POINT PLEASANT — Members of the Mason County Board of Education are debating how to encourage employees to attend work rather than miss.

During their meeting Tuesday, board members discussed sick-leave bonuses as an incentive to cut down on absenteeism. The bonuses would be given to employees who do not use their allotment of sick days, allowing them to be paid for days that are not used.

Prior to the meeting, board members had asked Treasurer Chris Campbell to research the idea by speaking with other West Virginia county systems. He reported Tuesday that a majority of West Virginia counties do not have such a program, and those that do are considering changes to eliminate the bonus.

“They found it does not help absenteeism,” he said.

Board Vice President Teresa Warner said she was not against the bonus system but would rather give employees an across-the-board pay raise.

President Tom Nunnery pointed out that with the economy in a recession, tax revenues would not be as big, and if the board gives a raise to its employees, they would have to make sure there is enough money in the budget to cover all of the salaries including the raise.

“We cannot take a raise back if we give it,” Nunnery said.

Board members agreed to discuss the issue further when work begins on the upcoming year’s budget.

In other business, board members:

• Approved graduation dates and times for the local high schools. Commencement exercises will be 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at Hannan High School; 7 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Wahama High School; and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at Point Pleasant High School.

• Were asked about pay raises for teachers. Rick White and Jeff Martin discussed the issue, stating that West Virginia ranks 47th in the nation in teacher salaries.

• Were updated on energy usage in schools. Gary Walbrown said there are two properties using more energy than others: the former Point Pleasant Middle School and the Central Office building. He added that there has been an increase in energy costs due to the cold winter.

Because of insurance on the building, water and heat need to be maintained at the middle school property, which costs approximately $86,000.

• Met in executive session for 60 minutes.

• Approved an employee disciplinary hearing for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25.

• Approved Local School Improvement Council sessions for 6:30 p.m. March 17 at New Haven Elementary School and March 31 at Ashton Elementary School.

The next regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24.