Section 24-186. Hearing officer's decision

(a) At the conclusion of the
  hearing, the hearing officer or  member  of  the  board  conducting  the
  hearing   shall   prepare  a  decision  stating  findings  of  fact  and
  conclusions, as well as reasons for his  or  her  determination  on  all
  material issues, and making recommendations as to action which should be
  taken in the matter.
    (b)  The hearing officer or member of the board conducting the hearing
  shall file his or her decision with the board and send copies by mail to
  the parties. Any party may file exceptions with the board within  twenty
  days  after  service  of such decision. If no exceptions have been filed
  within the prescribed time, the recommendations of the  hearing  officer
  or member of the board conducting the hearing shall automatically become
  the   decision   of   the  board  and  shall  constitute  its  findings,
  conclusions, and order.