PARIS – SAD 17 directors were told Monday night that high winds damaged to school’s sponsor board and scoreboard at the Donald Gouin Athletic Complex on Alpine Street in Norway about six weeks ago.

“We just had a heck of a wind,” Superintendent Mark Eastman said of the event which pulled and twisted some of the boards from their concrete pillars.

With about 3,000 people are due at the athletic field for the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School graduation ceremonies Saturday, June 13, Eastman said it was decided to take the two boards down until they can be repaired.

“It became a little bit of a safety issue,” he said of the possibility that people might lean against the already tilted boards.

Engineers have told school officials that the concrete pillars were apparently too small to begin with and will be replaced as part of the repair work.

The $1,000 not covered by insurance will come from the contingency fund.

In other action, the board approved the district technology plan presented by Mike Dunn, technology specialist. The plan covers a broad spectrum of goals such as improving student achievement in the Maine Learning Results through the use of technology. It also includes providing all high school students with netbooks.

The Board of Directors also recognized top students in the Class of 2009 with a reception. The students honored were Bobbi Jo Surette, valedictorian, Sean Merz, salutatorian, Kyra Gould, Cherith Reyes, Alicia Millett, Adam Tuomi, Mallory Martin, Keziah Roy, Sarah Prestia, Sean Hardy and Ian Stauder.

“The seniors made this place a better place to work and come to everyday,” said high school Principal Ted Moccia.