LIVERMORE FALLS — Regional School Unit 73 directors observed a moment of silence at their meeting Thursday night for Kellee Fortier, a former math teacher who died unexpectedly last month.

The meeting was the first since her death. Superintendent Kenneth Healey said the district lost a shining star.

Several personnel appointments were approved following an executive session to discuss them.

Kerry Jackson was hired as a special services teacher at Spruce Mountain Primary School for the 2016-17 school year; Samantha Bellerose will teach grade five at Spruce Mountain Elementary School; and Michelle Guillaume will be the Adult Basic Education coordinator.

All three positions are contingent upon proper certification and Maine Department of Education fingerprinting.

Spruce Mountain Middle School Principal Scott Albert told the board that teacher Scott Hartford has agreed to teach the classes previously taught by Fortier. Hartford has taught sixth-grade math for 14 years.

Another teacher will be hired for the younger grades. 

Albert said many coaching positions are still vacant. Coaches need to be available right after school and a lot of people can’t do that, he said.

In other business, Chris Hollingsworth, principal of Spruce Mountain Elementary School, said the school is looking really good. A huge number of changes have been made in the rooms and a lot of painting has been done, he said.

“The custodians have done a remarkable job. There are a few more things to do before the first day of school,” Hollingsworth said.

Kevin Harrington, principal of Spruce Mountain Primary School, said his building has been cleaned and painted. All of the Livermore Elementary School signage has been taken down.

Harrington said enrollment at the school has been growing this summer. There are about 450 students on the roster.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25.

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