Retirement

  • The WESD values the years of dedicated service given by teachers and staff who chose to retire from the District. All eligible employees resigning/retiring from the District at the end of a school year must notify their supervisor and the Human Resources Department in writing on or before the first week of February (the exact deadline will be announced by the HR director at the start of the year) to receive the full sick-leave buyback benefit. More information regarding the sick-leave buyback benefit can be found here: sick-leave buyout plan.

    When am I eligible to retire?

    Normal retirement is the earliest you may retire with a full benefit as calculated by the ASRS benefit formula. Normal retirement occurs with any of the following:

    • You reach age 65.
    • You turn 62 and have 10 or more years of service.
    • You meet required amount of "points," which is a combination of years of service and age. The number of points required for normal retirement depends on when an employee became an ASRS member. For details, please visit www.azasrs.gov/content/retirement-eligibility. 

    However, at the ASRS, you also may be eligible to retire early. If you are at least 50 years of age with five or more years of service, you may retire before your normal retirement date. With early retirement, the ASRS allows members to receive retirement benefits at a reduced rate. 

    If you have further questions about your retirement, please visit the Arizona State Retirement System Web site at www.azasrs.gov or contact them at 602-240-2000. 
     
    Phased Retirement 

    Washington Elementary School District partners with Educational Services Inc (ESI) to offer eligible retirees the opportunity to return to work through a phased retirement program. This arrangement allows retirees to continue contributing their skills and experience with the District while maintaining the retirement benefits.

    To participate, individuals must be retirement-eligible through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and officially separate from the District before returning to work under ESI.
     
    Participants in the program are employed by ESI, which manages payroll, contracts, and related employment services. Retirees work in the same or similar roles and are paid through ESI based on an agreed-upon schedule and compensation rate.
     
    This program supports continuity within our District and provides a valuable opportunity for both the District and its experienced professionals.
     
    For more information on how to participate in this program, and upcoming informational meetings, contact our District ESI Coordinator cynthia.hattabaugh@wesdschools.org or call 602 347 2611. You may also contact ESI at:
     

    Phone: 480-719-3271

    Fax: 480-535-9118

    Address: 14614 N. Kierland Blvd. Suite N230, Scottsdale, AZ.  85254