Staff Writer
HOULTON — SAD 29’s board chairman and vice chairman were re-elected.
At the April 7 meeting, board members unanimously re-elected Brian McGuire as chairman of the school board and Glenn Miller as vice-chairman. New school board member Crystal Hagerman, representing Littleton, was welcomed to her first meeting on Monday while board members Sandra Wilkins of Monticello and Laurie Bartlett were congratulated on their re-election to the board. The resignation of Lisa Harvey, formerly representing Monticello, was accepted.
Board members were also chosen for various committees.
Those named to the Region II committee included Angie Wotton, Sandra Wilkins, Crystal Hagerman, Liz Anderson, Laurie Bartlett, Bruce Clark, Franny Grant and Mark Bossie. Those named to the finance committee were Bruce Clark, Cynthia Hillman-Forbush and Glenn Miller. Volunteers for the facilities committee included Sandra Wilkins, Liz Anderson, Glenn Miller, Brian McGuire, Bruce Clark and Franny Grant.
In other news, SAD 29 has received its letter of approval from the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, and the board unanimously approved a motion to execute and deliver that loan agreement.
In November 2007, voters in district approved a $5 million bond, half to support renovations at the high school and half to support the construction of the Houlton Community Arts Center. The arts center, which includes major renovations to the music department and auditorium areas at Houlton High School, would also be funded through private donations.
Superintendent Steve Fitzpatrick told board members that the interest rate on this bond is still to be determined, but that he expects the rate to be between 4.5 and 4.7 percent for the life of the loan.
Also at the meeting, the board took the following action.
• A budget workshop has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at Southside School.
• Resignations for elementary teacher Ellen Askren and high school teacher Teresa Goodwin were accepted, effective June 30. Appreciation was extended to both retirees; Askren had been with the district for 37 years and Goodwin for 34 years.
• A $53,270 bid from County Abatement of Caribou was accepted for asbestos removal at the high school. This latest round of work will complete the bulk of asbestos removal at the school. Fitzpatrick said remaining areas include the cafeteria and auditorium, work he expects will be done in conjunction with construction of the fine arts center.
SAD 29 Board of Directors will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at Southside School.
