SAD 68 to review architect applicants

DOVER-FOXCROFT – SAD 68 school directors learned Wednesday that 15 architects have expressed interest in the proposed renovation and-or addition to Morton Avenue Elementary School.

Of the 15, three or four will be selected for interviews, according to Superintendent John Dirnbauer. He said a committee will review the applicants and will recommend a firm to directors at their January school board meeting.

Although the district initially listed the project as a renovation and addition, Dirnbauer said the construction of a new building also may be considered.

Some parts of the building are more than 50 years old. The project has been placed on a protected list for state funding. Dirnbauer hopes to have concept approval for the project in 2004 and groundbreaking in 2005.

Directors on Wednesday received forms to conduct a self-evaluation and to evaluate Dirnbauer. An executive session is planned for the Dec. 4 meeting to discuss the results of the evaluations.

“This is something that good school boards and good superintendents do to evaluate on a regular basis,” Dirnbauer said. The evaluation is a means to ensure that a school district is moving forward and upward, he said.

Directors and SAD 68 staff plan to honor Durwood Thompson with a reception on Dec. 18 in recognition of his 34-years of service to the district in maintenance. Thompson plans to retire at the end of 2002.

Dirnbauer’s Oct. 16 transfer of Julia Wilson from educational technician III at SeDoMoCha Middle School to special education teacher and educational technician III at the Morton Avenue Elementary School was endorsed.

Her time will be divided among the two positions at a salary of $19,080. The position will expire at the end of the current school year.