SALEM -– A short MSAD #58 School Board meeting was held at Mt. Abram last Thursday night.

Superintendent Quentin Clark explained that the schools’ enrollment has dropped off a bit due to the winter school enrollment to Carrabassett Valley Academy. Approximately eight students went on to winter programming this season which slightly affects the schools’ funding formula.

He also reminded members that ski/skate was expanded in the elementary schools of Kingfield and Phillips. This largely has to do with a partial retirement of a physical education instructor and vested interests from Sugarloaf and the Sugarloaf Ski Club to add outdoor winter recreation for local students.

The ski club donated $2,000 toward outdoor recreation for the school based on Sugarloaf nearly doubling the program for these area kids.

“We’re very appreciative of the contribution and ap- preciate them stepping up during challenging times ahead,” Clark explained after the meeting.

Members accepted the resignation of Maintenance Supervisor Dan Worcester as an order of business.

As a matter of ongoing discussion, Clark presented the board with a cost savings measures to combine classrooms by forming multi-age/multi grade classes across the district. This optional topic is just the beginning of ideas and suggestions for ongoing discussion. As a request of a board member, Clark initiated this topic first as a means of saving money. He reiterated the fact that based on the economic climate and with so few kindergarteners entering the district, changes in the way they educate children might need to be implemented. Meaning, they may not be able to sustain four elementary schools in four of their towns if state subsidy continues to decline. Other suggestions from the past have included closing schools, moving grades from town to town or just wait to see if the economic climate might change for the better in the future.

Clark explained that he sent in a memorandum to state officials explaining his reorganization options which all require legislative action due to a lack of options.

He said that one option including a merger with Highland and Coplin plantations was considered by a legislative committee for action on the floor of the full legislature.

Members heard grant requests before they approved three of the submitted eighth grade field trips.