PERU — More security cameras are coming to schools in Regional School Unit 56.

Technology Director Brian Keene told the RSU 56 board of directors Tuesday that the technology department has installed cables for additional cameras at Dirigo Middle School, and that more cables and cameras are coming to Dirigo High School.

The additional cables and cameras at DHS are being funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Keene also told the board that students have just completed their computerized Maine Educational Assessment testing, and are beginning their NWEA testing “with no major technology issues (for the technology department).”

NWEA tests are used to measure students’ growth and proficiency, and to help educators tailor their teaching.

In other matters, the board of directors hired Nathan Schultz as a math and physical education teacher at T.W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School. Schultz has been an educational technician and a substitute teacher at DHS since April 2016. Previously he was an ed tech at Dirigo Elementary School.

In other matters, the board approved a request for transportation from the Dirigo High School graduating class for the Project Graduation celebration June 8, following commencement exercises.

Seniors Cooper Chaisson and Luke Leuders and DHS teacher Kurt Rowley had requested transportation, saying the graduates will enjoy a latenight meal at Lotus Blossom restaurant in Auburn and then go to Spare Time Recreation in Portland for bowling, laser tag, arcade games and to watch a hypnotist.

The board also approved two overnight trips for DHS students and Karolyn Buotte, an english teacher and adviser to the Outdoor Club. Buotte had requested the trips with Junior Alex Gorham, vice president of the Outing Club. Buotte said she and chaperones will take students camping in May at The Forks in Somerset County, where they will go whitewater rafting with Adventure Bound rafting center.

The second camping trip is a “service learning opportunity for our students,” Buotte said.

Students will work with Maine Appalachian Trail Club members in Andover or Rangeley and choose from three outdoor projects.

In past years, Buotte and the DHS Outing Club have helped build privies and campsites.

“It’s a little bit more rigorous work (than clearing trails),” Buotte said.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net

Dirigo High School junior Alex Gorham and English teacher and Outdoor Club adviser Karolyn Buotte requested two overnight trips for Outdoor Club student members at the Regional School Unit 56 meeting Tuesday. (Marianne Hutchinson/Rumford Falls Times)

Nathan Schultz was hired as a math and physical education teacher for T.W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School at the RSU 56 board of directors meeting Tuesday. (Marianne Hutchinson/Rumford Falls Times)

RSU 56 Technology Director Brian Keene gives the board of directors an update on the district’s Technology Department on Tuesday. (Marianne Hutchinson/Rumford Falls Times)