April 12, 2002

William K. Grizzell, Superintendent Boone County Schools
10 Marland Ave
Hamlin, WV 25523

Dear Mr. Grizzell:

I am in receipt of your request for a Superintendent's Interpretation dated February 1, 2002, pertaining to the provisions of West Virginia Code 18A-2-2(g) which provides an incentive bonus to teachers who, on or before February 2, 2002, announce their impending retirement.

Specifically, you ask:

Would a teacher be entitled to this bonus when she announces her retirement prior to February 1, such retirement to become effective March 29, 2002, not completing the school year?

Pursuant to the language of West Virginia Code 18A-2-2(g), the answer is no. West Virginia Code 18A-2-2(g) specifically states:

Any classroom teacher who gives written notice to the county board of education on or before the first day of February of the school year of their resignation or retirement from employment with the board at the conclusion of the school year shall be paid five hundred dollars . . . (Emphasis added)

Therefore, because this particular teacher will retire prior to and not at the conclusion of the 2002 school year, she will not be eligible for the five hundred dollar incentive bonus.

Hoping that I have been of service, I am

Sincerely,

/s/