SAD 43’s board is looking into a three-year grant to bring a police officer into schools.

RUMFORD – The SAD 43 board on Monday agreed to consider pursuing a three-year federal grant that would bring a police officer into the schools. Directors also agreed to consider establishing two reserve accounts.

The issues were part of the district’s development of the 2004-2005 operations budget.

Action on both issues, as well as on the adoption of a budget that will go before voters next month, will take place at next Monday’s board meeting.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said two separate reserve account questions will appear on next month’s ballot, one for a capital improvements account, and the second for technology. Proposed figures for both will be unveiled next week.

He said funds, if approved, would come from district carryover money.

Tracey Higley, a Rumford board member, suggested that the district go after a three-year federal grant that would place a resource police officer in the SAD 43 schools. The grant must be submitted within the next week or so.

Mexico representative Betty Barrett said she had opposed applying for the position several years ago, and would do so again.

“It’s almost insulting to the student body,” she said.

But others thought it was a good idea.

“I’m in favor of looking into this,” said Mexico representative Jarrod Dumas. “There could be issues of harassment and drug abuse. I want to see the grant pursued.”

A final decision on whether to go after the grant will be made May 3.

Hodgkin also reviewed for the last time before next week’s board vote the proposed $14.3 million 2004-2005 school budget. Although the overall amount is up 4.4 percent from current spending, the tax liability from member towns will decrease because of an expected boost in state aid to education.

In other matters on Monday:

• Student enrollment from the four member towns has decreased by nearly 50 students during the April 1 count. In October, the number was 1,591. In April, it was 1,543. An additional 50 or so students are also tuitioned to the district.

• Building and Grounds Director Tim Gallant said replacement of the Mountain Valley High School gym floor in under way. He said insurance paid for all but $3,000 of the $154,000 replacement cost.

• Board members approved spending up to $4,500 for Maine School Management to update the district’s policy handbook.

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