MEXICO — The Region 9 board accepted the resignations of four staff members Wednesday night, including that of fire science instructor Craig Wade.Staffers Marc Dupuis, longtime forestry instructor, and Sally Yarnish, the adult education secretary for nearly 20 years, are retiring.

The resignation of custodian Carlton Dickey was also accepted.

Wade, a graduate of Region 9 School of Applied Technology, was the first instructor in the vocational school’s new fire science program that began in the fall of 2011.

His resignation was effective Wednesday, and came on the heels of a nearly hourlong executive session, most of the time with Wade meeting with the board, and about 15 minutes when the board met with Director Brenda Gammon.

However, Gammon said the executive session was not related to Wade’s resignation.

Board Chairman Norman Clanton said after the session that no action would be taken.

Gammon said the last few days of Wade’s classes will be filled by a substitute.

The letter of resignation stated that he had appreciated and enjoyed the chance to teach and to learn during his nearly yearlong stint with Region 9 students.

Board member Betty Barrett said she was pleased that Wade was the instructor for the first year of the program.

A farewell/appreciation open house for Yarnish and Dupuis was scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. June 13 at the River Road school.

Yarnish will be officially done Aug. 1, and Dupuis on Aug. 28.

“They’ve provided a tremendous service to the school,” Gammon said.

In other matters, Adult Education Director Nancy Allen said 29 adults will graduate from the program at a ceremony at Mountain Valley High School at 6:30 p.m. June 11.

She said 29 is among the highest number of adult graduates during the past few years. Among them are two people who have worked eight and 10 years to earn their diplomas, she said.

The board also approved a plan that is meant to keep the entire membership better informed about the development of the annual budget.

Board and Finance Committee member Wayne Thurston outlined a full-day workshop for all board members on Feb. 6, 2013. At that time, members will meet with instructors in their classrooms as well as individually to discuss budget needs.

Following the workshop, the Finance Committee will keep the remaining board members up to date with the budget development.

The action came about because some board members, who are not on the Finance Committee, wanted more information and input in the budget development process. In the past, the Finance Committee has spent numerous hours sifting through budget lines, reviewing requests and presenting a proposed budget to the full board.