Individuals actively employed by the Knox County Board of Education at the time of their retirement will receive a bonus of sixty dollars ($60.00) per day for all accumulated, unused, earned sick leave days.

If the employee gives at least a one hundred calendar day (100) notice of retirement, the employee will receive one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day for all accumulated, unused, earned sick leave days.  For employees retiring at the end of the first semester, they may notify the system by September 1 of that school year, or the next working day if September 1 is on a weekend or holiday, to receive the one hundred dollar bonus.  Employees retiring at the end of the school year may notify the system by February 1 of that year, or the next working day if February 1 is on a weekend or holiday, to receive the one hundred dollar bonus.  Written notification at least one hundred days prior to retiring OR notification by September first or February first qualifies the individual for the one hundred dollar bonus per day for unused, earned, sick days.  The maximum benefit for any individual shall be one year of salary at the time of retirement.

Sick Leave Days for those employees who retire at the end of the contract year will receive the sick leave check in August. Employees who retire during the school year will be paid for their balance of sick leave the pay period following the month in which the employee receives final compensation payment of the contract days worked.  Please note payment for sick and vacation days is not included in the retirement wage calculation for certified employees who participate in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). The retirement notification form may be obtained online http://retire.knoxschools.org/ or by calling 594-1686. The forms can be faxed to 594-3737 once they are completed. Employees who complete a retirement form cannot rescind their retirement without approval of the Superintendent.

Any certified employee that is interested in retiring should contact the Employee Benefits Department 60-90 days before their last day of employment for an appointment where information and the paperwork to continue their benefits after retirement can be discussed.  Certified employees will also complete their retirement paperwork for Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Employees should bring an estimate or their last annual statement to the retirement meeting. Estimates for teachers can be requested at any time by calling 1-615-741-1971. City A employees should also request an estimate from the Knoxville City Pension Office by calling 215-1444 and bring it with them to the retirement meeting. Employees with City A Retirement will complete two retirement forms during their meeting. Due to this fact, City A retirement appointments usually take more time than an employee retiring with only TCRS benefits.

Please note we have been told by TCRS that it takes 60-90 days to process TCRS applications. It is very important that we have your paperwork 60-90 days prior to retirement so there are no problems with your health insurance when you retire and so that you will receive your benefits in a timely manner. We have brochures available in our office explaining health insurance benefits after retirement.