By Jessica Dillon
The Martinsville City School Board approved a limited sick leave buyback program for long serving employees and reviewed special education grant funding during a recent meeting.
The new plan allows employees with at least 15 years of service to receive payment for unused sick days when they retire.
“Gone are the days that teachers are retiring with 100, 200 days as they had back in the day,” board Chair Yvonne Givens said. “So we were trying to figure out what we could afford. We mentioned some thing to Mr. Clemmons. He has researched it. He’s gotten all the jargon for us, and we look forward to hearing what you have to say.”
Under the proposal, eligible employees may cash in up to 40 unused sick days at a rate of $25 per day.
“That would add on a maximum additional amount of $1,000 of paid sick leave to the package as a retirement incentive for, again, longevity and attendance,” said Travis Clemmons, executive di rector of administrative services.
“We know that doesn’t sound like much, but it’s better than nothing,” Givens said.
In other matters, the board:
• Considered grant requests, including $597,373 through the fed eral 611 grant program for grades K-12. The funding would support three special education teachers and 14 paraprofessionals.
• Considered $8,084.43 through the 619 grant for early childhood special education to fund part of a special education teacher position.
• Recognized 4-H public speaking contest winners Kayleigh Marsh and Natalie Carawan, presented by Cameron Cooper.
• Recognized state wrestling medalist Hananias Rueda-Balcazar.
• Recognized state swimming medalist Sherman Dillard.
