The Salida School Board voted 5-2 this week to deny long-term leave to a Salida High School teacher diagnosed with breast cancer. 

The story was published online by the Mountain Mail and it generated several comments critical of the board and Superintendent David Blackburn. Words like Disgraceful, ridiculous, repulsive, and appalling were thrown about. 

A letter written by the teacher was read aloud during the meeting stating that denying the long-term leave would result in her losing her Family and Medical Leave insurance, which pays a portion of her salary. 

The conversation among board members before the vote was centered around “policy”. 

Superintendent Blackburn joined Dan R for a conversation about “policy” and more clarification concerning the vote. Click on the link for interview.      

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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