LEEDS — The SAD 52 school board seemed in a quandary Thursday night about whether to form a regional service center.

School Management and Leadership Centers is an initiative of the Maine Department of Education designed to encourage partnerships between school districts.

Programs around which to build service centers include special education, gifted and talented and alternative education.

Superintendent Kimberly Brandt told the board that though it is a “voluntary” program, the district will see a decrease in per-pupil state funding if it does not participate. 

Weighing the cost of hiring an executive director for the service center, a requirement, against the potential loss in funding is where the problem lies. Brandt said the state would cover 55 percent of the executive director salary and benefits, leaving the districts to foot the bill for the remaining 45 percent.

Adding to the dilemma, part one of the application process is due Nov. 30. Brandt said no existing programs qualify.

Directors did not make a decision.

In other business, Brandt announced the resignation of Transportation & Facilities Director Kim Long after serving three years. 

Later in the meeting, SAD 52 Business Manager, Michele Coates, presented a comparison sheet showing how other towns are managing the transportation/facilities workload. Coates expressed concern that Long works 60 to 80 hours a week in the salaried position, and attracting a replacement may prove difficult. Coates recommended adding support staff.

Director Peter Ricker of Turner reminded the board that the cost for any additional staff should be included in the budget discussion in three months.

Director Yuri Kowalski of Greene favored hearing more information on restructuring options before making a decision. Brandt said she would work closely with Coates and Long to come up with recommendations to present at upcoming budget meetings.

Eight years ago, the jobs of transportation director and facilities director were combined. Since then three people have held the position.

Also on Thursday, Assistant Superintendent Theresa Gillis presented the board with SAT/MEA scores for Leavitt Area High School compared to nine other high schools in the region.

Leavitt ranked No. 1 in math, No. 2 in science — behind Buckfield High School — and No. 3 in English/language arts. Mt. Blue High School had the highest score in this category and Poland Regional High School the second-highest.

Brandt said this was an “apples to apples” comparison.