MEXICO — Region 9 School of Applied Technology adult education director Nancy Allen said people who want to earn their General Education Development certificate before the requirements change later this year should begin working toward the diploma as soon as possible.

She told the Region 9 board Wednesday night that the adult and community education office at the River Road school will be open for class registration Saturday, Sept. 21. Times have not been determined. Additional information is available by calling 364-2012.

Allen said beginning Dec. 1, the paper and pencil tests and other work will change to computers. Among the new requirements are math knowledge through algebra II and two written essays instead of one.

She also said nine certified nursing assistant students from the spring semester passed their state boards.

In other matters, the board approved raising lunch prices 5 cents to $2.25. More than 70 percent of Region 9 students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

For those who pay full price, the cost will alternate between 10 cents more one week and 15 cents more the other.

Dirigo High School in Dixfield provides bag lunches and Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico provides hot lunches.

The board also approved the appointments of Amy Hatch as part-time adult education administrative assistant and Duane Dorion as full-time adult education teacher. Automotive instructor Daniel Richard was granted a probationary one-year contract.

Region 9 Director Brenda Gammon said 157 students are enrolled. The programs for early childhood education and certified nursing assistant are full. Forestry and Fire Science have the smallest enrollments and the remainder of the vocational programs can take a few students.