The board has the responsibility for hiring and removing from office the executive secretary and education specialist. The executive secretary is an exempt employee. The executive secretary or education specialist may be dismissed by a majority vote of the full board upon the recommendation of the chairperson and the executive committee. Prior to initiating a dismissal the executive committee will notify the department. Neglect of duty, gross inefficiency, gross incompetence, gross misconduct, malfeasance or willful violation of obligations may give cause for a recommendation for dismissal or dismissal. Before any action is taken by the board to dismiss the executive secretary or education specialist, the chairperson and one member of the executive committee will confer with the employee and provide in writing and fully explain the charges and contemplated recommendation for dismissal. The privilege of a hearing before the executive committee or full board will be granted to the employee prior to any formal action taken by the board. The employee is granted 30 days preparation time for the hearing and is entitled to present evidence, to be assisted by favorable witnesses, and to confront unfavorable witnesses at the hearing.