LEWISTON — An expected agreement between the Lewiston-Porter School District and its teacher’s union could aid in bridging a $1.8 million budget gap by offering retirement incentives to employees at the top-end of the pay scale.

The measure is expected to be voted upon today during a special session of the Board of Education.

Lew-Port United Teacher’s President Kevin Jaruszewski said together with the district, the union is looking to partially eliminate Gov. David A. Paterson’s proposed state budget cuts through negotiations.

“We are definitely trying to cut this budget deficit through negotiations,” Jaruszewski said. “Other districts are opening up to this kind of retirement incentive and it would benefit both sides.”

Jaruszewski said on Monday it may be difficult to get it resolved by today as there are a number of details that still need to be worked out.

“(Tuesday) is cutting it close, it would probably be an 11th hour deal. I’m not sure it will be attainable,” he said.

The retirement incentives would allow the district to eliminate some of the highest teachers salaries and pensions and either replace them with younger teachers at a lower salary or eliminate the positions through attrition.

Superintendent R. Christopher Roser said the district would offer retirement to employees with 25 years of service, compared to the 30 years which is the current requirement. He said teachers would have until April 9 to inform the district if they will take the option, with the incentive then expiring.

“With this option, we will be able to eliminate positions through attrition and replace teachers making say $80,000 with teachers making $40,100,” Roser said. “That’s about a 45 percent savings.”

The district currently has 52 employees on the top salary step of $76,356 and 22 on the next lowest step making a base salary of  $70,777. The starting salary for teachers possessing a master’s degree is $41,850 or a savings of more than $30,000.

Roser said the district has already received confirmation from four employees planning on retiring, with a savings of around $200,000, but said if 10 employees take the buyout the district could save around $750,000.

“Does it encourage them to retire? Sure it does. Take advantage of it, it’s a one-time offer. Just in time for our budget,” Roser said. “We not only will save on their salaries, but their health insurance and social security as well.”

Of the top 50 highest paid staff members, not including administrators, just 11 are eligible for retirement under the new incentive.

Lew-Port salaries

Editors Note: These salaries were obtained through a Niagara Gazette Freedom of Information request.

ADMINISTRATION SALARIES

R. Christopher Roser, Superintendent, $160,000

Margaret W. Beach, Elementary Principal $117,553

Don W. Rappold, Assistant Superintendent, $116,39

Paul J Casseri, High School Principal, $111,334

Barbara Godshall, Special Education Principal, $108,417

Vincent P. Delloso, Middle School Principal, $97,878

Tamara M. Larson, Intermediate Principal, $92,185

John Evert, High School Vice-Principal, $80,392

TOP 50 STAFF SALARIES INCLUDING EXTRAS AND YEARS OF SERVICE

Joseph P. Farago, $90,649, 36 years

Lori A. Stockton, $90,051, 14 years

Diane M. Salfi, $83,896, 22 years

Deborah Delmar, $83,896, 31 years

Cynthia Bullis, $83,038,18 years

MaryAnn Mohr, $82,908, 18 years

Alice L. Destino, $82,641, 21 years

Terry A. Van Meter, $82,638, 6 years

Mary Ann Parker, $81,621, 17 years

Michael Gagnon, $81,536, 25 years

Kim Clemons, $81,478, 20 years

Eileen O’Neil, $81,426, 21 years

Elizabeth Truax, $80,753, 15 years

Anette Taczak, $80,516, 17 years

Linda Schilk, $80,472, 10 years

Thomas Parker, $80,451, 18 years

Laree Giarrizzo, $80,061, 16 years

Jean Henesey, $79,931, 20 years

Elizabeth Filocamo, $79,801, 11 years

Sharon George, $79,182, 16 years

Ashli Dreher, $79,181, 12 years

Gloria Colbert, $78,956. 4 years

Mary Ellen Aureli, $78,826, 20 years

Marcia Wagner, $78,826, 41 years

Marks Johnson, $78,761, 20 years

Laurie Muto, $78,761, 29 years

Laureen Fabilli, $78,696, 21 years

Margaret Barnett, $78,566, 28 years

Donna Ryan, $78,501, 28 years

Lenna Sobieniak, $78,306, 13 years

Lynn Hino, $78,241, 23 years

Michael Townsend, $78,111, 34 years

Franks Scelsa, $78,046, 42 years

Cynthia Stramaglia, 78,046, 12 years

Barbara Sikowski, $77,981,22 years

Ruth Trottnow, $77,981, 20 years

Teresa Sondek, $77,916, 22 years

Barbara Rottaris, $77,907, 19 years

Denise Skrzypek, $77,721, 15 years

Mark Herbst, $77,591, 8 years

Margo Spring, $77,591, 19 years

Linda Harvey, $77,461, 20 years

Mark Rivard, $77,331, 13 years

Joseph Brautman, $77,201, 21 years

Theresa Savery, $77,006, 24 years

Loretta Tedesco, $77,006, 28 years

Janette Matthews, $76,811, 39 years

Daniel Meterko, $76,811, 20 years

Karen Tetzlaff, $76,811, 20 years

Karla Cammarata, $76,746, 21 years