MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Shelby County’s School Board listened to a presentation on various proposals to help the district fund its retirement liability, Monday night.
Retirees showed up in large numbers as well, to express concerns that some of the cuts would impact their lives, as many live on a fixed income.
“It’s going to be a real hardship we’re on a fixed income and that’s not in the budget,” said Florentine Evans.
Various possibilities are on the table, including cutting life insurance for current employees, cutting health insurance for spouses of current retirees, and moving to the state health insurance plan, which would require a vote of the teachers union.
“We have asked for it for five years,” said Union President Keith Williams.
Williams said the state’s plan is more reliable, and teachers would welcome the stability it would offer.
Concern about the changes also rests on the board itself.
Chris Caldwell called for an expert to be hired to examine all the options and provide recommendations on the best way to pay down the retirement debt.
“I want to know how we’re going to attract teachers, they’re already underpaid and overworked,” asked board member Stephanie Love, on the proposed cuts to current teachers.
The board wants to hear more ideas from citizens on how to pay toward the retirement debt, something they want done out of fear the state may order them to complete it at a time they can’t.
More public hearings on the issue are expected in the coming weeks.