Central Valley School District teachers are ready to give up sick days to help a coworker fighting for her life against the H1N1 virus.

But they were less than thrilled with the district's proposal that calls for them to give up two days for every one granted -- at half pay -- to their colleague, fifth-grade teacher Robin Sampson.

"It's not what has been done in the past, nor is it what any other district utilizes," said Tracy Whipkey, president of one of the unions representing Central Valley teachers.

About 50 teachers attended last night's school board meeting to protest, asking the board for a straight-up, one-to-one "sick day bank."

After meeting privately on the issue for close to an hour, the board approved a 30-day one-to-one sick day bank, long enough to keep Ms. Sampson at full pay and benefits until after the next board meeting.

"This gives the board some time to explore some other options," board president Rob Gradisek said.

Ms. Sampson taught in Monaca for seven years, despite long-standing kidney problems that have led to three transplants. She moved to Todd Lane Elementary School in Center when Monaca merged with Center Area to form Central Valley School District.

According to her sister, Mary Klaas, Ms. Sampson became ill Oct. 15 and was hospitalized the next day. She was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and pneumonia, then suffered a pulmonary embolism and kidney failure.

Ms. Sampson's sick days ran out Dec. 11, and her health care benefits are set to expire at the end of the year.

"It was never our intent to let her benefits run out," former Monaca Superintendent Mike Thomas said. Dr. Thomas, who serves as superintendent of merger affairs for Central Valley, said she could get more time under the Family Medical Leave Act or other disability programs.

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