School board member resigns

FOWLER, Ind - A member of the Benton School board has resigned.  Diane Hawkins was first appointed to the position in January 2002. The Board of Trustees accepted Hawkins' resignation as a board member on March 16, during the board's regular meeting.

Hawkins resignation takes effect April 1. Her current term was scheduled to end December 31, 2012. She represented District II. Superintendent Ross Sloat said Hawkins did not run for reelection to the board last fall, but remained on the board as no one else ran for her seat.

"The board hopes to appoint someone to complete her term when it meets April 20, and is accepting letters of interest for the seat until April 15," said Sloat in a news release. " Applicants must be qualified voters who are residents of Hickory Grover or Parish Grove Townships, and shall have been residents of the State of Indiana for at least two years and one year in the school corporation immediately preceding the appointment." If the board does not fill the vacant seat with 30 days, it becomes the duty of the Judge of the Benton circuit Court to make the appointment.

There are 12 regularly scheduled board meetings per year. In addition, the board holds work sessions and executive sessions as necessary. Board members receive an annual stipend of $2,000.

Applicants should mail or deliver their letters of interest to Superintendent Ross Sloat, Benton Community School Corporation, 405 South Grant Avenue, P.O. Box 512, Fowler, IN 47944.