The Fresno Unified School Board approved a motion Wednesday to offer a supplemental retirement plan to qualified employees in an attempt to soothe their strained budget.

Fresno Unified School District, alongside districts across the country, is facing significant budget challenges due to declining enrollment, chronic absenteeism, and the end of COVID-era funding.

Last July, the district scrambled to meet a $49 million budget deficit by axing programs and making other big cuts.

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The offer is the district’s latest attempt at saving money — potentially $35 million over the next five years.

This cash flow will be generated through seasoned employees — who earn higher wages than entry-level educators — retiring early.

The goal is to increase the number of expected retirements by three to four times, according to a presentation given to the board. This will also minimize the potential of layoffs.

But the early retirement packages only proceed if sufficient employees sign up and the plan is officially approved in December. Wednesday’s decision allowed the district present the retirement offer to staff.

The motion was approved in a 6-0 vote with Trustee Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas abstaining, citing reservations about the plan.

“I want to procced with caution, as this could have unintended consequences,” she said. She did not elaborate on what these consequences may be.

Breakdown of Retirement Plan

The supplemental retirement, a Public Agency Retirement Services program, offers to pay qualifying employees a total of 80% of their salary for this year. That total would be broken down into monthly payments over five years, or longer if the employee desires.

These funds are in addition to the employee’s regular retirement plan.

Over 1,900 employees meet the requirements: 55 or older with at least five consecutive years of service in the district. PARS projects that 459 will participate.

“This is just kind of our crystal ball estimate,” Dennis Yu, executive vice president for PARS, told the School Board.

The employees will have a 60-day window to submit a letter of resignation to PARS.

The board will determine if the plan proceeds on Dec. 17.

This decision will be based on teacher interest and participation, ensuring the program is cost efficient.

If the plan is canceled, the offer and all resignation letters are rescinded.

Fresno Unified has offered four different PARS programs over the past 30 years. The last significant offer was made in 2010, prompting more than 600 employees to participate in early retirement, according to Yu.

Timeline of Offer

Qualified employees will receive packets by mid-October detailing the supplemental retirement plan offer.

PARS will hold an orientation in late October and individual counseling in early December for those who are interested.

If the plan moves forward, the early retirees will end their service on the last day of school, and PARS will begin delivering benefit checks in August.