| Critics spur review of program AIKEN - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is reviewing an incentive program aimed at retaining experienced public school teachers because critics say it is too expensive and doesn't work. The Teacher Early Retirement Incentive is a $650 million program that allows educators with at least 28 years of experience to collect retirement benefits while working an additional five years. That's a double dip of state money South Carolina can't afford, some legislators said. "Teachers know if they will be hired back under the program before they retire and the reason for the program was destroyed," said Rep. Robert "Skipper" Perry, R-Aiken. "It costs too much and it is going to break us." However, Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Clearwater, disagreed and said ending the program completely is not the right decision. "I don't think pulling the plug on the whole thing is necessary," he said. "I think there can be some modifications and changes made, but I don't agree with all the horror stories involved." State education officials said the incentive program helps school districts retain their teaching veterans. "We're looking to keep the best teachers in the classroom and we know we are dealing with a shortage of teachers, so I think gutting the entire program would be a mistake," said Jim Foster, a spokesman for the South Carolina Department of Education. The governor's Commission on Management, Accountability and Performance presented recommendations to the governor to eliminate the program, a proposal the governor is reviewing, said Will Folks, a spokesman for Mr. Sanford. The program places a $650 million unfunded burden on the state's taxpayers and isn't effective, said Ken Wingate, the chairman of the MAP Commission. Dr. John Bradley, the chairman of the Aiken County school board, said he did not think the elimination of the program would affect Aiken County schools. "We have not had problems finding teachers and, given the financial restraints on the state, it is probably wise to look at where that money is going," he said. "It seems to me it is a program that has not had a beneficial impact." Reach Peter G. Gilchrist at (803) 648-1395.
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