Don Emery of Livermore Falls, center, chairs the Regional School Unit 73 meeting Thursday night at Spruce Mountain Primary School in Livermore. Director Danielle Brotherton of Jay and Superintendent Scott Albert are seated with him. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

LIVERMORE — The principal of Spruce Mountain Elementary School in Jay told Regional School Unit 73 directors Thursday night that behavior issues are on the rise.

“Behavior has been a challenge this year,” Principal Pat St. Clair said. “Last year I didn’t suspend a kid until Oct. 2. This year I have already suspended seven kids — four third graders and three fourth graders — and I suspended one for striking a teacher.”

“I am really disappointed in the numbers,” Director Elaine Fitzgerald of Jay said Thursday.

Superintendent Scott Albert said the administrative team would continue to work on the issues. “We suspended students because that behavior will not be tolerated,” he said.

In other business, new Director Danielle Brotherton of Jay was introduced.

Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere said Friday that Brotherton was selected to replace Chairperson Bob Staples who announced his resignation at the last meeting. He will be devoting his time to creating a non-profit to educate about brain disorders.

“Lee Ann Dalessandro nominated her,” LaFreniere said. “Lee Ann based it on the last vote, the fact she was next in line with the highest number of votes.” in the April 23 election.

Former Vice Chairperson Don Emery of Livermore Falls was unanimously elected chairperson, and Director Holly Morris of Livermore was unanimously voted vice chairperson.