LIVERMORE FALLS – Students in SAD 36 will begin their single bus runs on Nov. 29, following Thanksgiving vacation.

Superintendent Terry Despres announced the date to the board Thursday night noting that he felt the timing would be right since students would be returning to classes after a full week off for the holiday.

That week will have teacher in-service days Monday and Tuesday, no school on Wednesday and Thanksgiving break Thursday and Friday.

Training of parents, high schoolers and staff who will be riding the buses as monitors will begin Nov. 3, said Despres. He also plans a public meeting on the single-run schedule and will be sending notices home to parents next week to alert them of the changeover.

The single-run system had been planned to begin the year but a lack of drivers delayed it. There now are adequate drivers, Despres said.

Also, the fleet is more up to date because the board Thursday night approved the lease/purchase of two new buses, 78 passenger 2005 Bluebirds at a total cost of $120,904.

That purchase is being financed through Banknorth, N.A. for three years at 3.75 percent interest with the first payment due Oct. 15, 2005.

Directors reviewed a food service report for the first month that showed increases in participation at the middle and high schools for both breakfast and lunches. Elementary school figures were not available.

A financial report will be given at the end of each quarter, Despres said. There have been a few wrinkles in starting the new program, he admitted, but production is up and the cost of meals is down.

Soon some student will meet with the head of the program to give further suggestions for improvements.

The board approved drafts of job descriptions for food service worker and for team leader. Employees are being cross-trained and have a broader range of duties. Most are adjusting well but some are not sure they can keep up the pace, Despres said.

The district is not using a baker right now and no one has the designation as head cook, a position which will need further review.

A public parent meeting will be held in a couple weeks to explain the importance of students signing up for free and reduced meals.

Not only is this potentially a financial help to the parents but it becomes an important one to the district as well since many federal and state programs are based on the number of free and reduced meals provided.