RANGELEY — The School Board reviewed budget articles and policies Tuesday night, and approved an international trip for the fourth grade class.

Before the start of the meeting, board Chairwoman Jennifer Farmer called an executive session to discuss employee duties. The session lasted approximately 15 minutes.

The board approved the fourth grade trip to Lac-Megantic on April 14. They will visit a sugarhouse, assist in collecting sap and finish with a traditional Canadian brunch. Science teacher Alison Loud organized the trip as the culmination of the ongoing maple-sugaring project by the class.

The board suggested adding a review of last year’s Lac-Megantic railway accident and fire, since the class might pass the disaster area.

Superintendent Sue Pratt reported that high school juniors have started the Maine Science Assessment this week, and the seniors, amid ongoing discussions of graduation, have garnered an impressive list of college acceptances.

Principal Charles Brown announced that the annual PTA auction is scheduled for Friday, March 28, at Moose Alley, and the school’s blood drive will be held Monday, April 7.

He said the K-5 Hoops for Heart program raised $1,200, meeting its goal to throw cream pies at the principal and superintendent, a spectacle that will take place at the April student assembly.

Student representatives Tala Ferguson and Brianna Hall reported that the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program is going well, the Senior trip to Florida is planned for the first week in April and the Lakeside Dance Academy program is scheduled for April 11-12 at the Lakeside Theater.

The board approved Pratt’s request to send a letter of intent to the Siemens Corp. for an energy audit at the school. If any of the recommended projects are implemented, Siemens will waive the $10,000 audit fee.

Pratt said all the possible projects for energy efficiency are guaranteed to be budget neutral, paying for themselves with savings.

Girls’ basketball coach Heidi Deery spoke in favor of allowing practices to be optional on the afternoons of snow days when the weather has sufficiently improved. The board voted to let the decision rest with the principal and athletic director, stipulating that no player should be penalized for missing a practice if their parents feel they should not travel.

The board reviewed several budget articles, including those for career and technical education, student/staff support, system administration, school administration, transportation, facilities maintenance and debt service. Discussion of increasing the stipend for the athletic director led to a possible plan to increase the stipends for all coaches, which will be discussed at a later meeting.

The board plans to invite selectmen from all municipalities served by the school district to a special budget session.