The reduction calls for cutting kindergarten staff by one, reducing the kindergarten program to half-day if the full-day kindergarten grant is not available, reducing second grade staff by one and eliminating family/consumer science, eliminating elementary music and art, and reducing special education teachers by one.

The timing of the board’s action was a deadline issue, because staff members need to be notified prior to May 1 of reduction in force possibilities.

Mellon also told the board that because of the number of retirements and resignations in the school system this year, there is a strong possibility of reducing positions without letting go staff.

In other business, Tony Kuykendall from Performance Services presented an update on the wind turbine project. The board voted to proceed with the project as presented, and it also approved advertising for the public hearing on the project.

Also in other business, the board voted to approve a vision statement, outlining the strategies through which the corporation goals may be reached.

The board agreed to contract with Mambo Schools to design the corporation webpage.

Susan Overton, along with students and parents who participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, presented the board with the traveling polar bear and a plaque. The students won in three different categories this year. This is the second year in a row they have won the traveling bear.

The board accepted resignations from teachers Andree Lavignette, Keilah Brown and Jacqueline Byers; and from Amber Leman as cheerleading coach and student council advisor, and Hallie Haring as girls junior varsity basketball coach.

Leave requests were approved for Amber Leman (maternity leave) and Michelle Potter of the Cooperative school (extended maternity leave).

The board approved the first reading of the policy manual revision concerning the eligibility of students to participate in commencement.

Under discussion items, Mellon updated the board on the track project. He also made the board aware that Joanne Stevens is volunteering with the boys golf program, assisting Rob Evans this year.

The board approved the request from the after-prom committee to use school buses to transport the students to Illinois after the prom, which will be held on May 14.

The board also gave approval for the high school play to be held on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9.

Approval was given to Alex Warren and the high school band to plan a trip to Orlando, Fla. next year, providing all of the details can be worked out.

Following the regular meeting the board met in executive session for job performance evaluations.