Bonneville trustees approve six-figure retirement payout to Shackett - East Idaho News
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Bonneville trustees approve six-figure retirement payout to Shackett

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IDAHO FALLS — Outgoing Bonneville School District superintendent Chuck Shackett will receive an up to $205,000 payout to his state retirement account as part of a “separation agreement” with the board of trustees.

Idaho Education News obtained the agreement between Shackett and the district Monday after making a public records request last week. The three-page document includes previously unknown details surrounding Shackett’s forthcoming resignation from the district, including the six-figure payout to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho to help the superintendent retire with full benefits from the state by Aug. 31, 2019.

Shackett last week announced his plan to retire from the district, initially telling Idaho Ed News that he would be eligible for full PERSI retirement benefits at the end of the 2018-19 school year.

But after being pressed about details surrounding his departure, Shackett acknowledged the existence of the separation agreement between him and the district. Shackett initially said the agreement provided an added two months to his current employment contract, which would enable him continue working as a paid “consultant” to the incoming superintendent until Aug. 31, 2019 for a cost to the district of some $26,000.

Shackett said he needed the extra two months of employment to qualify for full PERSI retirement benefits — contrary to what he had originally told Idaho Education News. He said nothing at that time about the up to $205,000 PERSI payout outlined in the agreement.

The district last week denied a public records request for the agreement, claiming the document contained portions of Shackett’s annual performance evaluation and was therefore exempt from public record requests. The agreement designates itself as part of the superintendent’s “personnel file” and therefore “exempt” from public records requests.

Idaho Ed News responded with a request for a copy redacting personnel information in an effort to make public taxpayers’ financial obligation. Shackett said Monday he would provide the public with copies of the agreement.

“I failed to mention more details about the separation agreement,” Shackett said Monday, adding that he worried that the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement could negatively impact the district’s upcoming Aug. 28 request for renewal of its $5.8 million a year supplemental levy.

Bonneveille School Board chairman Paul Jenkins also expressed worry over the timing of the payout.

“If we don’t pass (the supplemental levy), I don’t know what we’re going to do,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins said the school board approved up to $205,000 for Shackett, but added that the amount could fluctuate between now and when Shackett officially puts in for PERCI. As of July 16, Shackett needed a contribution of up to $203,772.29 to receive his full state retirement benefits.

Despite acknowledging periodic contention between Shackett and some Bonneville trustees in recent months, Jenkins expressed regret at Shackett’s looming departure.

“I’d keep him if I could,” Jenkins said.

Shackett will turn 62 in September. He can retire on Aug. 31 without a reduction to his pension. He makes $156,029, which ranks among the top five highest paid superintendents in the state.

Idaho Education News analyst Randy Schrader contributed to this report.

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