LIVERMORE FALLS — RSU 73 Superintendent Robert Wall recently presented the board with information on common core standards that will soon be required for students to graduate from high school.

Wall said the standards are met by students through the types of curricula offered by teachers. The standards, particularly in reading and mathematics, are set by the federal and state governments.

“The school district can have more rigorous standards,” he said. “The local curriculum and instructional activities lead to (meeting) the standards.”

The high school diploma received by students in the Class of 2018 will be a standards-based one for the first time, he said.

He said about 30 teachers are working to put all standards together.

Livermore Elementary School Principal Robert Kahler said an opening reception was held Thursday afternoon at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Livermore Falls for artwork created by students. He said dozens of parents and community members attended.

The artwork will be on display until the end of May.

He said the exhibit is expected to become an annual event. Kahler and Jay Elementary School Principal Chris Hollingsworth have discussed the future possibility of getting students from both schools together to create a joint activity.

Spruce Mountain Area Adult and Community Education Director Eileen Miazga said 27 students will receive their high school diploma or equivalency at a ceremony at 6 p.m. May 29 at the adult education center.

She also reported that the center will soon host a conference of many area adult education directors who will concentrate on poverty issues.

In other matters, the board voted to eliminate the position of administrative support assistant at Spruce Mountain High School.

They also met in several closed sessions. One was to discuss personal negotiations, another to approve continuing and probationary contracts for 18 teachers and the third was to set employment provisions for the soon-to-be named new superintendent.

Earlier in the meeting, the board voted in open session to eliminate the requirement that superintendents must have a doctoral degree in education.

A new superintendent is expected to be named at the May 22 board meeting.

Wall will retire at the end of this current school year.