POINT PLEASANT — When employees of the Mason County School System take a day off, substitutes are called to work via an automated notification system.

But that system has been the root of problems for some substitutes, mainly school bus drivers that claim they are not being called for available jobs.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Mason County Board of Education, members addressed concerns regarding the notification system.

According to Stephen Kingery, who serves as director of Secondary Education and helped analyze grievances that have been filed against the system, many of the calls being made to potential substitutes are not being answered. He said the problem could be the substitutes’ phone companies, especially if cell phones were being used and the individual was in an area with poor reception.

Teresa Warner, board vice president, acknowledged problems with the system, adding that she thinks it’s flawed.

“I’d like to get rid of it,” she said.

That opinion wasn’t shared by everyone on the board. Tom Nunnery, board president, said he would prefer to keep the system in place but possibly alter it so that bus drivers would be handled separately, and board member Mick Cottrill said he appreciated the fairness the system offered.

Board members discussed visiting other school systems that have implemented the program to see how it works there.

“If (the system) works everywhere else, it can work here,” Nunnery added.

Board member Dale Shobe said the system also could be a factor in the school system’s high rate of absenteeism, adding that it’s much easier to call off when talking to an automated machine rather than an administrator.

The issue will be discussed further at a meeting next month.

In other business, school board members:

• Heard an update on the Office of Educational Performance Audits’ report of Point Pleasant Primary School and various programs there, including ones that deal with technology and health. The report, which details some of the improvements that were recommended and how the staff is addressing them, will be sent for review and approval by the West Virginia Department of Education before becoming part of the school’s strategic plan.

• Were updated on the work-base learning program, which allows students to earn high school credit through employment or volunteer work at local businesses.

• Were asked to consider salary increases for service personnel and teachers. Warner encouraged those requesting the increases to get involved in the budget process and attend an upcoming meeting with local legislators.

• Unanimously approved the continuation of deeming a student as dangerous following a 20-minute closed hearing.

• Met in two executive sessions totaling 85 minutes to discuss personnel.

• Adjourned at 10:45 p.m.

The next regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.