STRATTON – The SAD 58 board learned Tuesday evening that Strong Elementary School is being considered a possible candidate for the title of a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Superintendent Quenten Clark delivered the news to the board and added that the next step for the school would be to fill out an application to the federal government and wait for its decision.

“Just being nominated is a huge honor,” Clark said.

Each year, state commissioners of education nominate schools for Blue Ribbon recognition under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Schools are selected under three criteria:

• At least 40 percent of students from disadvantaged backgrounds must dramatically improve performance on state tests.

• Students, regardless of background, must rank in the top 10 percent on state tests.

• Private schools must rank in the top 10 percent nationally.

Strong Elementary School has almost 220 students.

Board members also voted to accept a recommendation from Dr. Hope Wilson that would require sports physicals for students in grades 5-12. Students at Mount Abrams High School are already required to have a physical before the beginning of their sports program, but board members felt it was necessary for students in the lower grades to obtain one as well.

Clark also said there was a possibility of scheduling a schoolwide clinic for middle school students who wish to participate in the upcoming basketball season and haven’t already had a physical.

Also on the agenda was creating a special pre-kindergarten program, and possibly a standardized test for kindergarten students. The board discussed both topics at length but ultimately decided to take no action on either, and to gather more information for later discussion.

In other business, board members went into executive session to discuss extending Clark’s contract as superintendent for one more year. The board voted to extend the agreement through the next school year.