DIXFIELD — The Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 board reviewed the status of various grants that support the educational program, and heard requests from the technology, and buildings, grounds and transportation directors when they met Monday night.

Kenny Robbins, transportation and buildings and grounds director, presented a line-by-line listing of the work that had been done in the region’s 12 school buildings during the past year, and what should be done next year. His budget also includes nearly $1.8 million for student transportation.

Superintendent Tom Ward said reductions will be made in Robbins’ preliminary budget of nearly $6.8 million, which is about 13 percent higher than the current year’s adopted figure of about $6 million. Ward said he asked Robbins to provide a line-by-line description of requests because he wanted the board and residents to understand the physical needs of the region.

Technology Director Kevin Kaulback also presented his requests, which include replacing laptop computers in several schools, so-called Smartboards for one school, and increasing fees for technology services and licenses.

The region has had several hundred thousand dollars in grants that provide funding for after-school and summer programs, health-related education and behavioral programs. Whether those will continue into the upcoming school year is not certain at this time.

Ward said federal Title I money, which provides a variety of in-school educational programs, is safe. However, he’s uncertain about the 21st Century grant, which provides after-school and summer programs for several hundred elementary-age district students. The current grant expires in August, and the district has re-applied.

The region is in year two of the three-year Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports grant. Whether the third year funds come through is also not a sure thing.

“We’re waiting to hear,” he said.

Also up-in-the air is the Healthy Maine Partnership grant which has been used for a variety of health-related educational programs, including the campaign to prevent young people from smoking. Ward said the district has re-applied for the state funds.

The board will take up the district’s final costs centers, which are special services and grants on March 28. A proposed 2011-12 budget should be ready for review on April 11. Also at that meeting, Ward will propose staff reductions and any new positions needed.

In other business at Monday’s meeting, the board approved a continued leave of absence for Hartford/Sumner Elementary School teacher Chris Galgay. He is the current president of the Maine Education Association and will be in the last year of a two-year term.

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