LIVERMORE FALLS — The RSU 73 board Thursday unanimously approved creation of an athletic director/assistant principal position for Spruce Mountain High School in the fall.

That's when students from Spruce Mountain High Schools in Livermore Falls and Jay will all be in Jay.

Chairwoman Denise Rodzen said the two  student services/support staff in each of the high schools will remain at the combined school next fall, as well, but the positions will likely be looked at again in the future.

Superintendent Robert Wall said with all students together and a new administrative structure, it’s important to have that support.

“We’re looking at a culture change, and support for teachers and high academics,” he said.

Thomas Plourde of Jay was hired as the first principal for the combined Spruce Mountain High School at the previous board meeting. He begins his duties in March.

Wall said he plans to meet with Jay selectmen Monday to discuss assigning a police resource officer to serve the high, middle and elementary schools there in the fall.

The officer will serve when schools are in session and with the Jay Police Department when they're closed. The position is contingent upon approval of the 2013-14 school budget.

At Livermore Elementary School, plans are under way for more coverage of the area by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department and the Maine State Police. The Livermore Falls Police Department will also respond to any calls, if necessary.

Principal Robert Kahler said he will meet with state police troopers next week to discuss a greater presence in the community.

“There’s a number of other (safety) things we’ll do, such as certain protocols. It’s important to take a lesson from the recent tragedies in our country, and to let parents know we’re making schools as safe as we can make them,” he said.

In other matters, the board was notified by the administrative association that negotiations for a new contract have begun. The board is also in negotiations with teachers, educational technicians and secretaries for new contracts.

Following a 20-minute closed session, the board appointed Tina Collins, special education director, and Wendy Moreau, assistant special education director and Livermore Elementary School assistant principal, to two-year contracts, subject to sufficient funding.

They also hired Megan Heikkinen as a special services educational technician at Livermore Elementary School.