The final, irrevocable letter of retirement has to be done by April 1.

The goal here is that we're going to get out of deficit, as the law requires. This has the support staff doing their part.

For openers, we've got to hire a counselor this year to replace an interim hire, who's retired. Then Pat Krause will be retire the next year. Counselors are normally teachers who have an extra master's degree. Those would probably not be new teachers.

If he does it again, he won't be subbing here anymore.

By board policy, I am the lead spokesman for the negotiating team, but the board meets every month in closed session to discuss negotiations. The negotiating team -- all four of us -- takes direction from the board.

It's solely to hear and address citizens' concerns.

There were four people who are eligible to retire by '07 but want to wait until '08. We've agreed on a reduced incentive. They will incur a small financial penalty from the state retirement system and a slightly reduced annuity.

Another very significant program that was enabled by the school building changes was the fifth grade band program. All students at Norrie and at All Saints Academy take band, they have to try an instrument.

Special Ed teachers are not easy to come by, either. They may be experienced people. We would pay them based on their experience.

We talked about concerns that they are hearing from their people and friends and neighbors.