BUTLER TWP — The Butler School Board on Tuesday approved the hiring of a part-time public relations consultant to help with the proposed school consolidation plan.

Jason Davidek, who is the full-time spokesman and transportation director at South Butler School District, was named to the position. He will be paid $37.50 an hour for his time which is not to exceed 80 hours total.

Dale Lumley, Butler superintendent, said Davidek will work on the district’s communication plan and specifically will focus on the consolidation plan.

“I’m pressed with a number of other issues so I told the board I wanted help with the communication plan,” Lumley said. “The consolidation has become an important issue to everyone, so we’re seeking his help.”

The consolidation plan would close five elementary schools, move fifth and sixth graders to the current junior high, move seventh and eighth graders to the current intermediate with ninth graders and move 10th graders to the high school with 11th and 12th graders.

These changes would occur in the fall if the plan gets final approval in May from the board.

Davidek said in a statement, “While I welcome this new opportunity, my first commitment will be to my current position as an administrator with the South Butler County School District.

“All communications consulting work will be conducted from my home office and will be subject to the approval of our superintendent and board of school directors.”

The Butler School Board met in executive session for nearly an hour during Tuesday night’s meeting before Davidek was hired.