Please explain DROP. Sounds like a scam.
Basically, you reach retirement age/date and join the program (usually 5 years from date you actually plan to retire, but you can leave the program and retire sooner if you choose).
During that time, you stop accruing years of service...but you continue to draw your normal paycheck. While you continue working, you draw your retirement into an account that you will receive in a lump sum or periodic disbursements paid at the end of the DROP period.
The biggest issue I have with DROP - those in the program can choose to return to work after 1 month (before 7/1/2010) or after 6 months (after 7/1 2010)and begin working again drawing a paycheck, while still drawing retirement.
The original reason for DROP was to slow the loss of highly qualified teachers during a teacher shortage. Today, it is no longer needed...and is one reason why new teachers cannot find employment.