FARMINGTON — Now that the Mt. Blue Campus has a new performing arts center and the Forum, there is a need to find someone to manage the center who has a background in sound and lighting systems.

That is what RSU 9 Superintendent Tom Ward told the school board Tuesday.

The new auditorium, known as the performing arts center, and the Forum are part of the $64 million school addition/renovation project that is nearing completion at Mt. Blue High School and Foster Career and Technical Education Center. The bulk of the cost is being paid by the state with the local taxpayers in the 10-town district responsible for about $4 million of it.

The performing arts center and the Forum are highly technological, and there needs to be someone who knows how to operate the systems, Ward said.

Numerous requests have already been made from outside groups to use the 500-seat performance center, he said.

“I think what we need to do is start off with a stipend position,” Ward said. “You have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in lighting and sound equipment.”

The systems could be ruined quickly if someone who does not know what they are doing tries to operate them, he said.

Directors listened to Ward at the Forum. Prior to the discussion, a short video presentation was to be made on another topic. The large overhead screen electronically descended into position, but the technology to get the video operating wasn’t working, even though it had worked that afternoon.

It was the second time during a board meeting that someone could not get the equipment to function.

If the board does not find someone to oversee the equipment and systems, Ward said, people who get involved will mean well, but will do damage.

He suggested a stipend of $13,000 to $15,000 for a year-round position, he said.

The position was not included in this year’s school budget.

One way to help defer some of the cost is to change the fee schedule to allow outside groups to use the center and the Forum, he said.

He presented the board with a draft job description for the technical director position which would manage the operations of the Forum and auditorium. The qualifications include experience in light and sound design and rigging, as well as implementation. The person would also need strong carpentry and scene skills, knowledge of the theater industry and understanding of safety rules and regulations, among other aspects.

The technical director would be responsible for the daily technical operations of the Forum and the auditorium.

Those associated with the district’s performing arts programs supported having one person who knows what they are doing oversee the center and the Forum, taking charge of the systems’ operation and maintenance.

Several directors agreed.

“If you can have these facilities, you need to have someone to take care of them,” Director James Black of Wilton said.

In the long run, you will get your money back, because word would get out that it is a well-run center and people will want to hold performances there, he said.

“I agree,” Vice Chairwoman Claire Andrews of Farmington said. “We have to protect our investment.”

The district has amazing new technology, and only a small portion of it is being used, Director Betsey Hyde of Temple said.

If the right person is in the position, the district will get the business to pay the stipend, she said.

Several Mt. Blue Campus staff members are trying to help set up and keep the systems running, but they have other responsibilities they need to focus on, including teaching, Foster Center Director Glenn Kapiloff said.

Directors agreed that education comes first in use of the facilities, and recognized the need to not to overburden the education budget.

Director Keith Swett of Wilton said they need to find other sources of revenue.

Ward will bring back more information to the board at another meeting.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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