MEXICO – The Region 9 board agreed Tuesday night to use some of the Perkins grant money for vocational schools to hire an educational technician.

That person will work with the increasing amount of technology used by students in both the secondary and adult education programs, as well as teach several night classes in computer use.

Director Deborah Guimont said only one staff member is responsible for repairing the growing number of computers used by the school and teaching classes.

“We can afford this under the grant,” said Guimont.

Region 9 will receive about $53,000 this year in Perkins money for adult education and secondary vocational projects. The cost of hiring an educational technician will be $16,400 plus benefits.

The remainder of the grant will be used to buy heavy equipment tools for the forestry program and a mannequin for the nursing assistant program in secondary education, and for brochures, supplies and computers for adult education. The Vocational and Industrial Club of America will also receive some funding.

Board Chairman Norman Clanton said the search for a new director has so far resulted in 11 requests for Region 9 informational packets and one completed application. The due date for completed applications is Aug. 24.

He said the Screening Committee may begin reviewing applications by Sept. 1.

In other matters, the board agreed to join with SAD 43 for the bulk purchase of diesel fuel. The contract for the purchase of about 9,500 gallons of diesel fuel was awarded to Woodstock Oil at a per gallon cost of $1.09.

The board also agreed to look into sharing a part-time adult education career counselor with SAD 44, approved adult education teacher Nancy Allen’s contract for 2004-05, and approved five early release days so that staff may work on a self-study of the vocational school’s programs.

Students will be released from school early on Sept. 27, Oct. 27, Nov. 24, Jan, 26 and March 30.