Mt. Blue High School graduation moved to Sunday

FARMINGTON — The SAD 9 board unanimously voted Tuesday night to hold the Mt. Blue High School graduation Sunday, June 7, to avoid a scheduling conflict for student athletes.

Principal Bruce Mochamer said a change from the traditional Saturday graduation was necessary because this year some seniors were forced to choose between competing in state track finals and their graduation.

A special graduation was held for the two who decided to attend the meet.

“It was a tough choice,” Mochamer said.

“There were people who were very upset that their child had to make a choice,” Superintendent Tom Ward said.

Several board members questioned whether graduation could be held the following Saturday or at another time, but the consensus was to set the Class of 2015 graduation for Sunday afternoon, June 7. The time will be determined later.

Chesterville board member Ross Clair said if an issue arises after next year’s graduation, it could be moved again.

Mochamer said in years past graduation has been held on Friday or Sunday.

Also Tuesday, the board authorized the lease/purchase of four propane gas-powered buses for up to $365,390. The state has approved reimbursement for two of the buses, the first such ones in the district.

In other matters, following a 30-minute executive session, the board approved hiring half-time Assistant Special Education Director Christine Gatt0-Shea as the full-time interim director.

Special Education Director Paula Leavitt recently resigned.

A limited number of applications were reviewed and it was decided none of the candidates should be hired at this time. The full-time director’s position will be readvertised in January.

Among the other resignations approved were: half-time high school science teacher Derek Langley, Destination Imagination adviser Lynn Wells, high school teacher Louella Grindle and educational technicians Melissa Speich, Arin McLaughlin, Deborah Hiltz and Christine Jackson. Educational technician Wenda Hunter also resigned due to retirement.

New staff hired were: Jennie Mirlocca, half-time prekindergarten teacher; Kimberly Huntley, half-time school nurse; Lorna Collins, certified nursing aide instructor; Beth Brackley-Milewski, high school social studies teacher; Matthew Fournier, high school special education teacher; Maria Howatt, half-time high school science teacher; Ashley Boynton, middle school math interventionist; and Teena Gusler, special education educational technician.