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EAST LAKE — The case of reluctant-to-retire Bob O'Donnell, a much-admired East Lake High School teacher, has raised a stir among his students, former students and now, School Board officials.
Reacting to O'Donnell's situation, two Pinellas County School Board members are suggesting the school district rethink its policy on mandatory retirement for teachers who participate in the state's Deferred Retirement Option Program, or DROP.
At Tuesday's School Board meeting, Pinellas County School Board member Mary Brown suggested a compromise that would allow teachers like O'Donnell to keep their jobs if they wanted to continue working beyond the five years mandated by DROP.
"What if there were teachers who were willing to come back after DROP at a beginning teacher's salary?" she asked. "Is that possible?"
School Board member Linda Lerner said she also wanted to explore that option after hearing from two of O'Donnell's former students. Lerner asked the School Board attorney to prepare a legal opinion.
But Superintendent Clayton Wilcox and some School Board members, including a vehement Jane Gallucci, said they don't want to make any immediate changes and argued that no one is forced to sign up for DROP.
"DROP is a purely voluntary program," said Gallucci, enunciating loudly and hands chopping for emphasis. "Teachers know it's out there. They sign the papers. Nobody forces them to sign it. It is purely their decision and their decision alone."
Wilcox suggested a workshop on the issue. He also said a certain amount of turnover among staff may be a good thing "to create some churn within the organization."
O'Donnell, 56, a Trinity resident, said he is resigned that he will have to retire and then reapply to teach. His first choice will be East Lake, but he will also apply in other county school districts.
"I think they've drawn their line in the sand," he said Wednesday.
At issue is O'Donnell's decision five years ago to sign up for DROP, which was created by the Legislature in 1998 to encourage senior public employees nearing retirement to make way for more junior, lower-paid colleagues.
The DROP benefit generally is limited to five years, but legislators have allowed teachers and other public employees where shortages exist to work another three years.
O'Donnell hoped to get a three-year extension. But Wilcox denied O'Donnell's request, citing financial concerns.
The decision dismayed many of O'Donnell's students and their parents, who praise his dedication and creative teaching methods.
Among them is Kate Lindblem of Wesley Chapel, who spoke to the School Board Tuesday. She was his student six years ago at East Lake and started teaching this year.
"Robert O'Donnell can explain his way into the adolescent brain so well that it will remember that the Boxer Rebellion had nothing to do with either undershorts or dogs," Lindblem said.
While a majority of the School Board didn't want to deal with the DROP extension issue this year, Lerner said she thinks it should be addressed.
"The union could request that we look at it," she said. "And then we would have to look at it."
At Lerner's request, James A. Robinson, the School Board's attorney, said he will research the issue further.
O'Donnell, who makes $62,500 a year, so far has accrued about $140,000 in DROP benefits. He said he would be happy to take a smaller salary if it meant he could continue to teach.
"The dilemma that we face is, this is in my community," said O'Donnell. "They say, 'Don't take it personally,' but how else am I going to take it?"
Staff writer Donna Winchester contributed to this report.
[Last modified: Apr 02, 2008 08:53 AM]
Comments on this article
by ENough
Apr 2, 2008 8:53 AM
What we fail to realize is that some teachers can't afford to retire even if they wanted to. Teachers retirement pay is not a living wage and they're too young to draw social security. We save $ by hiring inexperienced teachers? Bottom line
by Dorine
Mar 30, 2008 9:47 AM
Last week the Times was aguast that someone would retire and then come back to work in the same field (double-dipping) but apparently they promote it amoung teachers? I still think there's nothing wrong with it, but can the the e
by Reality Check
Mar 28, 2008 7:55 AM
If only it was really about what was best for the kids. But that, much like the Loch Ness Monster, is often talked about and rarely seen. In the end all the district cares about is statistics and saving as much money as they can.
by Art
Mar 27, 2008 8:54 PM
Why are principals like Mr. Burwell at Curlew Creek allowed to have a DROP extention when a teacher isn't? Aren't there younger people who would love to move into an administrative position? It's another case of "not what you kno
by john
Mar 27, 2008 7:31 PM
i have found out that when students say a teacher is so great etc...not saying all classes but these teachers are a little different than the system...and questionable
by ken
Mar 27, 2008 7:31 PM
retire,,,,i think there are good people waiting in line to have a job and try to make it in this world
by Jay
Mar 27, 2008 4:40 PM
It is great that this teacher has had such a positive effect on so many. I hope that I will be in his shoes one day. He has not only effected so many, but he has done it in a profitable manner. Enjoy your retirement Mr. O'Donell. Only 9 weeks le
by Marisia
Mar 27, 2008 3:19 PM
If you bend the rules for one person then you run the risk of accusations of favoritism. This is a no win situation.
by Lee
Mar 27, 2008 3:17 PM
If the East Lake teacher must go due to finances then the East Lake principal (also up for extended DROP) should also go. Fair is fair.
by A is for Apple
Mar 27, 2008 3:16 PM
It's time to step down! I made less than 1/3 of Mr. O'Donnell's income working as a part-time teacher and slaving at a retailing job. ALL teachers slated for retirement need to move on and allow for fresh blood.
by Chip
Mar 27, 2008 2:58 PM
Yes, Mr. O'Donnell entered DROP and took a gamble he'd get an extension. Wilcox has to decide if it is best for the ELHS Honors program to cut lose an effective star teacher for a "more junior, lower-paid colleague." Do we go
by Bob
Mar 27, 2008 10:02 AM
No one forced him to go into drop. He made the decision for good or bad. Before too long Drop may not be available. he should take the $$ and run.
by manny
Mar 27, 2008 9:06 AM
Mr. O'Donnell has been an excellent teacher! The reality is, no matter how good you are,the systemic process will work against you. That is what I wrote in my book, Who Will Win This game: Politics or Education? Good Luck, Bob! Peace. Manny
by Anonymouse
Mar 27, 2008 8:59 AM
10 years later I still remember the things Mr.O'Donnell taught. He is an example of what teaching should look like. Many thanks from those of us that had the pleasure of being your student. Good luck.
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