The Special Meeting of the Gorham School Committee was called to order by Chairperson Nicole Yeo-Fisher. Five members were present. (Absent: Thistle, Tompkins)
The meeting began with a tour of Narragansett School led by Principal Erin Eppler. Narragansett has undergone three phases of expansion over the past few years. Several members of the tour expressed positive statements about the quality of construction and the thoughtful use and reuse of spaces through the building.
Curriculum coordinator Kim Fadrigam and GHS teacher Nan Acker-Wolfhagen presented an overview of the PK-12 Science Curriculum. At the PK-Grade 5 levels, the approach is exposure through a series of units of study including wind and water, the world of color, shadows and reflections and things that grow. At GMS there are units that build on elementary learning through the use of hands-on activities, research, lectures and experiments. At the high school, there are a series of courses presented at both advanced and standard levels. The focus of grades 9 and 10are earth science and biology, respectively. In the final two years there are a variety of classes, including chemistry and physics at different levels, as well as elective choices, including marine science and forensics.
Assistant Superintendent Quinton Donahue presented the superintendent’s nomination of Cheryl Fotter as principal of Village School. This nomination followed a four-step, extensive process including interviews, meetings with stakeholders’ groups and a final interview with Superintendent Perry. The committee voted (5-0) to accept the nomination.
Adult Education Director Bridget Kahn presented an overview of the program, which includes high school equivalency, English acquisition, academic advising, workforce training and personal enrichment. The populations of each of these service areas have shown steady growth and they have outgrown their present space at GMS. Eventually, the program would ideally be located closer to the high school. The committee brainstormed some long-range options to be investigated and considered in future years.
The committee reviewed the Annual Fire Drill / Lockdown Plan for the Gorham schools. This plan has been evolving over the years due to the changing needs and concerns of students at different levels and the use of the ALICE safety plan (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate). Student safety is a major concern for all administration and staff and steps are taken to handle each unique situation with thoughtfulness and caring for student needs and comfort.
The committee voted (5-0) to go into executive session to review the SAA (Gorham Educational Support Personnel Association) contract negotiations pursuant to Maine state laws. A vote was taken after the executive session to approve the contract. (5-0).