DIXFIELD — The final number of layoffs for Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 came in lower than expected when the $34.1 million operating budget for 2011-12 was approved last month. That is the same figure the district has adopted for three school years.

Because of retirements, several staffers leaving for other jobs and an increase in federal Title I money, Superintendent Tom Ward said three education technicians in the three-region district could lose their jobs.

He said Thursday those jobs might also be saved if three education technicians resign between now and the start of the school year. Ward said such resignations occur often.

The RSU 10 administration and board had expected the loss of a half-dozen district-financed positions and up to five Title I positions.

With retirements and additional federal money provided to the district, those Title I positions were saved, and some of the education technicians who were slated to lose their jobs were moved into teaching positions.

With the Maine Legislature’s recent budget adoption that included an emphasis on increased funding for rural schools, RSU 10 will likely receive additional state aid for the 2012-13 school year, Ward said.

Another legislative action, the approval of 10 charter schools, may also affect RSU 10.

Ward said that although much more information is needed, the board and administration have been discussing the possibility of creating an alternative high school for students from Mountain Valley, Dirigo and Buckfield high schools.

“Much more research must be done,” he said.

The RSU 10 board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 11. Appointment of a new guidance counselor for Rumford Elementary School is one of the agenda items.