DEXTER – Fifteen applications have been received by SAD 46 directors for the position of superintendent of schools.

The directors were expected to name a new replacement for Les Butler, who resigned effective June 30, at their Wednesday meeting. But after an hour in executive session, the board returned to open session and took no action on the matter.

When asked outside the meeting, board Chairman Melvin Johnson declined to comment on how many candidates were interviewed or if any of the candidates were in-house.

“The board has to pursue all of its options,” he said.

Action was taken by directors Wednesday to settle the discussion on whether the district should build an elementary school or a combined elementary and middle school. The district is on the protected list of funding for a new school, and directors voted unanimously to approve the concept for a kindergarten through grade eight construction project.

A three-year contract between the board and the Educational Support Staff Employees Unit was ratified. The contract, which covers education technicians, secretaries and food service employees, allows for a 3 percent increase in each of the three years.

Superintendent Butler was authorized to divide $950,000 as the salaries of employees not represented by a union, which includes administrators, librarians and office staff.

The board also voted to move forward on improvements at Dexter Regional High School and the Tri-County Technical Center funded by bond money approved last spring by district residents.

Roof Systems of Maine was awarded a contract to rebuild the final section of the technical center roof at a cost of $71,680. N.F. Luce Inc. of Anson was awarded a contract to do site work at the high school entrance, including the installation of granite curbing and rebuilding and resurfacing the rear parking lot at a total cost of $383,515.

Three trips were approved by directors. The Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis Club will take fifth-graders to the Anah Temple Shrine Circus on April 30; the 2005 Operation Graduation Committee will take graduating seniors on a rafting trip in West Forks on June 5 and 6; and Exeter pupils will take a field trip to Boston in June.