Chairperson Nicole Yeo-Fisher called the September committee meeting to order and six members were present. (Tompkins) The committee approved the minutes of the June 10 Regular Meeting and the June 24 and Aug. 26 Special Meetings. (6-0)
Each of the five principals reported on the successful opening of school. They discussed their new personnel, new initiatives and early indicators of success at their level. From their presentations, the positive culture of their building and the school system in general was emphasized.
Norm Justice, director of facilities, reported on the summer work done in the buildings including masonry work at Great Falls, pavement work at Village, modifications of three classrooms and movement of 33 classrooms and programs at Narragansett, movement of the Adult Education Department, duct work at GMS and the completion of the building projects at GHS. Mr. Justice thanked his staff, Gorham Public Works, Great Falls Construction and all of the business partners that completed work over the summer.
Each committee member had the opportunity to discuss recent events and observations. The student representatives, Lola and Dannah, discussed the opening of school, the beginning of the fall sports season and the bell-to-bell cell phone ban and the presentation of the school system’s AI draft. Committee member Jeff Ballard thanked the transportation department and the Pre-K program for their extra care in assisting the littlest Rams get off to a successful beginning of the school year. Committee member Michelle Littlefield told a story of a group of GHS football players hanging at her place of business one afternoon. They were polite, friendly and engaged in conversations with a group of community senior citizens. They truly represented themselves, the school and their families proudly as they exhibited the code of conduct. Chairperson Nicole Yeo-Fisher thanked all school staff for their efforts in the new school year.
Each subcommittee reported on its most recent work and its next meeting dates.
Superintendent Heather Perry gave a monthly report. She highlighted the State of the School Report and attendance numbers and trends. The newest attendance numbers will be officially reported to the state on Oct. 1. She also noted that there are presently openings for bus drivers and educational technicians.
The committee voted (6-0) to approve the contract of the superintendent of schools from 2026-2031.
The committee voted (6-0) to approve the School Committee meeting schedule including the change of the next Workshop Meeting from Sept. 23 to Sept. 24.
The committee voted (6-0) to approve the superintendent goals for the 2026-2027 school year. The four goals that she is prioritizing are: a continuation of the work with staff on the metrics for student success, staff literacy on Artificial Intelligence, development of the Aspire Program Pre-K through grade 5 focusing on building fine and gross motor skills and purposeful learning through play and the purposeful use of technology.
The committee voted (6-0) to approve the FY 2027-2028 Budget Development timeline.
The committee voted (6-0) to table the first reading of the school department policy: Life Saving Medical Devices and Treatment (EBCF). They conducted a first reading of the following policies: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (JLF) and the Immunization Policy (JLCB).
The complete official minutes of this meeting and a video recording of the proceedings may be found at the School Department website.