Tom Curtis on double-dipping

Tom Curtis to Ryan Holderman, December 27, 2006
Subject: Re Double-Dip By The Numbers

Hello Ryan,

FYI - Two years ago I wrote the superintendent of the township school system I retired from (Plain Local Schools). I commented on her rehire position that netted her a $5000 increase in pay.

She wrote me back defending her decision and her minor increase in pay. She said she and 65 other Stark County administrators were helping hold costs down for their schools by retiring and then rehiring due to the health care costs being shifted to the STRS. Isn't that so considerate of them? HOGWASH!

Retirees have been forced to take the brunt of the increased cost for health care. Why do rehires cost the HCSF 2 million dollars per year over what their costs are? Especially when these administrators can well afford the cost of their own health care. This is not right and should be corrected far prior to 2009.

A prior superintendent of mine is the Stark County Supt. and has been for many years now. Roughly 3-5 years ago he retired with enough years to draw 100% of his 3 best years. That netted him in the area of $120,000. He is currently being paid $155,000/year as a rehire. Pretty sweet deal isn't it? Therefore, he receives approx. $275,000 per year at this time.

That's my take on it and it is not right!

Tom Curtis