Principal Michael White retires from Ann Arbor Pioneer to take job in Illinois
Five-year Pioneer High School Principal Michael White will be retiring in June to take another principal position at a high school in Illinois.
AnnArbor.com file photo
After a nationwide search and a lengthy interview process, the Valley View School District approved hiring White at its board meeting on May 15. He will replace a principal who had been there only since the start of the 2011-12 school year, according to Patch.com.
White, 51, walked in to a “tough situation” at Pioneer High School in 2007, said district spokeswoman Liz Margolis. Since then, he has been both loved and criticized for his discipline and expectations of students.
“We are really going to miss him,” Margolis said. “If you were to talk to the majority of his students and staff, they’d say he’s tough but fair. I can almost personally guarantee that he knows the name of nearly every student in that building.
"His military training may come out at times, but he cares immensely about the success of his students.”
White served from 1982 to 1986 in the U.S. Rangers as part of a special operations unit. He served until 1993 in the U.S. Army Reserves and rejoined the reserves in 2006. He was called to active duty in 2010 for about a year while principal at PHS.
White said his love for the military is part of why he is so thrilled and excited for the new opportunity that exists at Bolingbrook High. The school has a large and growing Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program with about 200 students, he said.
“It’s so fitting for me,” he said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to start up in a new place where everything that I think is important to help under-served families and kids are the things that they have in place or are working on.
“It also has truly a mix of cultures and I like that idea, too. They are looking for systemic change, and I love change and love innovation and I’m excited to help them put new routines in place.”
Michael White supervises Pioneer High School's gym in the fall of 2007, which serves as the overflow area during lunchtime. White enacted a lot of changes during his tenure at Pioneer High, one of which was making students stay in the bleachers and not cross the line formed by the orange cones during lunchtime.
The Ann Arbor News file photo
White acknowledged that his adherence to routine and discipline has at times been called “heavy handed” by Ann Arbor parents.
“But I believe in not hiding anything in education and being out in front with (the challenges). There should be no secrets that are not confidential in dealing with a child’s education,” he said. “So people may not have liked my style in terms of getting what is right for Pioneer, but that’s OK.”
He said for the most part, however, leaders in the district and the people at the school have done a “nice job” of accepting what his expectations were as far as curriculum. He added he has had a “great stint” at Pioneer and feels prepared to move forward to help the progress in Bolingbrook.
Margolis said White has strengthened the school culture at Pioneer in his five years at the helm.
“He’ll be a tough act to follow, but I know he also feels comfortable with where he is leaving the school,” she said. “And as a district, we’ve been through transitions before and we’ll come out on top of this one too.”
Margolis said the process to replace White is still being determined, since he gave notice to the district late last week. But to her knowledge the position has not been posted yet, she said.
Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
Lac Court Orilles
Tue, Jun 5, 2012 : 10:58 a.m.
The principals at Huron and Skyline could have learned plenty from Michael White. Since Illinois pays educational professionals more, who would blame him for going there? This is America, and no one should apologize for wanting to make more money except for Mitt Romney who made his by destroying people's lives. Michael White improves the lives of others; that's the difference.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Tue, May 29, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
"White, 51, walked in to a "tough situation" at Pioneer High School in 2007, said district spokeswoman Liz Margolis." Nice spin.
inouno
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
Since when does 5 years count as retiring? I say he's quitting!
PhillyCheeseSteak
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
Best of luck Mr. White! Thank you for your years of dedication and service to the students of Pioneer High School. You will be missed.
Tesla
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
Sounds like Pioneers loss and Bollingbrooks gain. It also sounds like a lot of or all the people here complaining are parents of the troublemaker children, or staff who can't fall in line like the EMPLOYEE they are.
jns131
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
From what I am reading into this? I have to say I agree with this.
alarictoo
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
Ms. Margolis said: "I can almost personally guarantee that he knows the name of nearly every student in that building." I am still trying to wrap my mind around this complete non-statement. If Ms. Margolis was correctly quoted here, then it is hard to believe she is AAPS' Director of Communications. Is she yet another example of not getting what we are paying for?
Rod Johnson
Wed, May 23, 2012 : 10:32 p.m.
Cracked me up too. Almost personally? But not quite personally?
John Hritz
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.
This phrase seems to have been misreported: "There should be no secrets that are not confidential". White was making an argument for transparency in expectations and goals. I assume the rule regarding the orange cones was to save wear and tear on the gym floor due to street shoes. Discipline comes first, but Rangers know that they have to be able to adapt not just follow rules.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Tue, May 29, 2012 : 2:41 a.m.
Mr. White's inability to communicate clearly is not surprising.
alarictoo
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
@John - What I think Mr. White was saying in that quote is that any information that is not considered confidential student/family & employer/employee information should not be kept secret. In other words, only information that is considered confidential in nature should be kept secret. At least that's how I read it (after scratching my head the first time, too).
Dante
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
The reason education is the way it is because there are not people like Mr. White. Growing up all teachers wore ties and slacks, women wore blouses, skirts and pants. They were given the respect they deserved. They were there to educate you whether you liked them or not. Mr. White was a throw back to those days. So what he yells and is rude. Does he produce? To many soft parents out there. To many people wan tto be friends and don't do that to my child. I want discipline in the schools. That is Mr. White. So what he is collecting the pension. That is a loophole in the sytem and attack the system not him. God forbid you could retire get your pension and then get a new job and get both. That is how the syetm works.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Tue, May 29, 2012 : 2:42 a.m.
"They were given the respect they deserved." "So what he yells and is rude." Do you sense the dissonance in your argument?
A2centsworth
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
Dante, what has he produced? No one seems to be able to say anything specific. Has his being at Pioneer increased standardized testing scores? SAT scores? Where is there any documented evidence he improved anything? Last year during Senior scavenger hunt 31 Pioneer students defaced and destroyed school property.... That does not bode well for his reputation. A typerwriter is a throwback too, but it cannot replace a computer. I do not need a "stern disciplinarian" for my children. I have raised them correctly. Teaching discipline and correct behavior is the parents job, not the schools. Behavioral issues have no place in schools. School is a place to foster learning and creativity. I just see this as a lot of hype without much substance.
Tesla
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
Did you finish your home work, Scott? :)
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
If parents would do the work they're supposed to be doing at home, there wouldn't be a need for stern discipline that some mistake for rudeness.
DJ
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
Maybe I missed something - how does one retire at 51? Only if it is on the taxpayers dime. He will be collecting your tax dollars for more years then he worked, that is a sure way to bankrupt the system. Only government employees would get that deal. Makes you just sick doesn't it (and a bit jealous)? Why is it that every other working person gets nothing if they retire at 51.
Mike
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
Your catching on DJ..............It's totally unsustainable but not likely to chance until their is dire financial consequences.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
Thanks DonBee - I always wondered how those calculations were made.
DonBee
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
DJ - The magic numbers are 80 and 85, depending the situation. The number is made up of several components: 1) Your age 2) Your years of service in the system 3) Years of service you purchase (for a fee you can get credit for additional years of service) 4) Military time 5) Summer School or other out of session activities (this gives you partial year credit) So 51 (age) + 17 (time in the Michigan Schools) + 6 (Military time) + 1 (active reserve time) + x (reserve drilling time - I don't have the number of years he was in the reserve) + y (purchased years of service) + 1.25 (summer school at Pioneer). Total is 76.25 with two unknowns in it. You can purchase up to 5 years of service. So, yes he can retire at 51 - technically the lowest age one can retire at from the schools is 47.
jcj
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
What is the over and under on the number of years before we get a public official in this town that does NOT move on as SOON as they are eligible for a pension? Promote within and we might see someone stay for a few years.
Mike
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Go to a 401K system and stop the pension/benefit public servants.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 5:43 a.m.
"His military training may come out at times, but he cares immensely about the success of his students." With the "but" in there, this makes the implication that one with military training wouldn't typically be one who cares about the success of students. A very strange statement, but not one I'm surprised to hear in Ann Arbor.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Tue, May 29, 2012 : 2:43 a.m.
It was definitely a challenge for Mr. White to overcome. He managed at times, but it made him too susceptible to the dangers of authority.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
Right. It's a great qualification for the job, not something that must be overcome.
Benjammin
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 11 a.m.
I caught the same tone in this comment. The "but" disqualifies the first part of the statement. I believe that Mr. Whites military based expectations on rules and self responsibility were key to his successful approach.
a2phiggy
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 3:44 a.m.
Ludicrous. This isn't retirement - it's a resignation. Call it what it is, and don't pay benefits for life!
DonBee
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
a2phiggy - By law he earned it.
Tony Livingston
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
White has a lot of enemies as well as a lot of fans. He can be pretty darn rude to parents and I have heard teachers complain about his rudeness to them. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who think he did some great things with the school. My guess is that is the case with most principals.
A2centsworth
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
I just dont see it. Sorry folks. What exactly did this guy do?
Mike
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:17 p.m.
He's blunt and to the point. He says it like he sees it. He doesn't negotiate with students and their parents don't think that's the way to deal with their little angels. Better he goes somewhere where his style will be appreciated and the lack of discipline returns to Pioneer. How quickly people forget what this school was like. that's because kids garduate and the next classes come in and get the benefits of the improved environment. Many peoples perceptions are created by the atmosphere that exists today not the way it used to be. History repeats itself, but they don't seem to teach that anymore..............
u812
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
can't please everyone nor should a principal try.
A2centsworth
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:39 a.m.
Margolis said. "If you were to talk to the majority of his students and staff, they'd say he's tough but fair. I can almost personally guarantee that he knows the name of nearly every student in that building" I find that statement odd, as Mr. White never seemed to realize in the 4 years my son attended Pioneer, that he was a student there. He would always accuse him of not being a student and demand he leave... I am at a loss as to what "great things" he did for Pioneer, besides spending a lot of money on cameras for a school that really has no crime problem, and walking away like a hero with a lifelong pension.... Hearing him yelling at students in the hallways made me question how he can teach them respect if he wasn't showing any. Well maybe we can "credit" him with starting the new "black student union"....nice... separate but equal... a fallback to the 1950's. The problem with the Ann Arbor School system is that it fosters segretation of the races instead of unity. such things as the "african american parents day" instead of "parents day", (really?) creates separatness, maybe we will be lucky and get a new principal from the east coast.
scott
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
You're....sorry no edit button....
a2flow
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:06 a.m.
Of the three comprehensive high schools, he was by far the best. He set the expectations for everyone, and the school was better off for it. The other big high schools head administrators are horrible. Williams needs to retire, and Jackson is a cancer. Both administrators have low expectations for student behavior. I doubt AAPS will find a suitable replacement. Just look at all the money thrown at the new superintendent. A downgrade from Roberts, and she got a pay raise as well.
Mike
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
That has not been my experience with Ms. Jackson at Skyline but it was my experience with the previous administrator at Pioneer who is enjoying his retirement..............
local
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 10:59 a.m.
Not low expectations, they have been told by Dr. Green not to suspend kids or punish them for their behavior. Remember, Dr. Green has put forth a plan called the "Discipline gap" in which principals can't suspend kids because it is tied to their evaluation. My daughters elementary school is running in the same fashion, the kids run the school because they know they can. If young kids can figure that out, I am guessing older kids can as well.
a2flow
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 10:17 a.m.
Eyeheart, you are completely correct. And sadly, I think he is better than Jackson. She is absolutely horrible, but kudos to her for being the "top" administrator in Michigan.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 3:09 a.m.
Williams? Who is he again? As long as we are talking about milking the system, how about guys that retire on the job?
sasquatch
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
I wonder how much of this has to do with the current climate in Mi towards education/retirement/pensions? Why not close up your Mi career and continue in a nearby state? He will be missed, from all I have talked to close to AAP.
DonBee
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
Based on the article that announced his hiring, the state law on retirement in Michigan and the retirement system where he is going, this was the optimum time to change jobs. He has a full pension from Michigan, and can earn one in the new job if he stays to 65. The window seems to be about 3 years for him to change jobs, this is the second of those three. So I think (my guess, no proof) that he made a personal decision on this one, not one based on AAPS or the Michigan Climate. So far the Ann Arbor Administrators Association has done quite well in the recession.
sasquatch
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.
@Mike: Not sure what you mean 'play the system.' Like many private sector jobs, folks want to go where they are wanted and feel respected. Mr. White surely isn't the first person to receive a pension from one job while doing another, even if it is the same thing in a different state. If he has the mobility to move to Illinois and continue to work, and getting our of the mess here, no one can blame him.
Mike
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
So you're saying play the system.............
u812
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
I was thinking the same thing, probably something we will see more of in the future,might as well go were your education,dedication and expertise is respected by many.
48104
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
My daughter told me that this was the rumor at school last week. She is the stereotypical overachieving kid of two university parents and liked Mr. White fine. She thinks he was a good principal and that Pioneer will miss him.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Wed, May 23, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
To 'Barb' who says, "Kids who struggle in that school are an anathema to White." My son was NOT a good student and struggled academically. Mr. White truly helped him and inspired him. Thank you, Mr. White.
jns131
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
We needed him big time when we struggled with a teacher who was not doing his job. We got that straightened out and now? Really appreciate him doing what he did.
Barb
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
"She is the stereotypical overachieving kid of two university parents and liked Mr. White fine." Of course - because she never had to deal with him much, I'd bet. Kids like that have very little need for *any* kind of principal. Kids who struggle in that school are an anathema to White. I'm glad to see him go.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
You must be very proud...
thecompound
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:39 p.m.
AAPS, please do a better job filling this position than you did with the superintendent position. These are big shoes to fill, I would hate to see Pioneer go back to the environment it had been before Mr. White's arrival.
a2roots
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.
My guess is it is to late to try and change his mind on leaving. Michael White is by far the best of the three main high school principals. I spend a significant amount of time in all three high schools and the environment at Pioneer is significantly better than Huron or Skyline. Prior to his arrival at Pioneer it was absolutely awful. Whatever his approach or tactics they need to be replicated and carried on. The principals at Huron and Skyline could have learned plenty from Michael White. This is a huge loss for our school system.
jns131
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Mr White loves a challenge. He is an army man. This new school from what I hear? Could really use him. He did what he needed to do and now it is time to move on. Wow. Still surprised he is leaving, even though I have known for a while.
a2roots
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
@boo....I am a substitute teacher. I am acutely aware of the all 3 high school environments. Michael White stands head and shoulders above Jackson and Williams. Neither has appeared to learn anything from him.
boo
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
how is it that you spend a significant amount of time at all three high schools??????
David Cahill
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:09 p.m.
Ann Arbor Public Schools can well do without his tyrannical disciplinary style.
jns131
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
You got that negative number for a reason. Mr White turned that school into a school of learning. Children were afraid to go to their lockers, they were afraid to do much of anything because of the bullies and the ones who made it quite frankly a frightening place to be. When he put those cameras in? The children were the ones who told their parents to shut up about it. It was the first sense thing he did and it is, if you walk the halls as I have done recently? A beautiful serene, but chaotic during transition to walk down. No one fears anyone. So, before you say anything? Go to the Pioneer and see what has been done by a great guy who will be sorely missed. He changed the rules.
DonBee
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
Gee Mr. Cahill - If Pioneer is so bad, how did it make the top 1,000 high schools in the US and Huron now even make the list? Now it did not rank in the top 300, but at least it made the list.
Mike
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:07 p.m.
My son went to Pioneer before Mr. White and it was not a good or safe place to attend high school. We'll see if they hire another soft candidate to run the school and then see what happens to discipline and order.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 5:39 a.m.
Welcome to Ann Arbor, where expectations of decent behavior is "tyrannical."
Bridget
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
Are you for real, tyrannical because he imposed rules MOST schools outside of Ann Arbor already had in place? I hope he is replaced by someone equally as dedicated, directed, and consistent who shares crystal clear expectations with both students and staff. He is an outstanding school leader who should have been moved to the board office years ago - it badly needs a backbone (not a bat) to run this district.
a2roots
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
His tactics have turned Pioneer into a positive learning environment. Prior to his arrival it was a wild place with little discipline. Unless you have been there it is unlikely you have any clue to how it has changed.
Blerg
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
Mr. White has done an amazing job at Pioneer; anyone who doesn't see the order and high expectations he's brought just hasn't been in the trenches.
Commoncents
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
He'll be collecting a FAT retirement off the backs of the people of Ann Arbor while he's making full time pay in another district. While this is legal it's absolutely wrong and the policy needs to change. How about we put THAT on a ballot and vote on it to pay for the free ipads ?
Frustrated in A2
Wed, May 23, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.
I am eligible to retire from my job after 25 years and I will be 49 years old. After paying into a pension for 25 years I can collect that pension. So based on your theory I can't go get another job, can I come bother you then Commoncents Lol?!?!
Commoncents
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
48104: You don't judge bad behavior with other bad behavior to justify it to yourself. Also, the vast majority of the private sector isn't run by a greedy CEO. To compare the principal of a school with a CEO is ridiculous anyway. And by the way you dodged my point. If Ann Arbor schools NEEDS ipads and NEEDS to increase administrator pay at some after midnight meeting and ann arbor schools NEEDS to lay off teachers; why not offer up some ideas where cuts could be made ? For example, removing the policy that someone can collect retirement while working other full time jobs. My point: You can't have it all!
48104
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:24 a.m.
Yeah, commoncents, because those CEOs who drive share value into the ground never ever leave with golden parachutes! White's leaving Pioneer in fine shape. He worked his tenure, fair and square, so there is no legal reason to deny him his retirement money.
Commoncents
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
You guys are all crazy - Do any of you think that's how it would work in a private sector / real world job ? Like I said, nothing against the guy but he's ABSOLUTELY taking money away from the schools that could be used toward their "crisis" for new ipads and higher administrator pay. You can't have it all!!
Susie Q
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
Mr White's pension will certainly not be "off the backs of the people in Ann Arbor". During his five years here the AAPS paid into the state pension system for Mr White just like they do for all employees. When he worked in Redford they (as well as he) paid into the pension system. His new district is in Illinois, a completely different system.
Bridget
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:31 p.m.
A pension isn't a free handout, workers pay into the system through their entire career just as people do with a 401 or other program. Districts pay into the state system, with their workers, and then the state distributes the money upon retirement - not the district. What sort of common cents do you have to be talking without researching what you're putting out for public consumption. Opinions backed by ignorance is nothing more than ranting - make your opinion more than a rant - use facts.
a2roots
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
It is what it is. If he does so what. That is the system until changed. This man deserves whatever he gets. He has busted his butt and some others, rightfully so, and made Pioneer a much better place for learning.
observer
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 10:59 p.m.
JROTC in Ann Arbor, surely you jest.....they would not allow it.....although it would be a great idea.....
xmo
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
Maybe the Ann Arbor Public schools should start a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program so that people like Mr. White don't leave? Nothing like a little diversity of thought in school!
jns131
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
What I meant by UM not allowing ROTC I mean by in the schools. I know the UM and EMU have two great programs. It is just that the schools don't have it because most of the children have scholar parents or parents that don't need scholarships.
SemperFi
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
jns131: you are incorrect. UM has an active and vibrant ROTC program that includes, Army, Air Force, Navy, & USMC. It is housed in North Hall. Know what you're talking about before commenting.
jns131
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
UM won't allow it. They need engineers and et all to keep their schools full. EMU has an excellent ROTC program. I do agree, any hi school in Ann Arbor should have the ROTC program. Great scholarship programs too.
Mike
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
Are you kidding? ROTC in Ann Arbor? Never happen in a million years. Too much discipline and expectations. That would hurt the self esteem of too many kids................
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 5:36 a.m.
In this town? I agree it would be great, but I think the chances are rather slim. Those who profess to be the party of tolerance would never tolerate it.
Ron Granger
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
Is this the double dipping I read about, where you collect a nice pension and continue working?
alarictoo
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
@DonBee - Thanks for the correct information. So, by the time he is finished he stands a chance of collecting pensions from Michigan, Illinois (depending on if they have a pension system, and how it works), and the US Military; and Social Security (if it still exists). That's some retirement planning.
DonBee
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
All - Michael White will be missed, I wish him well in the new job. alarictoo - Wrong again... From the announcement at his new school: "White has been Principal at Pioneer since 2007. Prior to that he served as Principal of Pierce Middle School in South Redford, Michigan for five years, Assistant Principal at Riverside Middle School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan for four years and Assistant Principal in his home town of Jackson, Michigan for three years." With credit for his military time (yes under state law it counts) and buying a couple of years, he gets a full pension from Michigan. He is young enough that he should easily earn a new pension in his new gig.
alarictoo
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
@Ron - Maestra is correct. But, also keep in mind that Mr. White was only with AAPS for 5 years. If I remember correctly, his other school experience was outside of Michigan. It takes 10 years to be vested in the MPSERS retirement system. So, while he may be "retiring" from Pioneer, he will not be receiving a MPSERS pension. It is likely, though, that with his years of military service, he will qualify for a military pension by the time he is finished.
maestra27
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 12:03 a.m.
It would only be considered "double dipping" if he retired and then worked in another public school in Michigan. He's moving to Illinois.
jns131
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.
My post got deleted because I heard this last week. When are you folks ever going to believe me? And I am not talking pure speculation here. This guy is an absolute wonder dog and will be whole heartedly missed. Good luck Mr White.
eastsider2
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
Yep I heard it too. From a comment on this site and then verified with patch.com and triblocal.com that same day. I'd say this announcement is a bit late, but I appreciate the extra detail.