Grant High teacher called to active duty

Grant Community High School teacher Jeff Austin was supposed to teach introduction to art this school year.

Instead, he's headed to Afghanistan with his U.S. Army Reserve unit, school officials confirmed Tuesday.

Austin, a teacher at the Fox Lake school since 2007, was deployed Friday.

The Woodstock resident had learned he was headed to the Middle East this past spring, so school officials were prepared for his departure, Superintendent John Benedetti said.

Austin's tour is expected to last 400 days, so he'll miss part of the 2011-12 school year, too.

Benedetti believes Austin is the first Grant teacher deployed to Afghanistan during the war there, which is now in its eighth year.

"We're always going to be worried for the troops (there), but obviously this one is very, very special to us," Benedetti said. "We expect him back here in 400 days."

Austin got married last month and has no children, Benedetti said.

Austin will be on leave until his tour ends. He will continue to be paid by the school district, but only the difference between his regular salary and the pay he'll receive from the Army, Benedetti said.

He will continue receiving benefits from the district, Benedetti said.

A different teacher has been hired to lead Austin's class.

Classes at Grant started last week. Austin visited the school for opening ceremonies and spoke with staffers, Benedetti said.

Austin will try to stay in touch with the school while he's overseas, Benedetti said.

"He's got a lot of friends here," Benedetti said. "We wish him the very, very best."