Jun 12, 2008

Ava R-I School Board held a special meeting Thursday, June 5, to accept resignations and hire personnel for the ensuing school year. During the session board members also adopted a policy to replace the sick leave pool program discontinued at the conclusion of this school year. Brett Mitchell was hired to teach middle school physical education / health, and driver's education, and resignations were accepted from Dan Swofford, high school history teacher, and Jason Puryear, middle school physical education and health. The approved sick leave pool program is a basic plan that offers two choices for individuals who opt to participate. The policy provides school personnel with the option to accumulate 50 sick leave days, or to accumulate 100 days. The program has a "cash-in" option as a bonus for accumulating days, or provides a safe guard option allowing pooled days to be used for unforeseen hardships. This benefit is available to all school employees who qualify for sick leave; however, participation in the program is elective. Dr. Andy Underwood, district superintendent, said those who participated in the previous plan will be credited for days reserved under the old program. He noted there were 54.7 days left in the pool and those days will be given back. All board members were present for the meeting. The school board meets again on Thursday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building.