RUMFORD – The SAD 43 board will act on a proposed $14.1 million 2003-04 operating budget, about two dozen new policies, and hold four closed-door sessions when they meet on Monday.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the library of Mountain Valley High School.

Superintendent Danny Michaud said the proposed budget, which is about a 3.7 percent increase over last year’s operating budget, retains all existing educational programs and the same level of extra-curricular activities as the current year. Three elementary teacher positions and one educational technician position will be eliminated, while one new middle school teaching position will be added.

The dates for the public hearing, districtwide meeting and referendum will be set at a later time.

The board will act on the first or final reading of 27 policies, many related to bringing the district’s educational program into alignment with the Maine Learning Results, some to meet requirements for other Maine state statutes.

Michaud said he will recommend that the board oppose a current bill before the state legislature that calls for giving teachers a greater voice in educational policy. He said the proposed law would encroach on a school board’s ability to establish educational policy, something he said that is a board’s right and responsibility.

Closed-door sessions are scheduled on two high school student disciplinary matters, negotiations or contractual issues for the bus driver/custodian unit, nutrition services unit, or teacher contract, and to discuss benefits and wages for the superintendent.

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