District Offers Voluntary Severance Incentive Opportunity

Last night, the Board of Education approved a resolution authorizing the District to offer a voluntary severance incentive to teachers at the top of the pay scale. By reducing the number of high-salaried positions, the District anticipates saving millions of dollars over the next several years. 

“This plan is both strategic and proactive, and will enable the District to be financially prudent while continuing to meet the needs of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. David Glasner.

Those teachers who are eligible to participate in this voluntary program based on their service time will soon receive detailed instructions on how they can obtain more information and participate in the program, should they so choose. The process will begin in the coming weeks, giving the District ample time to make staffing decisions for the next school year. 

This initiative, known as the Employee Separation Plan (ESP), is completely voluntary and is being initiated with the approval of the Shaker Heights Teachers’ Association (SHTA). SHTA leaders have been part of the conversation leading to the decision to move forward with the plan.

“This is a benefit to our membership across-the-board,” said SHTA President Dr. John Morris. “It’s a good opportunity for our members, and it is mutually beneficial to teachers and the District.”

The plan was developed in consultation with Educators Preferred Corporation (EPC), a Southfield, Michigan, firm specializing in structured severance programs. EPC has facilitated such plans with more than a dozen Cleveland-area school districts. 

“We appreciate the SHTA’s support for this initiative and look forward to working with teachers who are interested in this opportunity,” Dr. Glasner said, adding that once this process is completed, the District will be recruiting to fill open positions as needed.