PARIS – Paris Elementary School Principal Jane Fahey told Oxford Hills School District directors Monday night that students who transferred from Agnes Gray School in West Paris this fall are doing well.

“They are delightful, well-mannered and intelligent,” she said of the 26 fifth- and sixth-graders. “I think the transition is going very well.”

The students are among a group of fifth- and sixth-graders who were moved from smaller to larger schools to cut administrative costs for this fiscal year.

About 28 percent of the students at Paris Elementary School are new this year, and that has been somewhat overwhelming for the staff, Fahey told the Board of Directors.

Fahey has been hosting luncheons with the former West Paris students this week to talk about their likes and dislikes, their concerns and things such as why there is a shower in the science lab.

“I like how we get to learn new things,” one student said, while another said he was somewhat apprehensive about the start of the new school year in a new building. Others asked about safety rules and how much homework they get, but all agreed they were happy with the move.

Student Gaby Mills said she already knew some of the Paris Elementary School students through Girls Scouts.

Fahey said many of the children are linked through programs such as Girl Scouts, church and other activities.

Superintendent Rick Colpitts told the Board of Directors that the major change in class structure at the elementary school and unexpected new students from outside the district had created larger classes, in some cases.

“The staff has accepted the challenge,” he said. “It’s tough, but there are no complaints.”

The Board of Directors was able to refill five education technician jobs because of an unexpected $791,000 from a federal jobs bill approved in August.

School officials say the money will also help stave off a projected $2 million funding gap for at least another year.

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