Six months after his position was first eliminated as part of a controversial series of budget cuts, then reintroduced part-time, Tom Black was restored to working full-time as the dean of students of Coupeville schools.

The news was announced by Superintendent Steve King in an email to the community on Dec. 15.

In September, the school informed the community that Assistant Principal Leonard Edlund was set to be on medical leave until at least January 2024, which prompted a temporary reinstatement of Black as a part-time dean. But once again the plan has changed, with Edlund not being able to return for the remainder of the school year due to his health.

The district has been considering hiring an interim assistant principal for the rest of the 2023-24 school year, potentially starting Feb. 1.

Currently, according to King’s email, the school is changing its plans for staffing and administration support while considering the possible financial implications. Unavoidably, expenses will increase, despite the district going through tough financial times.

In his email, King wrote he would inform the community once a new plan is finalized.