MINOT — The three elementary schools in Regional School Unit 16 are in serious need of upgrading and repair.

Superintendent Ken Healey told the Minot Board of Selectmen on Wednesday night that Poland Community School, Elm Street School and Minot Consolidated School “really need some work.”

Healey said RSU 16 schools will be evaluated this year by “professionals.”

Healey said he and the School Operations Subcommittee will review all recommendations for the schools, including “anything from building a new building to making renovations.”

After next year, Healey said, the high school and middle school “will be in very good shape.” The condition of the elementary schools will then be addressed.

Healey said for RSU 16 to qualify for state funding, it might have to consider combining two elementary schools. Last year, Healey said, between 75 and 78 communities applied for school construction funding.

Healey and School Committee Chairwoman Mary Martin also gave selectmen an overview of next year’s budget process. Healey said he and his administrative team have asked for lists of needs and wants from all school employees, including teachers and support staff. They have also asked for input from the curriculum and instructional assessment director.

Healey said the school district’s audit from last year will be available Jan. 14, and he hopes to see a hefty carryover to reduce the local tax burden.

After a daylong budget session scheduled for Feb. 26 and involving school officials and school and budget committee members, a draft budget proposal will be presented to the School Committee for a final decision. The budget will then be presented in May to voters in Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland.

In other matters Wednesday night:

•Selectmen authorized Town Administrator Danielle Loring to investigate adopting the state’s Motor Vehicle Rapid Renewal Online Registration Service. This service allows residents to renew motor vehicle registrations and pay local excise tax in one transaction.

• Selectperson Brittany Hemond announced 26 households with more than 30 children were given Christmas gift baskets. The donation program began in November when residents came to the Town Office and contributed gifts and funds for needy members of the community. Selectperson Lisa Cesare assisted Hemond and applauded residents for their generosity.