MEXICO – The school year kicks off with the fewest number of new professional staff members in recent memory.

But one of those seven positions is a speech/language pathologist, a slot that hasn’t been filled in at least two years, Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said.

Debra Borchardt of Appleton, Wis., will fill the position. Other new hires include four high school teachers, two middle school teachers, and a person at the Pennacook Learning Center. Several support staff have also been hired.

Part of the reason for the fewer than usual new people is the number of positions that were eliminated. As part of the budget development process, 11 positions, including one for a transitional program that has also been eliminated, were downsized.

This is the first year one transportation, building and grounds position will serve both SAD 43, at 55 percent, and SAD 21, at 45 percent.

SAD 43 also shares its food service coordinator with neighboring SAD 44.

The school year begins with an enrollment of 1,425, down slightly from 1,475 last year. The district’s largest classes are in high school, with most other classes much smaller than those in grades nine to 12.

Middle school students will see a new floor when they enter their school next week that configures the letters, “MVMS” in the floor tiles. People entering Meroby Elementary School must check in at the office because of the redesign of the entrance.

And at the high school, the district’s thousands of dollars in workout equipment has its own space located off the gymnasium.

Middle school students will have an opportunity to learn algebra when the district offers virtual classes through the Internet or interactive television. Other off-site foreign language classes may also be offered to high school students. Hodgkin said, too, that he is looking into offering college courses through Central Maine Community College.

Similar to other area superintendents, Hodgkin views the state mandate for administrative consolidation as the biggest challenge ahead.

SAD 43 has been working with SAD 21, Dixfield, and SAD 39, Buckfield, to form a merged administrative unit.

“Everyone, teachers and community members, are concerned about it. It will be difficult to do anything until we have answers,” Hodgkin said.

Residents of the three districts and the unaffiliated town of Hanover will vote on the planned merger Nov. 4.

Teachers return to school for two workshop days Monday and Tuesday. Students arrive Wednesday.