LIVERMORE FALLS – Fifth-graders and their computer expertise were featured Thursday evening before the SAD 36 directors’ meeting.

The students demonstrated their abilities for parents before their teacher, Darren Akerman, explained the reason for the PowerPoint presentations to the school board.

Since they are studying a unit on time, each was assigned a specific era on which to do a presentation. “You never know where kids’ imaginations are going to take them,” he told the board.

Zach Gagnon and Tyler Halliday had “Missing Brother Alert,” a futuristic presentation with vivid use of computer-generated graphics; Tyler Gordon and Garrett Dee did one on “The Dark Ages”; and Kayla Ward took “A Trip to Egypt.”

Superintendent Terry Despres said all fifth-graders are using the computer lab at the Cedar Street complex. Akerman noted that it makes a good bridge for them as they will be moving into the complex as sixth-graders.

In other business, Chris Moreau, athletic director at the Middle School, referred to his coaches as an amazing group, recognizing Cathy Howell and Erica Chicoine, who coach field hockey; Frank Williams and Greg Keene, who coach boys’ basketball; John DiSotto, who formerly coached girls basketball, and Chance Carlson and Debbie Finley, who are coaching it this season.

He showed a video created by Ross Cotnoir, soccer coach, who dedicated it to “the best team I have ever coached,” at the first fall sports banquet, which was held recently at the Middle School. Edwin Thompson of Jay was the guest speaker at that event.

“What he’s doing with these kids is really amazing,” Moreau said as he praised Cotnoir.

In addition to the banquet presentation, Cotnoir made a copy of the video for each athlete.

Despres reported good response from town boards at their recent meeting. “It’s been a good experience. The three boards are coming together,” he said.

He also told the board about his efforts in working with the Maine Bond Bank and Department of Education to refinance the loan on the elementary school bond.

He must contact the other 25 schools, which have projects in this cluster, to join the effort. If successful, he estimates the district could save $80,000 in interest next year.

Livermore Director Kim LaVoie reported on the facilities subcommittee, which is looking at several options for providing more fields. “Now we have to find the money,” he said.

Public participation will be needed, Despres said, along with a campaign to show how this can be done without raising taxes.

“No way we’ll move on this to increase the tax burden.” he stressed.

Following an executive session for his evaluation, the board voted to extend Despres’ contract another year, to 2008, and to increase his salary by $2,000 to $83,000. They also changed his title to superintendent/business manager.

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