MEXICO – The Region 9 vocational school board approved a new position Tuesday night that could enable students to learn about running their own businesses.

Contingent upon grant funding, the position of business teacher/portfolio coordinator will begin when students start school at the end of August at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology.

“A lot of tradespeople work for themselves,” said Region 9 Director David Driscoll.

The position could also become a precursor to a business program that might be offered by the school sometime in the next several years, said student services coordinator and assistant director Cheryl Ellis.

“The backbone of a rural economy is small business. We’ve heard that from town managers and from the River Valley Technology Center,” she said.

Cynthia Kelley, the school’s computer technician, will teach the course to each of the approximately 170 students.

The course would be incorporated into the school day by taking one period from each of the A and B day groups per week.

To be taught are small business and entrepreneurial skills, life and employability skills, and opportunities to work with the adult education program.

Approval for the course was granted provided Perkins grant funding comes in, which is expected in September. About $13,000 in grant money will be needed over and above the salary paid for the computer technician position, Ellis said. That position will be eliminated.

In other matters, the board welcomed new member Craig Zurhorst, who was recently appointed by the SAD 43 board. Zurhorst is a communications director for Black Mountain of Maine. He will finish a three-year term begun by David McKivergan, a member of the SAD 43 board.

Also, Ellis said 170 students enrolled in the school’s seven vocational programs for the upcoming school year is an average number. She said openings are available in the forestry program, and one slot in the metal trades program. Certified nursing assistant, building trades and diversified occupations are full or have a waiting list.

Students begin classes on Aug. 30. Teacher workshop days are Aug. 28 and Aug. 29.