53 staff retired through summer 2010 incentives

Two retirement incentives offered to staff last summer have resulted in $1.5 million in savings.

"This will be a huge help as we work on the 2011-2012 budget," said District Superintendent Charles Dedrick. "Staff who retired are already being missed for their experience and expertise, but in this difficult economic climate, offering the retirement incentives was a very positive move for BOCES." The savings results from hiring new staff at lower pay rates than retirees received, or electing not to fill positions.

The incentives, offered by New York State and adopted by the BOCES Board of Education last summer, gave financial incentives to staff to retire by August 30. About 400 staff were eligible, and 53 people decided to accept an incentive and retire.

Most of those positions — 41 — have been filled with new staff. Of the 12 positions remaining, some will remain unfilled; others are being restructured (such as combined with other positions).