St. Paul schools propose early retirements to avoid teacher cuts

St. Paul Public Schools is moving toward a plan to avoid midyear cuts for English learner teachers. The district needs to make up about $5 million in lost funding after hundreds of English learner students did not return to school this year. New developments show the district and the union are working on a plan that would avoid midyear terminations. Instead of midyear cuts, certain teachers are being asked to consider an early retirement package. The offer is for English learner teachers who are 55 or older and have 15 years of regular service with the district. Their final day of duty would be Nov. 13, but they would be paid through Nov. 20. The package would also give them $35,000 in a health savings account and allow up to 150 sick days to be paid out. According to a letter sent to union members, 12 full-time employees qualify for the offer. At least seven would need to accept for the plan to work. Nothing has been finalized yet. The proposal still needs a vote at