The board of trustees of any school district newly formed within the last twelve (12) months through the consolidation of two (2) or more school districts may offer a one (1) time severance payment to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the employees that were previously employed by the separate school districts. Such severance offers shall be made entirely at the discretion of the board of trustees, and shall not be bound by custom, seniority or contractual commitment. Employees are under no obligation to accept a severance offer. Any employee accepting a severance payment shall not be eligible for reemployment by the school district for a one (1) year period thereafter.
The severance payment shall consist of fifty-five percent (55%) of the salary-based apportionment funds allocated for the employee in the last year, plus any applicable state paid employee benefits. Such severance shall be reduced by one-half (1/2) for any employee who is simultaneously receiving a disbursement of early retirement incentive funds. The state department of education shall reimburse eligible school districts for one hundred percent (100%) of such costs, upon application by the school district.