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Amanda Butterfield ReportingMore than just students say goodbye as the school year comes to an end. Dozens of Jordan district teachers will be retiring at the end of the year, and that has students and parents concerned about the future.
Every year some school teachers retire, but this year a lot more teachers leaving their jobs than have in a long time. About twice as many to be exact. Here at Eastmont Middle School they're loosing six teachers. The big reason is their retirement benefits are getting phased out.
Susan Hitchcock, or Mrs. Hitchcock as students know her, loves teaching English, Shakespeare mostly.
Susan Hitchcock, Teacher: "I do a play, and enjoying performing with the kids and teaching them first hand."
But as the 2006 school year ends, so will her career.
Susan Hitchcock, Teacher: "It just seemed to be the right time."
A big reason is the Jordan School District is phasing out retirement benefits in compliance with state and federal accounting changes.
Susan Hitchcock: "I am okay with it. I've had a good and long career."
Staff at all the school used to get a certain number of years of medical insurance benefits when they retire, but as of July first, that will be reduced. So will early retirement benefits and payouts for unused sick and personal days.
It's enough that 290 employees working at the schools are retiring this year, double last year's number.
Eastmont Middle School is losing a total of seven teachers; Mountain Shadows Elementary School will also lose seven, as well as Hillcrest High School. And Alta High School will lose 12. This includes administrators and support staff, but mostly teachers.
Lisa, Mother: "That's really sad. I think we need to hang onto the good teachers we have. If they're leaving for that, that's a shame."
Principal Jan Sterzer, Eastmont Middle School: "That expertise and knowledge, you're going to miss it, it's going to be hard to replace."
The principal of Eastmont has to replace the six teachers leaving, but is optimistic about it.
Principal Jan Sterzer, Eastmont Middle School: "But change also brings in opportunity to bring in young teachers with new ideas, new enthusiasm, and we value that new energy as well."
And Mrs. Hitchcock will be rooting for the new crop of educators.
Mrs. Hitchcock: "They probably are young and have the benefit of youth and exuberance that will help them; they'll make it."
Eastmont has already hired six new teachers for next year.
