School board OKs resignation, rehiring

COLUMBIANA -- The board of education approved the resignation of John Scardino, Joshua Dixon Elementary School principal, then rehired him on a one-year contract for the 2003-04 school year.
Board Member Robert Rubicky cast the lone dissenting vote on both actions. He said he is philosophically opposed to the practice.
Superintendent Patricia Hura said the actions allow Scardino to begin collecting his State Teachers Retirement System pension and be paid $67,900 for the school year. She said often veteran educators and administrators will retire from a district and then take another job elsewhere while collecting their pensions.
Scardino has more than 30 years of experience. Hura said, "We're keeping a principal who has a wonderful rapport with the pupils, staff and parents."