GALLIPOLIS — Rick Bowman, who retired as principal at Rio Grande Elementary School at the end of the last school year, will be back in the same position when school begins next month.

In a special meeting Tuesday, the Gallipolis City Board of Education approved Bowman’s employment as principal on a 4-1 vote, with Board President J.R. Sauer casting the dissenting vote.

Sauer stressed that his vote was not against Bowman, but about his dissatisfaction with what he called an “antiquated policy” surrounding the re-employment of retired staff, which the district has done primarily to save on costs.

The recommendation from Superintendent Jack Payton to re-employ Bowman, as it has for rehired retirees, includes language allowing for “waiver of resignation and health insurance benefits,” which officials said is where the greatest saving has been found.

Board members added that while they aren’t fond of the option of re-employing retirees, the practice has prevented the layoffs of teachers and support staff.

“I know it’s saved jobs in the district,” Board Vice President Bob Cornwell said. “It’s simply to keep this district afloat.”

Prior to vote, the board heard from Rio Grande teachers and one student who voiced support for rehiring Bowman, who was given a 3-year contract.

In other action, the board accepted the supplemental contract resignation of Rick Howell as eighth grade assistant football coach, which was effective Wednesday.

Employed on supplemental contracts for 2009-10 were Howell as eighth grade head football coach; Joshua Riffe, varsity assistant football coach; Scott Saunders, eighth grade assistant football coach; Winston Saunders, seventh grade head football coach; Vicky Shaffer, eighth grade volleyball coach; Brent Simms, JV wrestling coach; Valorie Tabor, seventh grade volleyball coach; and Brett Wilson, varsity assistant football coach.

Kelly Hesson was employed as a substitute aide, EMIS coordinator and secretary for 2009-10, and the board also approved change orders before entering an executive session to discuss negotiations.