The teacher of the year for each of the Durant ISD district’s six schools was recognized during the regular meeting of the Durant ISD Board of Education on Monday evening.

Each of the six teachers was introduced by the principal of the school at which they teach. They each received a plaque adorned with a large bell on top.

They also received a gift basket donated by Doctor Pepper and Snapple. The basket were worth $100 each.

This year’s teachers of the year are Carrie Hogan from Durant High School, Mara Richards from Durant Middle School, Laurie Curtis from Durant Intermediate School, Joan Wright from Northwest Heights Elementary, Sheri Cavender from Robert E. Lee, and Paula Brumley from Washington Irving.

A brief recess was held after the awards were announced so that the teachers could have a small reception.

The board also approved the hire of approximately five new employees in Durant schools including teachers’ assistants, a technician and a child nutrition employee.

Also approved in the meeting was the superintendent’s recommendation to dismiss Beverly Bearden from her teaching position at Durant High School.

Bearden was seen leaving the school at the end of the last school day before fall break. Bearden did not return after the break and has not had contact with any person at the school since that day.

Several attempts were made to contact her, including calling her cell phone, going to her listed residence and contacting her daughter.

Her listed residence appeared vacant and her daughter reported that she contacted Bearden’s boyfriend who said she may be at her other house in Dallas.

Notification of a hearing to dismiss Bearden was sent to her listed residence but as of Monday evening she had still made no contact.

The board approved the recommendation for the dismissal of Bearden effective immediately.