Antigo board adopts tiered liquidated-damages clause for teacher-contract breakage

The Unified School District of Antigo board voted April 20 to adopt revised teacher-contract language that establishes tiered liquidated damages for contract breakage: $4,000 if a teacher leaves through June 30 of the contract year and $7,500 for departures beginning July 1.

Board rationale and debate: Board member Dr. Bardau framed the change by citing replacement costs the district attributes to teacher turnover, saying the district estimates it costs about $20,000 to replace a teacher. Board members and staff discussed a tiered approach to balance retention incentives with fairness for departures that happen before the school year starts. Finance staff explained onboarding and professional-development costs form the basis of the liquidated‑damages calculation.

Amendment and passage: During discussion the board amended the motion to set a tiered schedule: $4,000 through June 30 and $7,500 beginning July 1. The amended motion passed with seven in favor and one opposed; one member had recused earlier in the discussion. Board members noted the district reserves the discretion to waive damages in extreme circumstances (illness, special cases) and that historical practice includes occasional waivers by board vote.

Context and consequences: Supporters of the change said higher damages deter mid‑year departures that disrupt students, increase substitute usage and expand class sizes; critics warned the figure could exacerbate staffing tensions and urged more outreach to teachers about retention drivers. Several board members proposed additional procedural refinements—such as notice periods (60 days) and clearer tiers—before final handbook language is broadly implemented.

What happens next: The board incorporated the amended liquidated‑damages phrasing into the teacher professional handbook and recorded the motion in the meeting minutes. District staff said they will provide more detail on onboarding cost breakdowns and precedent comparisons for future committee review.