STRONG — Regional School Unit 58 directors celebrated a year of accomplishments and recognition Thursday.

Superintendent Susan Pratt said Strong Elementary School teacher Linda Ellicott was named teacher of the year for the district. Pratt presented her with the award at the school’s eighth grade graduation and assembly earlier in the week. Ellicott is retiring this year.

Board members also expressed appreciation for Kingfield director Beth Luce and Avon director Jason Plog for their service. Phillips director John Fogg announced he will end his term June 22 and Kingfield director Paul Orbeton announced he will resign at the end of August. Both are moving out of the district.

Directors also thanked Mt. Abram High School student representative Abigayle Brackley for her service on the board and approved Emma Berube of Stratton as her successor.

Pratt announced that special education teacher Nicola Dentico has accepted the fourth grade teaching position at Kingfield Elementary School, replacing Anna Soule, who is leaving the district.

Cara Smith has resigned as the half-time food service director but will add more hours in her half-time position in the technology department.

Mt. Blue Regional School District guidance counselor Ben Milster will replace Mike Ellis, who retired this year.

“This is a real coup for this district,” Kingfield director Julie Talmage said. “(Milster) is one of the most widely respected guidance counselors in the state.”

Board members also signed the assessments for Kingfield, Avon, Strong and Phillips.

In other matters, directors discussed the ways to bring the Phillips, Strong and Kingfield Elementary School eighth-graders together each year before they start high school. Currently, many students will not have met until September.

Pratt proposed opportunities for the students to meet and work together before then.

Each school class raises money for a class trip, which requires a tremendous number of hours and effort and support from each community. Instead of that, the district could try something that would not require the fundraising and still pull together all incoming freshmen before they start high school.

An alternative could be a single trip for all three schools, paid for with Gear Up and PEP grant funds. Students could go to Camp Kieve in Nobleboro, the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Bryant Pond, Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Lincolnville, or other places.

High school and elementary school staff would be involved, according to Pratt.

Directors agreed to consider the option.

Pratt announced that Tellis Fenwick will plow Mt. Abram High School and Kingfield Elementary School, Mike Yeaton will plow the Strong Elementary School, and A& E Properties will plow the Phillips Elementary School this coming year.

Directors approved paying $70 for a noncertified substitute teacher and $80 for a certified teacher.