BETHEL – SAD 44 Superintendent David Murphy said Monday that the fiscal year 2005 budget process is under way, but nothing is ready yet to present to the full board.

In explaining where the process is, Murphy said, “The Finance Committee has been working for some time now and is making progress but a bit more time is needed before they will be ready to recommend a proposal.”

He did say, however, that he expects the budget issue will play a major part in the board’s next meeting on Monday, April 26.

At this time, it is expected that there will be an increase over last year, but the Finance Committee, administrative staff and teachers are working hard to keep any increase as low as possible.

Murphy also reported to the board that he and his administrative staff have been talking with officials from surrounding school districts as they agree there may be ways they can regionalize and save money.

“It is hoped we can find ways to pool resources throughout the area,” said Murphy, “which will allow for major savings in educational costs while still increasing the quality of education at its highest level.

“We hope to find ways to meet our needs by working cooperatively with our neighbors.”

Meetings are ongoing with SAD 43 in the Rumford area, SAD 39 in Buckfield and SAD 17 in the Norway-South Paris area.

During the meeting, the board approved the appointments of Mike Pelletier as volunteer assistant varsity softball coach as Telstar High School and Kasey Jerome and Lori Davis to serve as softball coaches at the Crescent Park School.

A leave of absence was granted to the Telstar librarian for the 2004-05 school year.