LIVERMORE FALLS — Regional School Unit 73 students hopped on buses late Friday morning to head home for the summer. 

Superintendent Kenneth Healey said all went well. Nearly 1,450 students left the school grounds; two weeks ago, about 115 seniors graduated.

After the students left, Healey and the staff had lunch in the Spruce Mountain High School cafeteria. 

He said dismissal was later than usual because there were five snow days to make up and one day that allowed students and staff to attend the funeral of Livermore school board member Diane Gould, who died in an auto accident.

Although classes are out, school buildings won’t be empty. Healey said classes will be offered for all students who need them in each building. Summer classes will also be offered. Teachers will work on curricula, scheduling, evaluations and professional development.

An elevator will be installed at the high school and bleachers at Griffin Field.

In a couple of weeks, the former Livermore Falls High School will be the site of the annual summer recreation program that generally draws more than 150 area children.

Healey said the school year has been an exceptionally successful one.

“The (staff) contract was settled, and the budget was passed. I attribute that to everyone working together,” he said.

This is also the end of his first year as a school district superintendent. 

“It’s been a wonderful learning experience for me. I’m grateful for all the people I’ve worked with,” he said.