MEXICO – Students at the Region 9 vocational school may soon have top-of-the-line technology to aid in their learning.

School directors on Tuesday agreed to pursue the possibility of installing so-called smart boards with money set aside for technology from the $4.9 million building and renovation project.

“I don’t have an issue with this,” said Mexico board member Randy Canwell. “New technology. We’ve got to change with the times.”

Smart boards are devices that can interact with computers, cable television, DVDs and other media.

“They are great interactive teaching tools,” said Paul Gagnon, a member of Region 9’s Automotive Advisory Committee who teaches at Central Maine Community College in Auburn.

Boards have been installed in each of the classrooms at the new elementary school in Peru, said Region 9 director Brenda Gammon. She said a portable version of smart boards was used at the old Peru elementary school.

Tentatively proposed is the purchase of 13 smart boards and associated equipment at an estimated cost of about $70,000. About $100,000 was set aside from the building project for technology.

Board Chairman Norman Clanton said funds for the technology will not be available through the school’s regular budget. It will only be available through funds set aside from the building project.

Gammon was asked to seek quotes from another company that makes smart boards. The $70,000 figure came from a Portland company that supplied the smart boards for SAD 21’s elementary school.

The smart boards would be installed in most classrooms, as well as one in adult education and another in the school’s multi-purpose room/cafeteria.

Prior to the board’s meeting, the annual meeting and supper for advisory committees that support the vocational programs was held with more than 70 people attending.

Clanton said the school is virtually complete, with only a few small items remaining to finish.

In other matters, the first meeting of the board’s Finance Committee will take place at 6 p.m., Nov. 18, prior to the regular board meeting.

Board members want to get an early start on the development of the fiscal 2010 budget because of anticipated difficult economic times ahead.

The Program Committee will meet following that board meeting.