DIXFIELD — The RSU 10 board, which welcomed a new member Monday night, approved keeping a section of the former Dixfield Elementary School open for administrative offices for a year.

Jennifer LeDuc of Rumford, a parent of several school children, was elected to the board by write-ins last month. She succeeds Tracey Higley, who chose not to seek another term.

The board approved keeping about a third of the former Dixfield school open. Superintendent Craig King said closing the entire building would cost more for insurance than keeping a section open.

Tentative plans call for closing the classroom wing, retaining the Wellness Center, and creating offices in the newer section for the superintendent and secretary, assistant superintendent, payroll and two other staffers.

Offices for special services will move to the Pennacook Learning Center in Rumford; for technology to Mountain Valley High School in Rumford; and for nutrition services to Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico.

A modular building at Dirigo Middle School in Dixfield will be removed.

When the 2014-15 budget was being developed, King estimated closing the former elementary school would save $90,000. By keeping the district offices there, about $70,000 will be saved, he said. The plan is for one year.

A special Buildings and Grounds Committee is finishing a study of all district buildings.

Also Monday, the board reinstated or approved the following positions using federal money: a mathematics coach, a half-time special education educational technician, a two-fifths time social worker and a full-time psychologist.

Special services Director Clarissa Fish said the cost for an in-house psychologist is virtually the same as contracting for services, which is how those needs have been met.

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