FARMINGTON – School consolidation took a musical tack at the SAD 9 board meeting Tuesday evening. SAD 9 and SAD 58 officials are currently discussing utilizing SAD 9’s musical resources to help improve the music program in SAD 58.

Under the proposal, Karen Beacham, currently a SAD 9 music teacher, would also conduct the band at Mt. Abram High School. Beacham would travel to Mt. Abram on the days she is not directing the Mt. Blue High School Band.

In her absence, SAD 9 would hire a teacher to instruct the music theory classes Beacham currently teaches on the band’s off days. The new teacher might also help SAD 58 create a strings program similar to SAD 9’s.

All of the new staff would be employed by SAD 9 and contracted out to SAD 58. The total cost to SAD 9 would be $15,000, while SAD 58 would pay $21,000, resulting in a $4,000 savings for SAD 9. A similar system is currently in place with SAD 9’s Angel Allen providing technology support for both school systems. Directors voted unanimously to move forward with the proposal.

While directors were excited about potential savings moving ahead with a logical step toward consolidation, Bob Flick of Farmington wanted to make sure the students came first.

“All this business about bringing the schools together,” he said, “we’re never talking about quality or the kids – it’s all about money.”

Flick was assured by Superintendent Michael Cormier that the SAD 9 music program would not only maintain its high level, but could be advanced by the potential merger.

In other consolidation news, due to three of its schools receiving a high-performance rating from the state and maintaining administrative costs of under 4 percent, SAD 58 may qualify to opt out of consolidation altogether if they so choose.

This caused directors to consider looking to other school districts and unions, such as Carrabassett Valley and Rangeley, to partner with in further consolidation discussions. A consolidation plan must be presented to the state by Aug. 31.

Directors also certified the recent public vote passing the proposed SAD 9 budget. The certification was a unanimous vote. Additionally, directors authorized Cormier to apply for grants in the upcoming year and sanctioned a lease/purchase of a new bus.

In other news, volunteers continue to make an impact in SAD 9. Volunteers provided 21,138 hours, or $253,000 worth, of service this year. “Volunteerism is strong in Franklin County,” Assistant Superintendent Susan Pratt said excitedly.

The SAD 9 board of directors met in the Mt. Blue High School library at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for the same time and location on Tuesday, July 17. A public forum for all area school districts and the general public, featuring Education Commissioner Susan Gendron, will be held Wednesday, July 11, in the Mt. Blue High School Auditorium.