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The Grand Coulee Dam School District board approved a number of hires, allowed a leave of absence, and approved the retirement of a veteran counselor at its meeting Monday night.

The board met in the new school after providing a tour of the building for the North Central Washington Educational Service District board of directors and Superintendent Richard McBride and hosting the group for an evening dinner. The board meeting started at 7 p.m.

The board approved eight hires for the 21st Century SHARP Kids program. Hired for that program were Stephanie Baldwin, team leader; Brian Daniels, evening leader; Hanna Doughty, morning program; Josh Kelton, leader; Dee Owen, leader; Shayla Picard, team leader; Jeremiah Seekins 10th-12th grade leader; and Matt Simpson, morning program.

Mike Wilson was hired as a two-hour evening custodian and Julie Hart was hired as a three-hour bus driver.

In other action, the board expanded bus driver Kenneth Long’s hours from 1 to 3.25 hours.

Debra Jimenez was given a one-year leave of absence from her junior high cheer coaching duties and 12 weeks maternity leave from her para-educator position.

Veteran counselor Rosella Covington, who has served 17 years as counselor at the middle school and is now counselor at the elementary wing at the new school, was granted her retirement request.

In a letter to the board and administration she thanked the school district for the opportunity to serve students in the district.