POL 5.211 Retirement Benefit

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Kirtland Community College offers certain retirement plan options and benefits. The college shall contribute to either the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS)or an optional retirement plan (ORP), as required by law.

Employees under an administrative contract may elect either MPSERS or an ORP. All other classified staff are enrolled through MPSERS. 

Eligible employees shall designate the plan in which they wish to participate within the first 75 days of employment. The selection is irrevocable after that time.

SICK LEAVE PAYOUT BENEFIT AT RETIREMENT

Unused sick leave for all administrative or classified staff confirmed eligible for full retirement benefits under either MPSERS or an ORP shall be paid per the following schedule at the employee’s daily (hourly) rate of pay at the time of retirement. 

• 0-15 years of service – 50%
• 15-20 years of service – 75%
• 20 + years of service – 100%

The computation shall be based upon 260 days (2080 hours), divided into the annual base salary. There is a maximum payout of 120 days (960 hours) and a $45,000 total payout limit.

Sick leave payout under this provision will be made to the 403(b) Special Pay Plan administered by a retirement services provider designated by the college as allowable by law. 

October 18, 1990
Revised April 10, 2003
Revised April 19, 2018
Reviewed and Revised September 11, 2025