RUMFORD – SAD 43 directors approved the $20,000 purchase of a fuel tank to store diesel fuel on Monday night.

According to Superintendent James Hodgkins, Mexico has agreed to make a road to access the above-ground tank with a gravel base and asphalt topping at a site off of Highland Terrace near Mountain Valley Middle School.

There will be a 10-foot fence with gate for pump access, according to Tim Gallant, director of Building and Grounds. Gallant also answered questions from the board about the site choice, potential for spillage, a previous buried tank, freezing problems, an increase in insurance, and whether the land was adequate.

Hodgkins said they had looked at other sites in Mexico and Region 9, but none were ideal. He also said there may be some increase in insurance. Gallant said there would be tar under the double-lined tank.

The Department of Environmental Protection has approved the site.

The fuel will be delivered pre-blended to prevent freezing problems. The savings are estimated to be between $6,000 and $10,000 per year. There were two negative votes. Mark Touchette said he would vote against it purely because of the site. He said it was unsightly to be near the school entrance.

In other news, Gloria Genkins announced the awarding of a community learning center grant of $135,000 for each of three years and perhaps longer. River Valley Community Learning Centers will provide after-school and summer programs to approximately 300 low-income, low-performing students in grades 3 through 8 in SAD 43. Programming will include tutorial and homework help, healthy snacks and recreational activities. There will be special events such as artists in residence, math/science camp, tech camp and art camp. Hodgkins said there would be a need for a part-time director.

The resignations of speech instructor Mary Michaud and science teacher Stephanie Percival were announced.

The board approved the following teachers for the 2004-05 school year: John Heenan, Diana O’Clair, William Rioux and Christina Fellman. The following appointments, in the special education program, were approved: Ryan Parent, Valerie Gurney, Melony Martel and Lora Glover, and Robert Fulton for golf coach.