The Chesapeake Union Exempted Village School District Board of Education voted to

hire a temporary superintendent of schools and to transfer surplus funds for school construction last night.

The board approved a paid leave of absence for Superintendent Fred S. Wood, Jr. from June 1 to July 31, which is the end of his term.

Theresa Adkins, curriculum and federal program supervisor for the district, was appointed as a temporary superintendent from June 1 to July 31, or until a new superintendent is hired.

Lilly said Adkins was chosen because of her years of service and because of her familiarity with teachers and the degrees and specialties they have. He said that she will be crucial in moving employees into other positions to avoid hiring new people.

Thursday afternoon, the board will begin interviewing its candidates for superintendent. The board will conduct these meetings in executive session.

Board members also voted to transfer $173,684.04 from a contingency insurance fund, which is money that was set aside from a general fund to cover insurance claims.

Carl P. Lilly, board president, said the money that was transferred was a surplus from one year when there were fewer insurance claims than expected. He emphasized that this surplus did not come from employees’ money.

The board then voted to transfer it into a fund for permanent improvement. In this fund, money will go toward the construction of a new elementary school.

During the meeting, Larry Morgan, president of the Chesapeake Local Teachers Association, said a new budget has enough money to go to the permanent improvement fund.

However, Lilly said it is questionable as to whether or not the budget will actually increase.

&uot;There may have to be some cuts in the funding for education for the whole state of Ohio because of the budget deficit,&uot; he said. &uot;We’re getting notes and letters saying there could be one.&uot;

The new elementary school will cost the district $400,000 to $600,000, 15 percent of the actual cost of the school. The money is being borrowed from the state and will be repaid with no interest for five years. Amelia A. Pridemore/The Ironton Tribune