Superintendent Brian Johnson and the Cherokee County Board of Education are keeping an eye on the current flu bug making its way through the Cherokee County School System. At this point, the adults seem to be suffering worse than the students.

“Today we had 357 absent,” Johnson reported during a recent board meeting. “On an average day, without any type of sickness, we are going to run close to 280 to 300 students absent anyway. It doesn’t seem to be elevated as much at this point.

"We’ve had a lot of teachers out. I’ve talked to Mr. Pearson, our transportation supervisor, and he let me know that it is really hard to get bus drivers. A lot of bus drivers are sick. The bus shop guys are having to drive.”

Johnson said they would continue to monitor the situation.

The board met in executive session for disciplinary hearings involving two Centre Middle School students.

In personnel action, the board:

-Approved a leave of absence for Wendy Burkhead who will be on maternity leave from March 19-May 5, 2008.

-Approved the support personnel placement of Lynda Spellman as bookkeeper at Centre Elementary School effective Feb. 25.

-Approved a job posting for library aide at Centre Elementary School (eight hours per day).

In other business, the board:

-Adopted Access textbooks and technology materials.

-Approved bills for payment.

The next board meeting is March 4, beginning at 6 p.m., at the board office