All School Committee members were present for their regular meeting on Wednesday, June 10, in council chambers. Retiring GHS teacher Heather Alden, recently recognized for the 2026 Karen MacDonald Service to Teaching Award sponsored by Educate Maine, and world language teacher Megan Donovan, along with four students of the Gorham High School Muslim Student Association, shared their informational presentation about Islam, one of the largest religions in the world. The students explained the names and traditions of major holidays, ways to greet people observing these holidays, and cited the similarities and differences of Islam and Christianity.
Ms. Alden noted that not all members of the MSA are Muslim, as it is open to any interested students. Many of the committee members praised the students for such a valuable opportunity to learn. Committee member Jeff Ballard spoke about his time serving in Afghanistan and learning about the tenets of generosity that are foundational to the Muslim faith, and expressed gratitude that as global citizens, students can learn now, instead of as adults, about the various cultures and faiths that exist around the world.
GHS Principal Jandreau reported the timeline of self-assessment in 2023 to a decennial visit in 2026 that comprises the NEASC accreditation process. New England Association of Schools and Colleges is the accrediting organization that evaluates schools against their Foundational Standards, which includes learning culture, student learning, professional practices, learning support, and learning resources. GHS was rated by the visiting team of educators from across New England as having “met” the standards. Recommendations were also provided by the visiting committee, most of which was to continue making progress on work that is already underway. The school will provide a three-year and five-year update to NEASC before beginning the process again in eight years. The committee expressed appreciation for the process and the work that goes into it.
During public comment, Town Council member Janet Kuech shared appreciation for the monthly administrator reports, and asked that next year all school principals report on the retirees in their building.
Student representatives Daniah Al Asadi and Loal Vance reported about the end-of-the-year events and assemblies at the high school, which included class elections, Career X-social studies, a yearbook dedication ceremony, a thespian group event, and spring sports awards, and they offered congratulations to GHS retirees and the Class of 2026 graduates.
During the superintendent’s report, Superintendent Perry reported that the Maine Department of Education is working on resources and playbooks to help inform practices to improve statewide assessment scores. She thanked the community for robust voter participation, and noted that hiring season is underway; application numbers are increasing, and the quality and retention of staff seem to be a result of this.
Each committee member had the opportunity to provide updates. Eric Thistle expressed appreciation for Village Elementary’s Spring Fling and the budget process overall. Polly Tateishi appreciated the opportunity over the year to visit each school as part of the School Committee meetings. Lowansa Tompkins noted the poignant moment of watching a young Gorham resident voting for the first time. Mia Desanctis expressed gratitude for the budget vote, acknowledging that there are some who did not vote in favor, and respects and hopes to address the many reasons for this. Jeff Ballard praised the respectful collaboration within the School Committeee. He noted with reluctance some of the online comments about Gorham schools being “dumbed down,” by people who were angry that the budget passed, and Ballard raised concerns about the message this says to and about students. Referencing survey data that was presented to the committee earlier this year, he cited 58% of students say they don’t feel respected by their community, and this is an example of why.
Michelle Littlefield expressed gratitude for the Amazing Race and the outstanding work of Lexie Caddell, who organized the event, and for the community members who responded to some negative online comments by donating over $3,000 for the Backpack Program, an all-volunteer effort to provide meals to students and families in need in the Gorham community. Chairwoman Nicole Yeo-Fisher offered congratulations and gratitude, commended the high school for navigating tricky weather for a lovely graduation, and noted
Heather Whitaker was recognized as Maine’s Alternative Educator of the Year.
Each sub-committee of the School Committee reported with updates and the dates of next meetings.
There was a second reading and unanimous approval (motioned by Desanctis, seconded by Littlefield) of the following policies: Private School Students – Access to Public School Co-Curricular, Interscholastic, and Extra-Curricular Activities (JJIAA); Student Educational Records (JRA); Relations with SRO’s and Law Enforcement Authorities (KLGA); Hazing (ACAD); and Evaluation of the Superintendent (CBI).
The committee unanimously approved (motioned by Ballard, seconded by Littlefield) a new Student/Family AI Handbook for Gorham Schools. The handbook is the result of a yearlong collaboration with staff, students and family members, and will be a living document that will change, but will serve as a foundation for conversation with our families and in our schools about AI.
The committee next unanimously approved an updated Portrait of a Graduate for the Gorham Schools. Dr. Perry explained that it is required, but also gives clear expectations for students, families and teachers of all grades for what skills all students should have as they graduate. Metrics for assessing these skills will be the next task.
The committee held their first reading and review of updates to the following policies: Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices In Schools (JICJ) in accordance with the new state statute requiring a bell-to-bell ban; Athletics (JJI); Tobacco Use and Possession (ADC); Field Trips and Excursions (IJOA).
Eight people were nominated to be hired to fill various positions across the district and in each school, which on the motion of Littlefield and second of Ballard, was unanimously approved.
The committee voted unanimously to enter into executive sess School Committee School Committee ion to consider information in confidential records pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. subsection 405(6)(F), and to consider the annual evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. subsection 405(6)(A).
This and all meetings of the School Committee can be viewed on the Gocat.org website.