FARMINGTON – SAD 9 directors began their Tuesday evening meeting by recognizing the service of those whose terms are expiring.

Certificates of appreciation were handed out by Superintendent Dr. Michael Cormier and Raymond Glass to Francis Orcutt, who served more than 40 years on the board, Susan Black, who served 12 years, Joyce Morton for nine years, Ted Ellis for six years and Kevin Umlauf for three years.

Also on the agenda was a discussion led by Robert Pullo about consolidation with SAD 58.

While there has been much debate over the consolidation in the latest regional planning committee meetings, member Jo Josephson said, “I am still optimistic that this can work; there are programs that our schools and others can benefit from, and it is a tremendous opportunity for better education for our students.”

If SAD 9 votes against consolidation, the district is subject to penalties of $403,000 in subsidies unless an alternate plan is approved by the state education commissioner prior to January 2009. If SAD 58 votes no, it will be subject to penalties of $124,000 along the same guidelines.

The next committee meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. July 10 at Strong Elementary School.

Another item on the agenda was a unanimous vote for the reaffirmation to close the Weld school. The projected enrollment for the school is 13 children in grades three through six for the 2008-2009 year, with no students enrolled in grades kindergarten, first and second grades. If the school closes, students will be bused to the schools in Wilton.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 8 in the Mount Blue High School Library.