Washoe County school board approves early retirements

RENO -- Washoe County School District trustees have approved early retirement applications for 68 employees.

Tuesday's action could ease the need for layoffs as the district faces a projected $40 million budget shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year, according to a Reno Gazette-Journal report.

Of those who applied for early retirement, 42 are teachers and 11 are administrators.

The district's early retirement program allows employees to receive the program's one-time stipend after 15 years, instead of 20.

The stipends range from $3,500 to $24,000 depending on experience and type of job.

Officials said early retirements represent some savings for the district and also will open some opportunities for teachers who might otherwise lose their job because of the budget.