Binghamton City School District is expecting a total of 41 retirements for 2026, a 6% loss to the total population of 600 staff members including teachers, administration and other members of the district.
By the numbers, the biggest impact will be at the elementary level, with 15 elementary school teachers departing. The district will also be losing two math teachers, six special education teachers, one French teacher, one school psychologist, one music teacher, one social studies teacher, two art teachers, one science teacher, two reading teachers, four teaching assistants, one physical therapist, one health teacher, two English teachers and one business teacher.
Typically, the district sees retirement numbers averaging between 10 and 15. Superintendent Tonia Thompson said in a recent interview the high number of retirements is a reflection of people working beyond the age of 55 for a number of different reasons.
The situation is not unprecedented in Binghamton schools. Over 30 years ago, the district went through a “mass exodus” of retirements, Thompson said. During that time, she said, the district had to hire about 80 new teachers, and now many of those teachers are approaching retirement.
Out of the 41 positions that will be stepping away from the district, Thompson estimated only 10 will have to be filled — most of the positions will be filled by already existing staff like long-term substitute teachers and participants of the teacher mentor program, a partnership between Broome-Tioga BOCES Board of Cooperative Educational Services which started in 2025.
Once Theodore Roosevelt is reopened — construction on the new elementary school building is scheduled to begin in the fall — Thompson will review enrollment rates to determine whether certain courses can be downsized, a process that is done regularly to keep a balanced teacher-to-student ratio.
Retirements are coming at a time when the district is actively redesigning school zones and resizing, which the district believes will save both money and time.
How is the district preparing incoming teachers?
Experienced teachers who are retiring will act as mentors for the incoming staff to guide them along the way, especially when it comes to programs like the PLAN pilot. As staff and students prepare for the renovations at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, the district will relocate some teachers to open retirement positions.
The district also has a professional learning time built into the curriculum that gives teachers time to discuss classroom success, brainstorm ideas and learn from their peers. Also, for new incoming teachers there is a two-week orientation period highlighting district expectations and internal support.
Where is the BCSD in the hiring process?
The district is “actively interviewing” potential candidates to fill the needed positions, a process that began in February, and Thompson said she is “optimistic.” Traditionally, student teachers and long-term substitutes usually get first dibs.
Overall Thompson is not worried about replacing elementary teachers; her concern is for positions like psychologists, technology, and business, areas where she says it can be difficult to find qualified candidates.
When faced with the possibility of unfilled positions, school districts have to revisit their course offerings and evaluate how to combine classes to combat personnel costs depending on student interest. For Thompson, constantly reviewing and weighing student interest against course distribution is nothing new.
Binghamton saying goodbye to these teachers, staff in 2026
The following teachers and staff members are leaving the BCSD in 2026. Unless otherwise noted, their last day will be June 30.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: How Binghamton schools are preparing for high number of 2026 retirees
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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