FARMINGTON — RSU 9 directors will consider a policy on memorializing students that Superintendent Tom Ward believes would be the first for a Maine school if it’s adopted.

Guidance Director Ben Milster told the board Tuesday night that the idea came because of a student suicide about 18 months ago.

“We believe a policy would be helpful,” Milster said. “This is new. It would give us some clarity.”

Ward said the policy would provide protocols after a student death by any means. The district has not had a policy to address the issue, he said.

“It will tell everyone what can be done to memorialize a student. It’s an emotional time and the policy must be consistent,” he said.

The draft document will now be referred to the Policy Committee for review and any possible changes before going to the board for action on Sept. 9.

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In other matters Tuesday, directors supported a plan for Cheryl Ellis, longtime director of nutrition services, to train someone to replace her after she retires next June.

The board approved hiring an assistant director to be trained by Ellis. That person could come from within the department or outside the district.

It hasn’t been determined if Ellis will receive a stipend for the extra work.

Also this week, the board welcomed new student board representative Autumn Clair, a junior from Chesterville. She joins senior J.P. Williams.

The board also approved hiring a full-time gifted and talented certified teacher to serve kindergarten through third-grade students districtwide. Wenda Hunter, an educational technician III who has worked with gifted and talented youngsters, resigned at the end of the school year.

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filed under:
death, ellis, Memorial, RSu 9, suicide, ward, Williams
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