MOUNT VERNON — Maintaining effective educational programs and instructional support services in tough economic times is a challenge for school districts. School officials must juggle balancing the budget, while retaining experienced and highly qualified faculty and staff.

Retire/rehire is one option available to districts. That means the employee officially retires from his or her position with the school, then returns to that position, with the school board’s approval. Pat Miller, treasurer of Fredericktown Local Schools, said not everyone who requests a rehire is in fact re-employed. The boards closely look at the person’s qualifications and experience before making a decision.