February 20, 2012

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, meetings were conducted at the four (4) middle schools to discuss the Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP) and the Pension Enhancement Plan (PEP). Approximately fifty (50) candidates attended the meetings. There were many questions from the group that warranted a response from staff. The following questions (responses provided by Ms. Janet Hancock, Clerk of the Board, and Ms. Jane Nichols, Payroll Supervisor) were of particular interest to the group members.

• Is it necessary for teachers to keep a current up-to-date license to qualify for ERIP? Teachers do not need a current up-to-date license for ERIP; however, if the teacher wishes to serve as a Title I tutor or homebound instructor, the license must be kept up-to-date.

• How do ERIP employees pay for their health insurance? Insurance premiums may be deducted from the ERIP check provided the amount of the premium is less than the amount of the ERIP payment. If the check is less, the employee would have to provide checks for the amount of the insurance premiums. Information is provided to retired employees each year (generally in August) relative to the amount of the health and dental insurance premiums.

• How much does insurance cost on a monthly basis for retired employees? The following are the 2011-2012 health insurance rates for retirees:

These rates may change for the 2012-2013 school year.

• Do employees get to choose which date they retire (July 1, August 1, or September 1); i.e., if a teacher is not eligible until Sept. 1 does he/she start the school year teaching and then retire?
  Employees whose 55th birthdate falls between July 1 – September 1, 2012, would be eligible to participate in ERIP/PEP provided all other eligibility requirements for these programs are met. No ten-month or 11-month employee desiring to retire would be expected to return to work for the 2012-2013 school year.
   

• If someone retires and does not like it, explain how they can come out of retirement and return to teaching.
  A retired employee who wishes to return to employment must stop their VRS retirement (VRS form required for completion). After completing an additional five (5) years of experience with Pittsylvania County Schools, the employee would be eligible to return to ERIP status and complete the remaining years under ERIP. The returning employee would not be eligible for PEP upon the second retirement.
   

• Are cafeteria workers eligible for ERIP?
  All full-time classified and certified employees are eligible to retire under ERIP provided all eligibility requirements are met. An employee must work a minimum of five (5) hours per day in one position in order to qualify as full-time status.
   

• How much money one can earn when retired?
  This question would need to be addressed by the Social Security Administration.
   

• At what point is an employee eligible to PLOP?
  If you work at least one year beyond the date you first become eligible for an unreduced retirement benefit, you may elect to receive a one-time Partial Lump-Sum Option Payment (PLOP). This option reduces the amount of your monthly benefit. You may elect a PLOP with the Basic Benefit or Survivor Option. You may choose a lump sum equal to one, two or three times the amount of your annual Basic Benefit. The amount depends on how long you work beyond the date you first become eligible for an unreduced retirement benefit.

The Budget Committee is scheduled to meet again on March 8, 2012, with the School Board to follow on March 12, 2012. At each juncture, the Board and/or the Budget Committee may make revisions to the budget. Final action on the 2012-2013 budget is expected after the public hearing on March 27, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.

The highest percentage rates of attendance for the month of January included:
 

Thus far, my experiences in Pittsylvania County Schools’ classrooms have been interesting, enlightening and engaging. Although my visits have resulted in “snapshots” of what is taking place in the classrooms, there are certain fundamental instructional practices that I am focusing on during these “walk-through” visits.

• Do the students know what they are learning?

• Are students activating their prior knowledge?

• Are students provided think time?

• Do students actively participate in their learning?

• Is the learning objective posted and understood by the students?

• Are measurements being used to assess learning?

• What is the engagement level of the students?

• Does the classroom environment contribute to student learning?

• Is the use of technology being successfully integrated into the instructional program?

This week I have the pleasure of visiting:

• Twin Springs Elementary School on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 p.m.

• Kentuck Elementary School on Thursday, February 23, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.