On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Gorham School Committee held their monthly meeting. Six members were present (Thistle absent) They approved the minutes of the regular meeting of Nov. 12, workshop meetings of Nov. 12 and 13, and special meeting of Nov. 25.
Dr. Heather Perry provided an update on the Superintendent’s 2025-2026 Goals and Strategic Plan work. Nearing the midpoint of the school year, significant progress had been made on all five of the goals.
Student Committee representative Daniah Al Asadi highlighted the band and chorus concerts and the All School Talent Show. In addition, work on the school musical, “Something Rotten,” has begun and all winter sports teams have started their seasons.
Superintendent Perry addressed the reopening of Narragansett School and the safety protocols that were followed. She thanked Maine Natural Gas, Johnson and Jordan, school maintenance staff, and the fire and police departments, as well as the staff and parents of Narragansett School. In addition, she highlighted the State of the Schools Report data on Metrics for Success. She also thanked the committee for providing a budget target of 4.75 percent increase for the next school year.
Each committee member had the opportunity to report on recent community events. Committee Member Tompkins reported on the recent Anti-Racism Committee meeting, Committee Member DeSanctis reminded parents about having students dress for the cold season and how to get assistance if needed and Committee Member Ballard reported on the beginning of the basketball season. Committee Member Littlefield thanked GHS teacher Mrs. Grady for bringing two classes to her place of business, and Chairperson Yeo-Fisher thanked the Narragansett staff and community members for handling the situation so well.
Each subcommittee reported on its most recent meetings and the work that it is involved with.
The committee approved (6-0) the annual election of the school superintendent, as required by state law each December. They also approved (6-0) the acceptance of the report from the Fiscal Sustainability Committee, and agreed to continue this work with a smaller representation, matching the proposal of the town council.
In their ongoing work reviewing school department policy and procedures, they approved (6-0) for a second reading of the following policies: Corporal Punishment (JKA), Student Activities Funds Management (JJF), Removal of Students with Disabilities (JKF), Reintegration of Students From Juvenile Correctional Facilities (JLDBG) and Public Participation at School Committee Meetings (BEDH). They also approved for a first reading a new policy, Temperature Standards for Schools (EBBD), and tabled until next month a first reading of Policy (JICJ) regarding cell phone use (6-0).