(a)
The governing board of a school district may award consultancy contracts to retired certificated employees of the school district or of the county superintendent of schools who have been employed by the school district or by the county superintendent of schools for at least 10 years and who are at least 55 years of age.
(b)
The governing board of a school district may enter into a contract with a retired certificated employee who has been employed by the school district or by the county superintendent of schools at least 10 years and who is at least 55 years of age whereby the retired employee is granted a consultancy contract with the school district, which contract is renewable on an annual basis for up to five years or until the retired employee reaches age 65, whichever comes first.
(c)
Persons hired by a consultancy contract as authorized by this section are considered employees and are subject to the earnings limitation provided in Section 23919.