RUMFORD – The SAD 43 board will act on the budget and several related issues when they meet Monday.

The regular, twice-monthly meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the library of Mountain Valley High School.

Board members took what appears to be a final look at the proposed fiscal 2005 $14.3 million budget last week. Although that figure is up about 4.4 percent from the current operating budget of $13.7 million, Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said the tax levy for the district’s four towns will likely drop slightly because of higher state aid to education.

Board members will also decide whether to set up two reserve accounts, which are questions that will also be acted on by district residents.

A technology reserve account of $425,000 is suggested, as is a $225,000 capital reserve account. Hodgkin said the funds, if approved by the board and by voters, would come from carry-over money.

Also up for discussion is whether to seek a three-year federal grant that would place a police officer in the schools. A similar question went before the board several years ago and was denied. However, the majority of the current board showed in interest in pursuing the grant. The police officer position would serve as a resource for the district’s schools.

The board will also discuss establishing a day treatment program for special needs students. Currently, most of these students are sent to special programs in Wilton or Lewiston.

Other agenda items include action on granting probationary contracts or first continuing contracts for 30 teachers and a presentation of a grant application by the district’s wellness coordinator.

[email protected]