RUMFORD - Linda Westleigh was re-elected chairwoman of the SAD 43 board at Thursday's annual reorganizational meeting.

Her new vice chairman is Jeff Sterling, also a Rumford representative, who won the seat over Randy Canwell of Mexico. Former Vice Chairman David McKivergan did not seek another term.

Welcomed to their first meeting were three new Rumford representatives. Diane Paterson, a former board member, and Gloria Morton, a small business owner, each won three-year terms as write-in candidates. Marcia Chaisson, a former deputy town clerk, was unopposed for a one-year term.

Several appointments were made, including former assistant to the buildings, grounds and transportation department, Tom Sinclair, to the lead position.

Recent graduates from the University of Maine at Farmington, Natalie Bean and Christine Simmonds, were appointed to the positions of high school English teacher and middle school language arts teacher, respectively. Long-term substitute Cassie Brix was hired as the new grade two teacher at Rumford Elementary School.

Unpaid leaves of absence for one year each were granted to Lynn Newell and Mary Dunton, elementary teachers. Resignations were received from longtime Meroby Elementary School teacher Libby Cronkhite and educational technician at the Pennacook Learning Center Jason Berry.

In other matters, Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said the board voted to increase adult admission from $3 to $4 for football, basketball and night soccer games. Student admission will remain at $2.