DIXFIELD — The Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 board learned of the retirements of five longtime district employees Monday night.

They also began the process of developing the 2011-12 operating budget that is expected to be less than the previous year.

Longtime athletic director for Mountain Valley high and middle schools, John Bernard, will end his career in June, along with four staff from Rumford Elementary School. They are guidance counselor Andrea Bowen, literacy teacher Betty Latham, kindergarten teacher Bonnie Buckingham and educational technician Nora Downs.

Prior to an explanation of the needs for the next school year from the four elementary and three middle school principals, Superintendent Tom Ward said the draft 2011-12 budget of $36.9 million must be cut between $2 million and $3 million.

The 2010-11 budget of $34.1 million includes more than $1 million in federal stimulus funds. That money disappears at the end of the current school year.

Ward said at a special board meeting at the end of January that about $1.2 million in funding will be lost, so cuts for the coming year can be expected.

“As administrators, we’ll look at all the requests, then give recommendations in early April,” he said.

Among the increases requested by the seven principals Monday night, were substitutes, course reimbursements, and assessments for students who are at risk. Some textbooks and workbooks were also requested, as were stipends for leadership team members, paper and supplies, musical instruments, and other equipment.

Ward said he planned to ask the region’s Fine Arts Committee to launch a campaign for used musical instruments.

The board’s review of initial budget requests continues Feb. 28 when the high schools, and the curriculum, instruction and assessment cost centers report on their needs.

The board will likely approve a proposed budget in late April or early May, then residents will vote June 1 and then validate that vote at referendum on June 14.

Also at Monday’s board meeting, Mexico board member Betty Barrett and Hanover resident Sally Arsenault were reappointed to the Region 9 School of Applied Technology board. Rumford resident Kevin Kaulback was appointed to replace Jeff Sterling who declined another term. Donald Hutchins III of Canton was appointed to replace Carl Lueders, who also didn’t want another term on the Region 9 board.

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