Romulus board approves one-time $7,000 retirement-notice stipend for eligible certified staff

The Romulus Community Schools Board on Feb. 23 approved a resolution establishing a one‑time $7,000 retirement-notification stipend for certified staff who meet district and state eligibility requirements.

Under the resolution, eligible certified staff must be retirement‑eligible under the Michigan Public School Employee Retirement system, provide written notice of intent to retire within a district timeline, and complete the school year in good standing unless the superintendent approves otherwise. Payment of the stipend is contingent on verification of retirement eligibility and compliance with district requirements. The board recorded the motion as moved by Rogers and supported by Jackson; a roll-call vote followed and the resolution passed.

Kevin Brock, the district's executive director of administration and human resources, told the board the sample letter included in the meeting exhibit was a draft and that dates in the final communication may change. Board materials indicated the stipend's budget implications would be handled through the general fund and that the superintendent or designee is authorized to implement the program in accordance with district policy and Michigan law.

Next steps: staff will finalize eligibility timelines and procedures and the superintendent's office will implement the stipend program in alignment with collective‑bargaining requirements where applicable.