The April 9 monthly meeting of the Gorham School Committee kicked off with a presentation of the Great Falls Elementary School’s art program. First year art teacher Mr. Poole was joined by 6 GFES students representing grades kindergarten thru 5, who each proudly shared their artwork and the medium they used. Poole explained that his program focuses on elements and principles of design, and helps students to find their voice and ideas in art. These and other artwork will be on display in the Burleigh Lovett Town Council Chambers.

8th grade science teacher Michaela Lamarre provided the committee with an update on her use of Teach with Tech grants awarded by the Department of Education’s Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). Last year, through a grant she received LEGO® kits with which she has been able to teach scientific concepts such as focus and motion, simple machines, as well as kinetic and potential energy. She noted the high level of interest for all ages when given LEGOs, and the development of skills including creative thinking, curiosity, and problem solving that comes from their use in her classroom.

Lamarre applied for and was awarded an additional $10,000 grant, with which she purchased more kits, thereby allowing all students to have their own for class. She was also able to purchase more complex kits with which she can challenge students further. Her plan is to seek additional grants to provide opportunities to have 8th graders mentor students in grades 3 thru 5, using the Legos to teach science skills.

Both presentations received high praise from school committee members. There was no public comment.

Superintendent Perry began her report by ceding time for Jodi Mezzanotte, principal at Village Elementary School, to address the committee. Mezzanotte announced her resignation effective July 1, as she has been named Director of Educator Engagement with Educate Maine, a statewide non-profit organization that fosters business support for public education. She expressed gratitude to the committee members, Superintendent Perry and school leaders, and the staff, students and families of Village Elementary, noting that having spent 15 of 24 education years at VES, it was a very hard decision.

Perry advised that there are two ed tech positions and three driver positions open, and there are four new drivers in the training pipeline. Gorham’s last day of school, barring any reason school is cancelled, will be a half day for students on Friday, June 13.

Committee members were also invited to attend the district’s entire leadership team for a “Data Retreat”, on June 16, where district and school leaders analyze data, looking for patterns and themes to inform goals for next year.

During communications, committee members noted that it was Assistant Principal Appreciation Week, thanking Gorham’s six assistant principals. There was praise for the ten students in the Adult Education’s CNA program who are testing into their clinicals, the Narragansett Talent Show, district-wide band and chorus concerts, and the Middle School’s performance of “Tuck Everlasting.” It was also noted that the Backpack Program is in need of donations; there is a list on the district website.

Of note in the subcommittee report-outs, a detailed school committee communications plan is in the works, responsive to the committee’s goal of improving community engagement. Over 400 southern Maine students visited Westbrook Regional Vocational Center as a first step to applying to and being accepted into one of their programs.

The committee did their second reading and unanimously approved updates to the district’s policies related to harassment, discrimination, and substance use-testing for bus drivers. They had a first reading on updates to a policy related to canine searches on school grounds and another policy about school records.

The School Committee finalized the proposed FY 2026 budget, a process that began in November and spanned numerous meetings, all of which can be viewed on the school department’s website. Superintendent Perry noted that this year’s 3.1 mil increase is the lowest requested increase in ten years, and thanked the school committee and leaders within the district for the hard work to ensure this. Key cost-drivers for the budget include contractual obligations for salaries and benefits for the staff, ongoing costs for maintaining facilities, and the assumption of costs for the bus routing software due to the State of Maine’s discontinued funding for it.

Each committee-member voiced approval of the process and budget. Mia Desanctis noted her regret for those whose jobs were cut, but praised the commitment to smaller class sizes. Nicole Yeo-Fisher and new member Jaci Reynolds reiterated that the budget is truly needs based. Reynolds and Eric Thistle noted the complexity and thoroughness of the budget process, urging residents to review the budget materials that are publicly-available.