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Teacher facing termination agrees to resign with pay
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · December 14, 2017


A teacher recommended for termination instead resigned with pay and agreed not to return, which the Board of Education approved Friday.


Dina L. Hull, who taught at West Branch Schools since 2013, submitted a letter of resignation effective at the end of the day Friday; the school board met at 5 p.m. that same day to approve a “Voluntary Agreement for Separation from Employment.”

Board President Julie Sexton appeared in person and board members Keith Schultes, Amanda Whaley and Jodi Yeggy phoned in for the six-minute meeting in the superintendent’s office.

Superintendent Kevin Hatfield read through the agreement and board members asked no questions nor engaged in any discussion. Schultes made the motion to accept the agreement, which Yeggy seconded.

An attempt to reach Hull by phone was unsuccessful.

“I hereby resign as a teacher with the West Branch Community School District, effective at the end of the school day on December 8, 2017,” read Hull’s letter to Hatfield and the board. “I ask the Board to accept my resignation. Very truly yours, Dina Hull”

Hull taught fourth grade at Hoover Elementary for two years and then math at West Branch Middle School for the last year and a half. Her resignation comes less than two weeks before the end of the semester on Dec. 21.

Hatfield declined to give a reason why he was recommending Hull’s termination.

“This is a legal agreement between two parties,” he said.

Key points of the agreement include:

• Her contract was set to run through June 30, 2018 and she will be paid her monthly salary until then. According to school records, Hull was paid about $42,500 last year.

• While she will receive a salary, Hull will not be entitled to compensation for vacation days, holidays, paid leave or other benefits.

• “For references, the District will provide only information regarding positions held and dates of employment.”

• Had Hull not turned in a letter of resignation by 4 p.m. Dec. 8, the school board would hold a hearing Wednesday, Dec. 13, to consider “the Superintendent’s Recommendation to Terminate Employee’s Contract.” Hatfield originally brought the issue to the board’s attention at its November meeting, where he noted that Hull, who at the time had not been publicly named, requested such a hearing.

• Hull had until the end of the day Friday to remove her personal effects and return any district property in her possession, like keys and key cards.

• “Employee will conduct herself in a professional manner with regards to any communications with parents, students and staff and will meet all teaching obligations and Standards until the effective date of the Employee’s resignation.”

• “Employee will not be employed by the District in any capacity in the future.”

Hatfield said the school district will bring in a substitute teacher while beginning the search for a full-time replacement.