MEXICO – The Region 9 vocational school board gave the green light to the director Tuesday to apply for state funding to improve and enlarge the building.

The Region 9 School of Applied Technology had not been eligible for the Maine Department of Education’s revolving loan fund until it owned the building. Final purchase papers were signed this summer.

Now, Director Deborah Guimont is ready to start making some changes.

The first loan application is for work that would bring the school up to all building codes and into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Work includes installation of an elevator, completion of the school’s sprinkler system, and enclosure of a stairwell. Guimont estimated the cost at less than $200,000.

The second loan application, if approved, would finance an addition of six to eight classrooms that could lead to offering new programs in culinary arts, automotives and business. It would also provide new classrooms for the diversified occupations program. Students in that program now meet in a classroom in the basement.

Although Guimont could not estimate a cost for an addition, she said it would have to come in slightly under $3 million to be eligible for state money.

“We’ve been encouraged to look into these (new) programs,” said Guimont, adding that community needs indicate the addition is warranted.

Region 9 will know by December whether it will be invited to participate in the second phase of the loan application for the addition.

Guimont expects that construction on the code and ADA application items would begin by next summer.

If either of the applications is approved by the state, Region 9 would be eligible for a 1 percent or lower interest rate.

In other matters, the board approved hiring Ben Welch as an educational technician to assist instructor Marc Dupuis. Welch of Dixfield replaces Mark Touchette. He is active in the Small Woodlot Owners Association of Maine.

They also hired Daryl Baker of Mexico as educational technician for the truck driving program to assist instructor Ed Naples. Baker has worked in the trucking industry for 20 years and has recently returned to the area.

The resignation of Clifton Thurston as educational technician for the building trades was accepted.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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