The Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District Board of Trustees met on Dec. 7 in the Boothbay Region High School library.

BRHS Facilities/Transportation Director Dave Benner updated the trustees on several items, including auditorium improvements and energy efficiency efforts. He also provided them with a list of anticipated projects for 2017-2018.

According to Benner's report, high school auditorium renovations are almost complete. A new main stage and sidewall window curtains are up. Sidewall lights are ready to be installed. Some carpentry chores remain. “The carpet installation hasn't gone as well as I expected,” Benner said. “The company we worked with hadn't used the particular carpet we use at the school.” Carpet seams are showing in some areas as a result, but, Benner added, the affected area will be replaced at the installer's expense. “If everything comes together the way it should, I'm hoping by the end of December we'll have everything done,” Benner said.

Benner also spoke with Geoff Sparrow, director of engineering for Revision Energy on how to improve energy efficiency at BRHS and Boothbay Region Elementary School. Sparrow suggested a solar electric system for the school district. Discussions are in the information-gathering stage, but if the district was to go forward, the next step would be a site evaluation.

Benner gave the trustees a list of anticipated projects for 2017-2018. These include, at BRES, bringing a bleacher railing up to code, with Hussy's Bleacher Service doing the work; updating Horn Strobe equipment; and adding more door security openers; and at BRHS, replacing items including a wooden sign in front, library and library hallway carpeting, an awning roof on the north side near the auditorium exit, and tiles and stair treads in the stairwell between the front lobby and basement; and a review of the basement area to see what can be done to clean it up. Also listed were replacing the rail system on Sherman Field Observation Tower and to trim and paint all outbuildings.

A brief discussion focused on the Dec. 5 bus accident. The incident happened when bus driver Lyndon Roberts was closing the bus's rear door. The parking brake disengaged and the bus rolled. No one was in the bus, and no one was injured. As a result of the accident, AOS 98 Superintendent Eileen King said, “I've asked Dave (Benner) to meet with the bus drivers to review general safety issues. The driver involved has 36 years with the district and has an impeccable record of safety and commendable dedication with our kids. It was an unfortunate accident. We were very lucky.”

Trustee Tyler Hodgdon announced he will not run for re-election. This leaves two trustee seats open, one in Boothbay and one in Boothbay Harbor.

The next meeting will be held on Jan. 4, at 5 p.m. in the BRHS library.