MEXICO – Region 9 directors, at a special meeting earlier this week, approved a contract with the architect who will design the vocational school’s $4.9 million renovation and expansion project.

They also launched a search for a new vocational school chief.

Board Chairman Norman Clanton said the board approved a contract of about $120,000 for the Bethel firm of Smith Reuter Lull.

Jim Reuter has been working with the board for months to come up with a design that all would approve. Clanton said Reuter will refine details of the 17,000-square-foot expansion as well as the renovation of the existing building. Among his duties will be meeting with staff to help determine such things as the location of doors, windows and other details. He will also spend time overseeing the project.

Clanton said the project is expected to go out to bid in May, with the contract awarded in June. A ground-breaking ceremony will be scheduled for June or July.

Plans call for completing the building project by autumn 2008.

Besides updating and renovating the existing structure, the project will allow two new vocational programs to be offered, one in automotive technology and the other in early childhood development.

The board also agreed to contract with the Maine School Management Association in its search for a new director.

Director David Driscoll’s last day on the job is June 30. He has served the region for 2 years.

The school will pay MSMA between $500 and $600 to prepare application forms and packets, write advertisements, receive and review applications for the position, and assist as needed, Clanton said.

The deadline for applications is April 6. Advertisements for the position will begin appearing in local newspapers next week.

A screening committee comprising board members Clanton, Jeff Sterling, Clem Worcester, Marlene Gile and Randy Canwell, office representative Melanie Babb, administrative representative Cheryl Ellis, staff representative Marc Dupuis and SAD 44 Superintendent David Murphy, who is representing superintendents from sending districts, will interview the finalists.