Davenport schools are taking a small step on Friday to address upcoming large cuts.
Board members unanimously voted to lower requirements for early retirement.
The one-time deal makes it easier for Davenport teachers to take early retirement.
Instead of needing 25 years, it will allow teachers with 20 years to participate.
"It's really an opportunity to save jobs," said teacher representative Toby Paone.
Teachers will get until March 1 to decide.
They'll also get cash incentives that are designed to pay for health insurance costs.
"These are people who know their craft," Paone continued. "They know their job, yet we don't want to lose new people who might become discouraged."
It's kind of a double-edged sword for a district looking to slice $8.5 million over the next two years.
Davenport Superintendent Art Tate projects that the district could save more than $1.5 million with early retirements over the next two years.
"The experience of some of those teachers is fantastic," said School Board President Ralph Johanson. "You do hate to lose them."
Early retirement might appeal to older, second career teachers who only have a few years left in the classroom.
Teachers still need to be 55 years old to collect their full pension.
Before Friday's vote, some 38 teachers signed up under the 25-year cutoff.
The district hopes to boost those figure to nearly 60 jobs with the 20-year cutoff.
"We are looking to have experienced, more expensive people leave," Paone said. "Less experienced, less expensive people can stay."
It's a small step to begin addressing the uncertainty of state funding and drastic cuts at the local level.
"It's very frustrating when we have elected officials in Des Moines who are not putting kids first," Paone said.
"It is important for us to know what the legislature is going to let us spend," Johanson said.
Davenport will start with early retirements to save some classroom cash.