MSAD #74 — More than 300 signatures were gathered in support of reinstating all cut positions at School Administrative District 74. Two fired teachers allege their termination breached the terms of their contracts.

Five contracted teaching positions are some of 13 positions cut in order to balance next year’s budget of $8.7 million, which was approved June 8 by referendum vote.

The 300 signatures on petitions were gathered at Pinkham’s Elm Street Market in North Anson, Casey’s Market in Anson and Solon Corner Market.

The layoffs happened only at the elementary education level and were based on participation in approved courses in the past five years; participation during the past two years in professional educational organizations, conferences and workshops; and length of service in the district.

The teachers who were terminated are: Kathy Stevens, a third-grade teacher at Carrabec Community School; David Gray, a fifth-grade teacher; Julieanne Belanger, a fourth-grade teacher; Diane Pinkham, a secondgrade teacher; and Cathie Starbird, a Title I teacher.

Two-and-a-half secretary positions were also eliminated, as well as a social worker, a library media assistant, half a maintenance position, half a groundskeeper position and one custodian.

There are 150 full-time employees and about 25 part-time employees in the district.