LIVERMORE FALLS — The Regional School Unit 73 board on Thursday overwhelmingly approved hiring a curriculum coordinator.

“It really is a critical position,” Superintendent Kenneth Healey told the board.

The curriculum coordinator aligns curriculum from elementary through high school.

Board Chairwoman Denise Rodzen said the work will ensure that elementary students are ready for middle school and that middle school students are prepared for high school.

Shari Ouellette of Jay abstained from the vote. She said her concern was that a sufficient amount of money would not be available to continue the position for 2016-17.

Concerns about the upcoming school budget were voiced by board member Michael Schaedler.

“We will be squeezed for money. We’ve got to be realistic about the money and pick our priorities,” he said. He agreed a curriculum coordinator was important for the education of the students.

He and the board are concerned that the impending layoff of 300 permanent positions at Verso Paper Co. in Jay will have an effect on student education.

“We still have to provide education. I am convinced we will be OK over the long term, but the concern is about the short term,” Healey said.

Board member Amy McDaniel fully supported the curriculum coordinator position.
“It will eliminate gaps in the grade levels,” she said. “This is a position that wouldn’t easily be gotten rid of.”

Money for the position will come from the salary of the assistant principal at Livermore Elementary School. Wendy Moreau holds that position and is retiring at the end of the year and won’t be replaced.

In other matters, a special meeting was set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, to screen offers to buy the former Livermore Falls High School.

The board also accepted the resignations of longtime nutrition workers Ruthann Bailey and Marcia Jones who are retiring. The resignation of high school guidance counselor Charlene Manzo was also accepted.

The next board meeting is at 6 p.m. Dec. 10, at Livermore Elementary School.