On Wednesday, March 12, the Gorham School Committee held their regular monthly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Sarah Perkins, and all members were present. They began by approving the minutes of the February committee meeting, as well as three workshop meetings.
The first presentation was by four members of the GMS Student Council. Alia H., Grace M., Shekinah G. and Max C. reviewed the purpose of the Student Council, their experiences this year as well as the activities that they have been involved in. In addition to conducting a school-wide food drive, making holiday cards for residents at Village Square, attending regional and state-wide leadership conferences, reading to K-2 students at Village School, planning spirit days and special activities at GMS, they have donated over $11,000 plus supplies and resources to the animal shelter over the years. Mrs. Pastore, GMS teacher and mentor to the group, who has led the group for 20 years, stated that this is the most popular year yet, with over 70 members, and 45-50 attending each meeting
The second presentation was the Pre- K-12 Vision of the Alternative Education Program. Mrs. Christina Cifelli, GHS Assistant Principal, reviewed the formal document compiled by the group. They have worked this year to ensure the vertical alignment of the program and to learn from each other. Recognizing that each student learns differently and has different needs at each level, an alternative program has been established that provides programming support and intervention at all three elementary schools and formal programs at GMS and GHS. (Katahdin at GMS and Lynx at GHS)
Three community members took the opportunity to speak to the school committee. Kelli Deveaux spoke in support of the Anti-Racism Event which took place earlier in the week, John Ersek from the Gorham Times spoke about the desire to learn more about changing rules and funding threats, and Nicki Hudson spoke about the importance of acceptance and inclusion programs and support.
Superintendent Heather Perry reported that all schools are very busy at this time with conferences, lots of activities and continued learning. She highlighted LD 34 which is an effort to increase teacher salaries in the state by the 2030 school year. She feels that it is important to watch as there will be state and district implications if passed. She also informed the board that the district had been visited by the construction staff of the state DOE which is in the process of reviewing ninety-six project requests throughout Maine. A decision on the priorities should be available from the state by mid-July.
Several of the committee members spoke about the budget process and how the community can stay informed of the discussions. They also reviewed events and activities that they had attended throughout the past month.
The committee approved the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year (7-0) and accepted the proposal and schedule for a communication plan on the school budget for the school year.
In the on-going review of school committee policy, the committee approved a second reading of the Return to Work and Reasonable Accommodations Policy (GBGE) and approved first readings of four policies: Nondiscrimination/ Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy (AC), Harassment of Students Policy (ACAA), Harassment of Employees (ACAB) and Drug and Alcohol Testing of Bus Drivers Policy. (EEAEAA).