DIXFIELD – Policies and sports top the agenda of SAD 21’s board meeting at 6:30 p.m. today at Dirigo Middle School.

Directors are to conduct a first reading of a new SAD 21 policy concerning the re-integration of students from juvenile correctional facilities.

Superintendent Thomas Ward said all school districts in the state must have such a policy in place. Tonight’s meeting is the first opportunity that directors have had to introduce it.

A parent has also requested that directors review and revise the policy concerning participation in SAD 21 extra-curricular activities by students enrolled in private schools.

This policy generated considerable discussion before being revised a year or two ago to not allow students enrolled in private schools to participate in SAD 21 sports events.

Directors are also being asked to support and form a Dirigo High School football program.

The high school has just finished its two-year contract with SAD 17’s Buckfield High School. Neither school had enough players two years ago to field an offensive and defensive unit, so they joined to form one team.

And, Ward said, eight Dirigo High School students have requested the right to compete this winter in alpine skiing. That’s why he’s asking directors to approve a ski stipend position to hire a coach and start a new team sport for Dixfield.

“We can pay a little over $500 as a minimal fee. I already had a stipend position in the budget that we’re not using yet, and that can be used for this,” Ward said.