The full cost

EDITOR: Richard Gregus' suggestion to eliminate 40 highly paid teacher positions in the Santa Rosa school district fails to address one point: health care ("Cost-cutting plan," Letters, Sunday).

Once a teacher retires, the school district will pay for health insurance for the retired employee, up to age 65. The burden of spousal health care is the responsibility of the retired teacher - without the benefit of group rates.

Gregus' statement that the district may hire an entry-level teacher for about $42,000 fails to include the full district expense for each teacher. The district responsibility includes health care (with dental, vision and life insurance), a portion of Medicare, all of worker compensation insurance, unemployment, liability and the retirement contribution.

You might consider signing the California Teachers Association-sponsored initiative to close corporate tax loopholes.

WILLIAM PENN

Santa Rosa

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