FRANKLIN—The Franklin School Board Thursday decided that Human Resources Director Gail Wade and Associate Director of Instruction Beverly Rabil would fill in for Superintendent Dr. Michelle Belle, who has been out due to doctor’s orders.

Wade will fill in until Monday, July 30, when Rabil, who is designated to act on Belle’s behalf, returns from vacation.

Belle has been out since early of June due to illness, Wade said.

“She’s out under doctor’s care,” Wade said. “She has not been released to come back.”

Wade wouldn’t discuss the illness and didn’t know when Belle would be back, but noted that school officials communicate with her on a regular basis.

“We talk at least several times a week,” Wade said.

Board Chairwoman Edna King said the board is sorry Belle’s out sick and wishes her a speedy recovery.

“I think she regrets she’s not here during this time of year with all that’s going on,” King said. “Relevant staff have been able to keep her in the loop.”