(File Photo/Stephanie Elverd) Marshall County Board of Education members attend a past meeting. Shown, from left, are Lori Kestner, Vice President Christie Robison, President John Miller and Duane Miller. This week the board approved reductions in force in preparation for the next school year. Each year at this time the district goes through its reduction in force and hiring process. The number of teachers and aides is based on the number of students. The district is permitted to add employees throughout the year, but can only do RIFs before a new school year begins.

MOUNDSVILLE – In preparation for the next school year, Marshall County Board of education members approved several personnel matters this week including reductions in force.

The board’s agenda listed 17 different people whose employment was recommended for termination by reduction in force by Superintendent Shelby Haines.

In a previous report, Haines talked about the district’s declining enrollment, something that 50 out of 55 counties in the state are experiencing. Each year at this time the district goes through its reduction in force and hiring process. The number of teachers and aides is based on the number of students. The district is permitted to add employees throughout the year, but can only do RIFs before a new school year begins.

As part of the RIF process, employees are entitled to a hearing with the board to dispute the proposed action. None decided to have a hearing.

“These people all did have the opportunity for a hearing,” Haines said. “They all got their notifications and had an opportunity for a hearing. And so this final approval will allow us to begin posting the service personnel positions and any other position Thursday of this week so we can start getting ready for next year. Because it will literally take all summer to get people back.”

Board President John Miller said he wanted to thank Haines, Assistant Superintendent Karen Ullom, human resources Director David Soltesz and the principals for making those employees aware of what was happening and why it was happening.

“That we didn’t have any hearings is a compliment to all the good work we did,” he added.