On Nov. 1, the same day then-AOS 98 Superintendent Eileen King announced her resignation, Board of Trustees Chair Chris Buchanan announced he would not seek reelection to the board. The May 2 trustees meeting marked Buchanan’s last on the board. Buchanan has served on it for 18 years. He anticipated his last signature as a member will be authorizing the $250,000 loan for building upgrades, repairs and other commitments.

Boothbay Region Elementary School Assistant Principal Tricia Campbell reiterated her appreciation for the board taking on the plans for a new pre-k to second grade-oriented playground. The BRES Parent Teacher Organization, which began the efforts, hoped this will be the first of a two-phase playground update, with the next one focused on grades three through eight.

Campbell announced the Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor has approached her, asking how it can help seek a $10,000 grant. The Rotary also plans to donate manpower to touching up the four-square area and laying out a United States map-themed interactive game.

“Ann Demeranville of the Rotary Club of Boothbay … has been wonderful to work with and I am so grateful for the support and participation of the Rotary,” Campbell said. “It is wonderful to have the community behind the school and our children.”

The board spoke briefly on what the grant could do and determined that a plan upgrade, mulching, fencing, or any combination could be accomplished with the extra help.

Facilities and Transportation Director Dave Benner updated the board on work progressing with the Boothbay Region High School roof and security upgrades, grounds, and fuel for both schools. The integrity of the BRHS roof is almost certainly not an issue after consulting Bill Haney of Lincoln/Haney Engineering Associates, Inc., said Buchanan. But the board will still seek an estimate to remove debris down to the decking, to update the cover of the roof and double-check the integrity.

Board members signed a memorandum of understanding between the town of Boothbay Harbor and the CSD for a new resource officer position.

The annual CSD budget meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10. The board of trustees meets next at 5:15 p.m. June 6.