LIVERMORE FALLS — The RSU 73 board approved a three-year contract for educational technicians/secretaries on Thursday, putting the employees from the former SAD 36 and Jay school systems on the same pay scale and benefits package for the first time.

Superintendent Robert Wall said the contract runs from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2015.

Contracts still to be settled are the bargaining units representing teachers, bus drivers/custodians and cafeteria employees.

In a related matter, personnel indicated their desire to form another bargaining unit, which could represent most of the employees who are not a part of other units. Wall said the board acted on the request, and the Maine Labor Relations Board will be notified.

In another matter, Livermore notified the RSU 73 board it will no longer pursue withdrawal from the district. An ad-hoc committee on education was formed in Livermore a few months ago to investigate whether separating from RSU 73 would benefit students there.

Also last week:

* A forum on early-childhood education will be held at 1 p.m. March 19 at the central office. Representatives from the state and Community Concepts will be among the presenters.

* A student disciplinary hearing was set for 6 p.m. March 6 at the central office.

* Chairwoman Denise Rodzen said the Superintendent Search Committee will begin reviewing applications at 5:30 p.m. March 10. Wall plans to retire June 30.

* A fundraiser for the Spruce Mountain Middle School Lego team, Just Keep Swimming, will be held at the Cumberland Farms store in Livermore Falls from March 12 to April 9. Ten cents from every cup of coffee sold will be donated to the team.

* The annual Price Is Right fundraiser will take place at 6 p.m. March 22 at the middle school.

* Adult and Community Education Director Eileen Miazga said more than 230 people are taking academic or enrichment classes at the center.

* Walter Polky was hired as varsity football coach for Spruce Mountain High School.