DIXFIELD — The RSU 10 board approved two class trips, set a night for recognition of retiring employees, and heard an update on the Mountain Valley High School roof and its affect on graduation activities when they met Monday night.
Superintendent Craig King said the nearly one dozen long-time teachers who will complete their careers at the end of the current school year will be honored at 5 p.m., June 9, prior to the board’s regular meeting.
“These teachers have served more than 300 years in our schools,” he said.
A dinner and gifts will be provided.
The board also approved a trip for the senior class of MVHS for June 3 to Old Orchard Beach, and to Boothbay for Project Graduation following graduation on June 5. They also approved a class trip for Buckfield Junior-Senior High School graduates following their graduation on June 7 to Mount Cranmore, N.H. When graduates return at about 4 a.m. the following day, parents will be at the school to cook and serve breakfast for them.
MVHS Principal Matt Gilbert said graduation has been scheduled to take place at Hosmer Field on June 7. If rain occurs, it will be moved inside the school’s gym.
In other changes caused by a leaking roof which has eliminated the use of Muskie Auditorium, he said both the banquet and Class Night will be held in the gym.
Also, the annual art show will become virtual this year by being broadcast on the local cable access channel, and a school play, “Alice in Wonderland,” will be performed on the school’s lawn on May 20, 21, and 22.
“We’ve had to make a lot of adjustments,” Gilbert said.
Building and Grounds director Kenny Robbins said the auditorium has received significant damage, including to the sound boards which have asbestos in them
He also said that the roof sealer has been ordered. Contractors are waiting for several consecutive nights of 40 degree temperatures before beginning the work.
In other matters:
* The board approved a change in how school lunches are prepared and served by having just four schools prepare the food. It will then be distributed to the remaining schools. As a result of the change, one or two nutrition employees will lose their jobs, and others will be assigned fewer hours.
* The board learned that the contract that allows the district to use a micro-wave tower located on a tiny parcel at the former SAD 43 administrative building is about to expire. The tower connects Meroby Elementary School and Mountain Valley Middle School with the rest of the district, and is on property owned by the Town of Mexico. The two parties are currently negotiating a new contract.
* Following a closed session, the board extended King’s contract until 2016. His salary, at $114,000, will remain the same. All administrators in the district have agreed not to receive raises this year.
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