Nov. 18 informational meeting to explain workings of AOS 43

By Stuart Hedstrom 
Staff Writer

    MILO — Officials from member communities in both SAD 41 and its AOS 43 partner SAD 31 have been invited to an informational meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Marion C. Cook School in LaGrange.

    “On the 18th we are going to do that AOS presentation meeting in LaGrange,” Superintendent Michael Wright (who holds the same position in SAD 31) said during a Nov. 5 school board meeting. He said the session will include “an overview of what it is and what it isn’t” and “an explanation of the financial benefits and the educational benefits of the AOS.”
    Wright said he has asked for municipal officials to submit questions on the structure of the AOS prior to Nov. 18. The meeting was scheduled after some school board members said there is a perceived lack of understanding regarding the AOS and how it serves the two districts.
    In other business, the board made appointments for winter coaching positions at the Penquis Valley School. The high school coaches are Jason Mills, boys varsity basketball; Tony Heal, boys JV basketball; Dawn McLaughlin, girls varsity basketball; and Tammy Murano, cheering. For the middle school Crystal Cail will be leading the boys’ basketball team, Erin Allen the girls’ and Amanda Martin will be the cheering coach.
    Milo Elementary Principal Nathan Dyer reported that representatives from Sam’s Club attended one of the recent Terrific Kids assemblies at the school. He said Sam’s Club presented rewards cards to staff and “because of that each of our teachers received a $50 gift card to purchase supplies for their classroom.”
    Dyer said he had filled out a questionnaire from Sam’s Club. Later “they contacted us and said they felt we were a good choice” to be presented with rewards cards.
    The school board’s regular meeting is on the first Wednesday of the month, but in December the session will instead be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Penquis Valley. The move was made to avoid a conflict with the grade 6-12 instrumental/vocal holiday concert scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.