Here's the latest:   I heard that the line was 'out-the-door' when the Deer Valley District hosted its latest Smartschoolsplus, Inc. informational meeting.  Do the math - you are a FOOL - and the district administration is LAUGHING at you, if you are eligible for this program and do not participate!

     And for ALL Arizona teachers - the ASRS has announced that contributions will increase to 9.6% in 2007-08 - up another .5 from 2006-07.  Smartschoolsplus, as well as similar program, participants do NOT contribute to ASRS, meaning an instant 9.6% pay increase - plus access to your retirement benefits, current ASRS eligibility rules - and 80% of your full contract for 2007-08.  This typically amounts to approximately 150% of what you are presently earning - for the same job! 

     If you have not researched this phased-retirement program - or if you are in another district with a similar program offered - it is in your best interest to investigate NOW!  Waiting until you attain that 'mystical' 30-year milestone, or the 'magic' 2.3 ASRS multiplier may be(it really IS) counterproductive to your future financial status!