By Nick Mattera
Niagara Gazette
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
