RUMFORD – A proposed 2007-2008 operating budget for SAD 43 includes eliminating one of the district’s four certified librarians along with one special education teacher at the middle school and four educational technicians districtwide.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said his goal is to reach a $14.86 million budget, which, if approved by voters in June, would represent a 3.65 percent increase from this year’s $14.3 million budget.

Along with staff reductions, other cuts or decreases include five assistant coaches at the middle and high schools, a $25,000 cut from capital improvements, a $30,000 reduction in vehicle replacements, $5,000 from the advertising account and $50,000 from the central office.

Positions that would be affected at the central office have not been determined.

Hodgkin said to reduce the proposed budget to less than $14.86 million would mean a cut in the educational program.

Hodgkin’s original proposal was to eliminate two of the four librarian positions, but following comments by librarians and their supporters Monday, a majority of board members agreed to eliminate just one position.

Hodgkin said the administrative team will have to find another way to reduce the proposed budget by about $40,000 to $45,000 to meet the goal.

Librarians argued that their positions are more than checking books in and out.

Technology coordinator Wally Devoe said librarians help operate mobile technology labs and act as media liaisons. Mountain Valley High School Principal Matt Gilbert said students and teachers receive support from the school’s librarian and learn research skills from her.

“This is a job that has morphed quite a bit. They are media specialists,” he said.

Hodgkin said the district employs more librarians than most districts, including more than some larger districts.

Eileen Broderick, librarian at Rumford Elementary School, said the job of librarian has changed considerably since she began years ago.

“If you get rid of librarians, student would lose. Come and see what you’re cutting before you make that decision,” she said.

Hodgkin said with an increase to $14.86 million, Rumford residents would pay just over $400,000 more in school taxes, Mexico would pay about $148,000 more, Roxbury, about $55,000 more and Byron, about $34,000 additional school taxes.

The board will take a look at a few more proposed cuts at their next meeting on April 23, then possibly approve a budget to send to voters, said Hodgkin.

Elections will take place June 12.