MEXICO – Plans for the Region 9 School of Applied Technology include several new programs and possibly doubling the existing space.
At Tuesday night’s board meeting, Director David Driscoll told the board the state could likely fund up to $1 million with grant money and another $1 million through a revolving loan program.
The remainder, in the form of a local bond issue, would go before residents of the vocational region for approval sometime in spring. That could be up to $4 million, although the final figure has yet to be decided.
“The three superintendents want to try to build as much as we can now since we will probably be here in this building for many years,” Driscoll said.
“We will focus on what we really need, basic stuff, no chrome plating,” added board Chairman Norman Clanton.
About 200 high school students from SADs 21, 43 and 44, and from the unaffiliated towns of Gilead, Upton and Hanover attend the River Road vocational school, which is quickly becoming overcrowded.
According to a survey of students taken during school year 2004-2005 from the three high schools, automotive technology scored the highest in desirability, with 206 votes. It was followed closely by culinary arts, with 193 favoring the program, then the medical assistant, electrical technology and business technology programs.
The three superintendents – Jim Hodgkin of SAD 43, Tom Ward of SAD 21 and David Murphy of SAD 44 – had previously suggested efforts to offer all of the students’ preferences except the medical assistance program. In place of that, they suggested computer aided drafting.
Before decisions are made on any new programs, Driscoll said, a study of labor statistics must be figured into the formula.
How many and which new programs will be offered will be determined as Driscoll and the board work their way through plans for the expansion with the architectural firm of Smith Reuter Lull of Bethel.
The vocational school currently offers seven vocational programs, including building and metal trades, forestry, certified nursing assistance, diversified occupations, computer networking and cooperative education.
In other matters, student services coordinator Cheryl Ellis said Central Maine Community College in Auburn is considering offering college-level courses at Region 9. Driscoll said after the meeting that tentative plans are under way to begin the program next fall.
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