LIVERMORE FALLS – SAD 36 Superintendent Terry Despres told school directors Thursday that he’s put a freeze on spending to prevent having to lay off employees.

He’s taken the move because he anticipates a shortfall in promised state aid for education.

“We need people to deliver the programs,” Despres said, adding that he won’t have what happened in the 1991 state budget crisis when school districts’ staff were given “pink slips.”

Though it has been said there is a $95 million shortfall at the state level, Despres said, he is anticipating another announcement after Feb. 15, when revenues are announced, that the shortfall will be more like $200 million.

Instead of being caught off guard, Despres said he’s going to limit travel, except for what has been approved by the board and what is necessary, not spending money on items that might be nice to have but aren’t necessary, and they’re going to hold the line to preserve staff.

Education is losing about $30 million in the state-initiated reductions, which means SAD 36 will get $100,000 less than anticipated, Despres said.

Director Denise Rodzen said the district has had a freeze before and staff members were creative in making sure students’ needs were met.

“We’ll live through this one,” Rodzen said.

Despres said most of the necessary supplies are in stock and staff will work to make sure kids don’t suffer.

He said it would be unconscionable knowing that there would be more of a shortfall to not attempt to put a plan in place.

In other business, directors approved a two-year contract with food service workers that gives them a 3 percent raise this school year and a 4 percent raise next year.

Union members ratified the contract Thursday afternoon, Superintendent Terry Despres said.

Employee health insurance contributions stayed the same as previously with the district paying 95 percent of a single standard plan and 100 percent of a single choice-plus plan.

Employees choosing the adult with children plan, a two adult plan and a family plan are responsible for 50 percent of insurance costs, according to the contract.

Rodzen during the meeting and food service team leader Penny Jackman, who was not involved in the contract but heard from those who are said they are pleased with the negotiations and the end result.

Despres also noted that people parking in front of the Livermore Falls Middle School in the fire lane on Highland Avenue will be ticketed by police and have their vehicles towed.

Police have contacted administrators and warned them that vehicles cannot park there, Despres said.

“It has now become a serious concern and police are being called by the public,” he said.

It is OK to park across the street near the fence to the football field but not next to the school. Double parking is also forbidden, he said.

The board also supported Despres’ recommendation to hire Ted Warren to fill the gifted and talented position.

Elementary School Principal Jeannine Backus said Warren is experienced and will help set up a comprehensive gifted and talented program kindergarten through 12th grade.

Directors also accepted the resignation of food service worker Jackie Mercier and learned of high school teacher Greg Swenson’s intent to retire