It only makes sense for the Lawrence school district to take another look at the retirement benefits it offers to its teachers. Other districts in the state are shifting to alternative retirement plans, and such a move might also benefit the Lawrence district.

Currently, qualifying teachers can retire and draw one year’s salary divided over five years. The cost of providing those early retirement benefits has risen drastically, already prompting the district not to offer the plan to newly hired administrators or classified staff members.

The district, of course, should be fair to current teachers who are counting on the early retirement benefit, but changing the policy for new hires could be a good move. Under the latest proposal made in Lawrence teacher contract negotiations, the district would set up a 403(b) retirement plan in which teachers would be vested after working six years in the district. The teachers also could choose from among various investment tracks for their retirement funds.

Other districts in the state have had success with 403(b) plans, and it is smart for Lawrence to look at the possibility of implementing such a plan. It is hoped some agreement can be reached that will be a win-win situation for the district and its teachers.