Tulsa Schools looking at early retirements to save money

Tulsa School Superintendent Dr David Sawyer has announced more money saving proposals. <br><br>The latest plan includes a retirement incentive program, which could save one million dollars. People taking

Tuesday, November 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa School Superintendent Dr David Sawyer has announced more money saving proposals.

The latest plan includes a retirement incentive program, which could save one million dollars. People taking part in the plan would receive financial incentives to resign from the district.

The district also hopes to save as much as $800,000 by getting unpaid volunteers to substitute teach.

Many teachers realize cuts need to be made, but they say the real solution is with a special session by the legislature. Teacher Tracy Gerard, â€œto show that it's necessary, cuts donâ€™t need to keep happening. Because you can't expect better education with no money." Another teacher, Benjamin Wray, "if they let this get too out of hand, I don't know how they'll pull it back."

The School Board could make a final decision on the proposals during their first meeting in December.