DIXFIELD – SAD 21 directors approved a process for change orders during the soon-to-start $14 million elementary school construction project that eliminates the need for the board to hold a high number of special meetings.

The board will, however, be informed of any changes that take place, said Superintendent Tom Ward.

According to the change-order schedule, the superintendent and the owner’s representative can approve increases of up to $1,000. For changes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, approval is needed by the superintendent, owner’s representative, and school board chairman. For any changes above $10,000, the board must grant approval.

Construction is due to start as soon as the ground is ready in the spring, with a completion date expected in August 2008. The two-story school will house all SAD 21 pupils from pre-kindergarten through grade 5.

Also, at last week’s board meeting, the district’s secondary science teachers presented a proposal for offering integrated science courses for all sophomores. The yearlong class, which touches on the major sciences of biology, life science, space, chemistry and physics, is already available to freshmen students.

Students are required to take three years of science now for graduation, and will be expected to take 3.5 years in the near future.

Ward said the board will likely act on the proposal at its March 12 meeting.