The Panther Valley school board has approved the use of a therapy dog in the district on a trial basis.

Eighth-grade teacher Kim Laird presented the idea to the board last month, and on Thursday they agreed to a trial period running through the end of the year, including the Extended School Year program.The program will follow the Mutt-i-grees curriculum, a program used nationwide that emphasizes social and emotional learning.The therapy dog will be used in the life skills support and emotional support programs.Based on the outcome of the trial period, the board will revisit the program and decide whether to consider a more permanent presence.The school board also accepted the resignation of two longtime teachers Thursday night.Lisa Eberts announced that she will retire in June after 30.5 years as a teacher in the district. Eberts taught English.Bobbi Paparozzi will retire after 23 years in the district. She is a special-education teacher.Superintendent Dennis Kergick thanked them for their service."I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to both ladies for their service to the students and families of the Panther Valley School District," he said.