OXFORD – The SAD 17 Board of Directors has given the go-ahead to negotiate a one-year pilot program to employ SAD 39 Superintendent Richard Colpitts as a half-time assistant superintendent in the Oxford Hills district.

The vote was taken with no discussion Monday night.

SAD 17 and 39 officials have been discussing a plan that will move Colpitts over to the SAD 17 central office several days a week to act as assistant superintendent while serving SAD 39 part time.

SAD 39 directors will vote on the issue Wednesday night. Jerry Wiley, a member of the board who attended Monday night’s meeting, said he expects the plan to be approved.

The plan is the result of a SAD 17 ad hoc committee recommendation in 2003 to find ways to cooperate with SAD 39 to save money. That recommendation has already resulted in a number of cost-saving measures such as joint adult education classes, heating oil purchases, bus repairs and other initiatives.

If approved Wednesday night by SAD 39 directors, the move would be implemented July 1 for one year. Both districts would split the cost of Colpitts’ benefits and salary, which is currently set at $81,594.

Colpitts will continue to serve as superintendent of the 600-student district in Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner.