LEEDS — School Administrative District 52 directors on Thursday evening discussed holding the districtwide 2017-18 budget vote at the same time as the statewide primary and referendum in June.

The budget vote is usually in May, but some thought there would be more participation if it was held during the statewide balloting.

Business Manager Deborah Roberts said she was concerned that if the district must wait until June to order new buses, they may not arrive by September. She said 90 days is standard turnaround time for regular orders; specialty orders take 120 days.

A decision will be made after further research.

According to administrators, the transition to a “standards-based” grading system where students earn a certificate instead of diploma will be delayed because criteria for Algebra II is yet to be determined by the state.

Leavitt Area High School Principal Eben Shaw said until then “we will remain in a holding pattern.”

Once the details are established, the new system is expected to implemented in time for the Class of 2021, Assistant Superintendent Thomas Ambrose said.

In other business, the board:

• Learned that April Hartford, a teacher at Turner Primary School, won the Patience W. Norman Prize for Teacher Excellence. Superintendent Kimberley Brandt presented her with the award and the $5,000 prize at an assembly on Jan. 3. Norman was a history teacher who challenged her students to surpass her and their expectations. The Norman Prize for Teacher Excellence was established at the Maine Community Foundation to recognize teachers in SAD 52 who emulate her educational philosophy.

• Announced its goal for the 2017-18 budget is to not overburden taxpayers. Members agreed that keeping costs down while continuing to create an excellent educational environment will be a challenge.

• Learned an unexpected $5,658 bill for damaged laptops has been forgiven, Karen Potvin, education technology coordinator, said.

• Voted unanimously to elect Robert Allen as assistant chairperson of the board and as a member of the Finance Committee.

• Announced Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” will be staged at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Leavitt Area High School. Tickets are $10; $5 for students.