Number of New Jersey school workers retiring this summer surges
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER
Nearly 6,500 New Jersey school employees have filed for retirement so far this year — almost double that of all last year.
Most of the filings came in recent months, with 5,106 putting in their papers for retirement to take effect in July, a common time to retire.
Some teachers say they are retiring sooner than they wanted because of anxiety over possible changes in pension rules, severe budget cuts and a harsh climate for educators during the state's fiscal crisis.
Earlier this month, Christie administration officials said they temporarily delayed plans to push for money-saving reforms affecting current teachers' pensions and retirement medical benefits. Even so, some teachers want to leave while benefits
Most of the filings came in recent months, with 5,106 putting in their papers for retirement to take effect in July, a common time to retire.
Some teachers say they are retiring sooner than they wanted because of anxiety over possible changes in pension rules, severe budget cuts and a harsh climate for educators during the state's fiscal crisis.
Earlier this month, Christie administration officials said they temporarily delayed plans to push for money-saving reforms affecting current teachers' pensions and retirement medical benefits. Even so, some teachers want to leave while benefits