RUMFORD – The SAD 43 board will hold its annual reorganizational meeting and welcome new and returning directors when it meets Monday.

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

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said the district’s $14.3 million operating budget for 2004-05 will be verified, and several candidates for teaching positions will be acted upon.

Also up for final action are the contracts for the district’s seven administrators and 11 secretaries.

With the expected ratification of the two bargaining units’ contracts, all six of the district’s contracts are expected to be in place for one to three years. Hodgkin said he will explain the possible local impact of Question 1, which was approved in last Tuesday’s election. Question 1 calls for the state to pay 55 percent of district educational costs. Hodgkin said he probably will have to study the law and its impact during the summer, then return to the board with additional information in fall.

Dave Walton, guidance counselor at Meroby Elementary School, is scheduled to explain a plan to begin a peer support group, to help children who are grieving the loss of a family member or friend.

Hodgkin said about $4,500, to be taken from the district’s suicide prevention grant and drug-free school program, will be used to train several district employees, who will then train others, including members of the community.

Other agenda items include an update on the high school’s accreditation status, consideration of an unpaid leave of absence for one of the district’s teachers, and the announcement of several teacher reassignments or resignations.

A closed session will be held to discuss a contract issue involving speech and language teachers.

[email protected]