LIVERMORE FALLS – At the Regional School Unit 73 school board meeting Thursday construction and program updates were given and a job description approved for a registrar at the high school.

The renovation project at the Elementary School is progressing, but work will continue into the school year. The kitchen equipment and cafeteria tables haven’t arrived and delivery isn’t expected until mid-September. Until then, food will be sent to the school and students will eat in their classrooms.

Spruce Mountain Elementary School Principal Chris Hollingsworth said a new math program and behavioral program will be used this year.

He said the online math program can help kids on both ends of the spectrum improve their skills. Students will be tested to see where there are gaps.

Interim Superintendent Robert Wall said the software is free the first year. The program may be expanded to the primary and middle schools.

Hollingsworth said Sanford Harmony provides lesson plans, songs and other materials to teach kids how to behave in school.

“Some kids have a hard time with that. We need a curriculum to  teach kids the right way to work with each other,” he said.

A new web-based career aspirations program will be used with students in grades 6 to 12.

High school principal TJ Plourde said the program tracks what students are doing in school to ensure they reach their goals. Parents can be involved.

“It’s a great asset, a better way to identify where students are,” he said.

Wall said Spruce Mountain is one of five school systems participating in a dental intervention program. A van visits the schools to screen students. A dentist takes x-rays.

“There are a lot of dental issues with our children. We all know how expensive it can be. We’re working with the whole child,”  he said.

The board unanimously approved a job description for a registrar at the high school.

Wall said the job description was needed before hiring could be done.

“It’s an extremely important position, helps to ensure everything is in Powerschool. The registrar will work with students in grades 6 -12. The majority of the work will be at the high school,” he said.

Plourde said with course changes and scheduling through Powerschool there is a need to have someone with expertise.

Wall said there were some difficulties last year.

“The students told us we have to fix them,” he said.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net