PARIS — Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Principal Ted Moccia and middle school Principal Brian Desilets told directors Monday night that their biggest challenges are recruiting science and math educators for the coming academic year.

Prospects with advanced science degrees find more lucrative opportunities in the business sector and, at least in the case at Oxford Hills Middle School, math teachers are leaving the profession.

Desilets said one middle school math teacher decided to teach social studies next year and another is leaving the field altogether.

Nationally, the teacher shortage is especially acute in science and math, interim Superintendent Heather Manchester told the board. She said the Maine Department of Education has just released a five-year plan to meet that challenge, focusing on recruitment and retention, workforce diversification and professional development.

She also said she has been focused on school safety procedures, gathering building plans from all district administrators and reviewing written plans. She said administrators are utilizing a threat assessment process and that districtwide there is a substantial investment in student mental health supports.

In other business, Jamey Martin was named permanent principal at Hebron Station School. Martin has  been interim leader since Principal D.J. Thorne moved to a position at Central Office in Paris.

Directors approved Julia Lester of Paris to represent the board at the annual Maine School Boards Association Delegate Assembly next October. Director Lisa Dunham of Oxford was selected as the board’s representative on the Maine Vocational Region 11 board of directors.

Directors also recognized athletes and the top 10 seniors at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School at a reception Monday night in the school forum. The school’s cheering and two ski teams were honored for their successful seasons.

The top 5% of high school seniors were also in attendance with family and close friends for a brief reception. The students were given a standing ovation after announcing their post-high school plans.

The board voted to enter executive session to discuss contract negotiations.

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