DIXFIELD — When school begins next month in the newly formed Western Foothills School District, every child will be able to have a free breakfast.

The Regional School Unit 10 board unanimously voted Monday night to make the early morning meal available to everyone at no charge.

“Children perform better when they have breakfast,” said Jeanne LaPointe, nutrition director for the district.

LaPointe said the method for serving the hot or cold meals will be determined by each school building, according to how it works best for them. Some children have eaten breakfast in the cafeteria, while others have had the food delivered to their classrooms.

She said the income of just over $12,000 from breakfasts served for a fee to some students in the past, will likely be offset by the sale of about 18 additional lunches per school building per day and the associated eligible federal assistance for free and reduced lunches.

In a related matter, the board also voted to establish the following lunch prices, which take effect in September: Elementary grades $1.75; middle and high schools $2; and staff $3.50.

Also on Monday, the board approved hiring 12 new teachers or educational technicians, many who had graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington, and some who had graduated from Dirigo High School before that.

Several resignations were accepted, including: Rene Thompson, family consumer science teacher at Mountain Valley High School; William Rioux, physical education teacher at Mountain Valley Middle School; and Rita Aromaa, lead teacher at Meroby Elementary School. At least a half-dozen more professional positions must be filled before the start of classes.

Kevin Kaulback, director of technology for the district, said every child from grades six through 12 will have a laptop computer when classes resume. All but the sixth-graders are allowed to take them home.

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