While the hottest topic on last night’s Newton Community School District Board of Education agenda garnered plenty of discussion by board members, those it affects will have to wait at least another two weeks for a decision.

On the matter of instituting an early retirement option for part-time staff who have put in several years of work with the district, the board was cautious how such a plan might fare financially.

“We had some long-timers that wanted the policy considered, so they came to the board and asked,” NCSD Superintendent Steve McDermott said. “What we have to remember is that every hour that every person in this district works is paid for, so this goes above and beyond; it’s a financial tool.”