MEXICO — Nearly 200 students are slated to begin classes at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology next week. Another 20 or 30 more are expected to be signed up for a new introductory program to the vocational offerings as well as for the truck driving class within the first few days of classes.

Students and staff will find a number of changes since classes ended in June.

Among them is some new technology in the form of so-called Smart Boards, Director Brenda Gammon said.

Thirteen of the white boards are now installed in the classrooms.

“These give an interactive way of doing lessons, to keep motivation,” she said.

The boards allow teachers to use computers, list lessons, and print them out, among other things.

Also new is the tightening up of attendance, tardiness and early dismissals. Gammon said the vocational school will work with the three sending high schools to assign detentions or other consequences for students with unexcused absences.

A new program is being launched to introduce sophomore students to the nine vocational programs offered at the school.

Each student will devote two weeks to each program.

“We’re hoping it will spark an interest in signing up for one of the programs when they are juniors or seniors,” Gammon said. “The high school student populations are dwindling. This is a recruiting measure.”

Peru resident and former mathematics teacher Billie Putnam will lead the new program.

Other new positions are two part-time English instructors — Charles Nielson, of Bryant Pond, and Pete St. John, of Weld — who will provide vocational students with curriculum credit instruction. The two part-time English teachers replace a full-time mathematics teacher.

In adult education, two part-time positions remain open. One will serve as a night-time receptionist and the second will provide childcare for the children of adult education students.

A few openings in computer technology, forestry, early childhood development and building construction are available. Students from Dirigo, Mountain Valley and Telstar high schools should visit their guidance counselors for an application if they are interested in signing up. Region 9 will also take applications for secondary truck driving classes.

Lunch prices have not yet been set. During the previous school year, they were 40 cents for reduced lunch, $2 for students and $3.50 for adults. Region 9 students who attend Dirigo or Mountain Valley high schools may also participate in free breakfasts at their respective schools.

The 23 full- and part-time secondary staff members will return to school for two workshop days on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Students return on Sept. 2.

Welcoming cookouts for students will be held on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.

The school’s annual open house has been set for Nov. 17.

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Region 9 custodian Carelton Dickey touches up the paint after installing a new Smart Board in the trucking driving classroom Monday afternoon.