MEXICO — The Vocational Region 9 board unanimously granted a three-year contract to school’s director, Brenda Gammon, following a 30-minute closed session Wednesday night.

Board Chairman Norman Clanton said her salary will be set during the budget deliberation process. A first draft of a proposed 2011-12 budget is expected to be presented at the March 9 board meeting.

“She’s doing a great job for us. She brings such energy, passion and commitment to the job,” he said of Gammon.

The board also learned of an offer from the Andover Fire Department to donate a 1982 firetruck for the new fire science program scheduled to begin in the fall. A decision on whether to accept the donation will be made later.

Clanton also reported that purchase of an adjacent 5.21 acres from the Archibald family was closed on Jan. 31.

In other matters at Wednesday’s board meeting, approval was granted for 14 vocational students to compete in the annual Skills U.S.A. state competition on March 10 and 11 in Bangor. Staff members Pete Barlow and Norman Jamison will accompany the students.

The board also approved sending the wood harvesting students to Welch’s Campground in Dixfield to compete in the annual Loggers Meet on May 12 and 13. Region 9 hosts the competition this year. The students will compete against students from vocational schools in Farmington, Norway and Houlton.

eadams@sunjournal.com