RUMFORD – As Superintendent James Hodgkin begins his second year with the district, he said he feels a bit more prepared than last year.

“It’s exciting to be in SAD 43. We saw a lot of positive changes in attitude and climate,” he said.

He and other superintendents in neighboring districts have begun working together for the benefit of all, and the district continues to work on student assessments and curriculum development.

Hodgkin said the area’s superintendents, and in some cases area towns, are working together to buy fuel and other items cooperatively.

Among the most visible changes as the 2004-2005 school year begins are the great number of technological strides for students and staff.

At the high school, freshman and sophomore classes will have laptops this year. Grades seven through 10 now have laptops.

At the three elementary schools, teachers will be able to sign out computer carts, each carrying 24 laptops and a printer, along with other related technology. This will allow students to work with computers in their classrooms rather than going to a computer lab.

Districtwide, a new student information system will be brought online with a software package that will contain comprehensive student data.

Technology coordinator Wally Devoe said students and parents eventually will be able to access grades and other information through the new system.

Thanks to a $135,000 federal grant, a new after-school and summer program begins in September.

Elementary students will have a chance to participate in a variety of after-school activities, such as in the arts, while also gaining academic assistance. A similar summer program will be offered at the end of the school year. The grant is for three years with options to extend it for two additional years.

Another new program this year is the Day Treatment Program for special needs elementary-age youngsters who are usually sent out of the district for their education. The program is housed in Meroby Elementary School.

Among other changes:

• The position of athletic director became full-time this year. John Bernard will coordinate sports in grades six to 12.

• For high school students, a couple of new Advanced Placement courses are being offered, one in musical theory and another in science.

• New carpet has been laid at the high school, and a new blue-and-white tile floor at the entrance to the gym and auditorium installed. The tile forms the letters “MVHS.”