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School Board Decision To Cut DROP Teachers Hurts Students


Published: Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 7:16 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 7:16 a.m.

My son is a first-grade student in Polk County. He has a wonderful teacher who has over 25 years experience as a first-grade teacher. I volunteer in her class two days per week, therefore I have seen how great she is with the students.

Recently, she told me that she will not be returning next year. She has told me that she is a Deferred Option Retirement Program extender who is hired annually. The School Board is not renewing her contract along with many other experienced teachers in DROP ["Dozens of Teachers Won't Be Rehired," April 30].

This is very sad for our children, because we are losing many good teachers who don't want to quit teaching yet. They are being forced out by the School Board.

This is not where the School Board should be cutting expenses. Experienced teachers are necessary, and we need to keep the ones who want to keep teaching.

DEANA HRYNKIW

Lakeland

Comments

  1. Secret Agent Man says...
    May 15, 2008 7:10:22 am

    RE: Read the article

    There's a lot of confusion out there regarding this decision. The truth is that teachers in the DROP "Extension" cost a lot of money. Should that be a factor? Not in a good economy.

    This teacher CAN come back and teach if she chooses to do so. She can go ahead and retire, which she will have to do anyway, stay out for a month (usually July or August) and then apply for a position. She is not banned from teaching. The beauty is... if she retires and comes back as a classroom teacher, then she will receive her pay plus receive her retirement check. Not a bad deal.

  2. jam12 says...
    May 15, 2008 6:11:34 pm

    That is correct they already drew 5 years of funds being in the drop to begin with and came back to work after already retired so good riddance. Don't feel sorry for them.

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