive again, and the district will immediately get the word out to employees who might be interested.

"We are wanting to make sure we spend all the time possible finding quality teachers for classrooms for a great school year next year," said Shaull.

There are restrictions on who can take the incentive, including things like age and how long a person has been with the district.

The finance department decides how much to allot based on what it saw the previous year.