FARMINGTON – SAD 9 directors voted unanimously Tuesday night to explore a program allowing students from other districts attending SAD 9’s vocational center to take up to two classes at Mt. Blue High School.

Superintendent Michael Cormier specifically mentioned students from Jay, who spend the vast majority of their day at the vocational center and then return to Jay High School for just one class.

“Being a larger high school,” Cormier said, “we may be able to offer students some classes that may not be available to them.” He discussed the long commute students from Rangeley are faced with and how this program would make their education more efficient. The rest of the board agreed.

“It sounds like a win-win situation,” said director Robert Flick of Farmington.

“A great example of voluntary collaboration,” added Chairman Ray Glass, also of Farmington.

SAD 9 would charge per-period tuition for students in the program.

In other business, Angel Allen of Mt. Blue High School presented a collaboration with Likable Recyclables of Avon. On April 14 at Mt. Blue High School, the company will accept any electronics except VCRs that people would like recycled free of charge. Donations are accepted. In return, the firm will recycle discarded electronics for SAD 9 at no charge to the district.

The board granted a job share continuation for Mt. Blue Middle School teachers Betsy Brady and Susan Philips for the 2007-2008 school year. And they approved an unpaid leave of absence for Mt. Blue Middle School teacher Weslene Marble. Marble will be participating in a one-year teacher-in-residence program at Bates College.

“The district is honored that you have been honored,” said Glass, regarding Marble’s new position.

The end of the meeting brought an impromptu presentation by Mt. Blue High School Principal Joseph Moore regarding modification of the grade-weighting system. The topic was tabled for discussion at the next regular school board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, in Mt. Blue High School Library.