DIXFIELD — The RSU 10 board signed warrants for the proposed 2014-15 budget this week and they were distributed to the school district’s 12 member towns.

Public hearings on the $36.2 million spending proposal will be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Buckfield Junior-Senior High School and at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Dirigo High School in Dixfield.

Residents of Mexico, Rumford, Byron, Roxbury, Canton, Carthage, Peru, Dixfield, Hanover, Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner will act on the budget at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at Dirigo High School. The amount approved will go to a referendum in each town Tuesday, June 10.

Superintendent Craig King said Thursday that he is working through a list of 45 full-time equivalent positions, including 1.5 in administration, that were cut to reach the proposed budget. Action is expected at the board’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Dirigo High School.

Also at last Monday’s board meeting, Paul Swinehart of Buckfield was appointed to a three-year term on the Region 11 School of Applied Technology board. Swinehart previously served on the board and replaces John Phillips of Sumner.

The board also heard comments from teacher Craig Coulthard, who, with a group of community residents, wants to ensure that the fitness center will remain. Among the cuts to achieve the proposed budget is the closure of the former Dixfield Elementary School, where the fitness center and central offices are.

King said the fitness center will continue, whether a section of the the former school remains open for it or the center is moved.

King also said central office personnel will move to the Pennacook Learning Center and Mountain Valley High School, both in Rumford, and Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico. His office and that of the business manager will move to a portable classroom.

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