...from teaching that is.
Before I explain...I'd like to welcome me back to the boards!
"Welcome back Shuckins!"
"Well thankee, Leggern. It's braugh goot to be back!"
For those who may have been wondering (both of ya) where ole Shuckins has been, I'll provide a short synopsis.
Changes in Arkansas law required all school districts with fewer than 350 students (k-12) to consolidate with a larger district by the fall of 2004. Arkansas City Schools, where I was gainfully employed for the last 23 years, allowed itself to be annexed by McGehee School District in order to meet the new state requirements.
Unfortunately, there was a gap between the final pay period of my old district and the beginning of the fiscal year for the new district. Therefore, I received no paycheck for the month of August. Needless to say, some bills went unpaid that month...among them was the cable bill. Ahem.
The check for the month of September had TWO months of medical insurance premiums withheld from it in order to prevent the policy from lapsing. This cut my take home pay, which was about $2,200 by more than 25%. (Isn't the teaching profession wonderful!?)
By the first weekend of October, the gloom around my house was palpable. I had made plans to retire at the end of the school year, draw my retirement check, and work for a youth service to bump up my income, but it was beginning to look like we would have to declare bankruptcy instead.
That Sunday, a friend in my church who worked for the youth service, told me a job had suddenly come open. He wanted to know if I was still interested in the position. (Does a fat dog fahrt!)
It was like receiving manna from Heaven! The cloud lifted. With the help of the assistant superintendent, I was able to get out of my old contract. The school purchased my unused sick days, and I am scheduled to begin my new job working with special ed students at the juvenile center on Monday, October 25. I begin receiving my Teacher Retirement Check at the end of November.
It may not seem like much to some, but the change will mean a net increase of 50% in takehome.
Aaaaahhhhh!!!!!!
It's GOOD to be back!
Regards, Shuckins/Leggern
