Rumors regarding the CSD's plans for the Boothbay Region High School band director's position was the topic for the public participation portion of the CSD school committee meeting.

Meredith Duke, the current director, is taking a leave of absence at the end of this school year. She and her family will be bound for Nashville where Duke hopes to start a career in country or contemporary Christian music.

Board Chairman Larry Colcord said there was a lot of “misinformation out there” regarding the staff opening that will be created.

“We have not received a letter of resignation,” Colcord said. “We will be looking at the band director position, how it affects the students, how many students are enrolled and look at how we will fill the position. The money (salary, health benefits, etc.) is still in the budget.”

AOS 98 Superintendent of Schools Eileen King echoed Colcord, and added, “When any position becomes open we also look at certification, who's teaching what, who already on the staff might be qualified. Meredith and I haven't sat down yet to talk about whether this is a one year absence or longer. If we get into two years or more, that will change the tenor of the qualifications of the person you want to attract to fill the position.”

King did indicate that she believed the CSD would be advertising for someone outside the existing staff, based on the information BRHS Principal Dan Welch had already passed on to her.

BRES teacher Lisa Andrews asked how they would proceed once the decision was made to look outside.

King said an interview committee would be put together comprised of administrators, teachers, board members and parents.

“We will keep everyone informed,” King said. “But, I haven't even talked to the board about this yet.”

Colcord thanked the group saying, “This is something we take seriously. Your attendance here is a good showing of support for this program. We want to do what we can to best benefit the students.”

Top 10 announced

Also at the February 11 meeting, King announced that Sophia Thayer is valedictorian for the Class of 2014 and Robert Campbell is salutatorian. BRHS Principal Welch announced the eight other seniors in the Top 10: Jude Alamo, Riley Kane, Benjamin Betts, Courtney Chaney, Bennett Scully, Nell Anthony, Victoria Schmid and Myron Hahn.