MISSOULA — A state higher education official says the University of Montana will offer buyouts or early retirement options to 80 to 100 employees in an effort to reduce school spending.
The Missoulian reported Wednesday that the offer was made mostly to longtime faculty. Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education spokesman Kevin McRae says a proposed $2 million appropriation may pay for faculty termination costs such as sick leave. The appropriation passed through the Senate and will be at the House for consideration later this week.
If the appropriation is not approved, any money for the buyout program would be taken from the university’s operating budget.
McRae says UM is still unsure on how much money it will save with the buyouts.