MARS HILL, Maine — The SAD 42 school board received an update on the annual junior class college trip to explore higher education.
All of Central Aroostook High School’s 28 juniors went on the yearly excursion, reported Sadie Shaw, director of guidance. The group visited six Maine schools, UMaine, Colby College, Southern Maine Community College, University of New England Thomas, and Husson University.
The students enjoyed seeing a variety of options, from two-year to four-year colleges, small to large.
“My goal isn’t that the kids will go to one of those colleges, I just want to expose them to different options out there,” Shaw said.
Superintendent Eliane Boulier discussed proposed school budget mill rate savings of around $4,000.
On May 8, a new state assessment will be distributed as a training platform for teachers, she said.
In an annual review of elementary and secondary school emergency relief COVID-19 funding, SAD 42 noted it had received and used funds to hire a full-time vocational teacher with supplies, and had improved air quality with replacement windows at Fort Street Elementary School.
The return-to-work plan had been updated to remove COVID-related language relating to masks and social distancing because it is now obsolete, Boulier said.
The number of students involved in junior high sports is exploding, according to Heather Bradbury, SAD 42 athletic director. The first softball game of the season was scheduled for April 25.
Bradbury was awarded the Robert Bauchard Award for Service at the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Spring Conference.
In other reports, board members learned around 22 to 23 students are registered for elementary school next year, about two more than last year. The high school’s Listen to ME project, which recorded student suggestions on policy updates using artificial intelligence technology, will present to the board at a later date.
In other business, the board approved plans to share IT services with the Easton School Department and bookkeeping services with Van Buren schools. Those districts will pay SAD 42 a combined $36,765 next year for the services.
Members also approved contracted cleaning with B & P Cleaners of Presque Isle for the next school year.
Resignations were accepted for custodian Lori Casey, physical education teacher Alex Jardine and high school social studies teacher Samantha Drost. Jen Mahan, grades 5 and 6 teacher, was named National Honor Society adviser to replace Drost.
The board elected Fred Boyd as chairperson, Ryan Kilcollins as vice-chairperson and Brian Cummings as warrant officer.
Dr. Renee Fournier was chosen school physician and Brent York as school attorney for the 2023-24 school year.
