RUMFORD — Up to three students with a serious interest in civics will likely join the Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 board early next year,  thanks to steps taken by the board Monday night.

The board voted unanimously to pass a policy that would allow high school students to become nonvoting members, and to earn a quarter credit for each semester served.

Superintendent Tom Ward said students have expressed interest in serving on the board.

Dixfield board member Bruce Ross said he wants a student representative from each of the three high schools.

“But if one region does not have an interested student, (that seat) would be open to others,” he said. “We want representatives from each school.”

The former SAD 43 in Rumford, which consolidated with SADs 39 in Buckfield and 21 in Dixfield to become RSU 10, had a student board member at one time.

According to the policy, applicants for a board seat must have a 3.0 G.P.A., and a record of quality behavior and citizenship. They must also write an essay describing their reasons for applying and the contribution they hope to make. The applications will be reviewed by the principals in each high school, the board chairman and Ward. Ward will make the appointment unless the principals choose another approved method of selecting a school board representative.

For example, Mountain Valley High School Principal Matt Gilbert is considering holding an election of all those applicants who meet the proper criteria. The student body would then choose the representative to the RSU 10 board.

“This is a good opportunity for students who are interested in civics. The board will also gain insight from a student’s perspective,” he said.

In other matters, the board approved a proposed 11-day trip to several Italian cities set for April 2013. Social studies teacher Beth Edwards said interested students must sign up for and pay certain fees by December. Students from the three high schools are eligible.

Also, the board approved a two-night camping trip to Acadia National Park for Oct. 14-16 for members of MVHS’s outing club.