LOWELL | Beginning today, eligible teachers will have three weeks to submit a letter of retirement to Tri-Creek Schools' central office to be considered for what will be the first round of major cuts made necessary by the state.

Application is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Tri-Creek School Board unanimously agreed last week to approve a retirement incentive plan to encourage teachers considering retirement to make it official and to reduce operating costs.

At least five teachers must sign on to make the plan viable, and as many as 15 retirements will be accepted. Teachers must be qualified for full retirement under the Teachers' Retirement Fund by June.

"They have to say this year they're going to retire next year," Assistant Superintendent Ray Cusic said. "Next year, we're not doing something different."

Cusic said the incentive plan grew out of meetings with the teachers organization and reportedly received unanimous approval March 4 from the teacher members of the Tri-Creek Teachers Organization.

Eligible teachers must have at least 20 years in teaching, and the last 10 years must be with Tri-Creek.

Cusic emphasized the letters of resignation are irrevocable. If fewer than five teachers submit a letter, the submissions will be considered void, he said.

Once the plan's minimum is met, the retirements will be accepted by Superintendent Alice Neal, and those teachers will be notified of the acceptance by e-mail.

Cusic said the incentive for retirement is "slightly higher" than some in the area.

Before the regular School Board meeting, the board met with the administration in a two-hour work session to discuss ways to reduce costs. It was the second of what is expected to be a series of sessions on the topic.