At the January 12 School Committee (SC) regular meeting Superintendent Heather Perry reported on Maine Department of Education (MDE) and CDC changes in school quarantine policies. She advised following the district website for updates on COVID policies.
Perry also announced that OSHA standards on vaccination and testing are being reviewed and any new laws will be in effect on March 18.
She reported that the district has added 15 new substitutes over the last month. The two training classes were filled and another is scheduled.
Six students from the Narragansett Civil Rights Team gave a presentation on their goals and projects. They want to make everyone feel welcome. They made banners for the school that promote their goals of accepting everyone and celebrating differences.
Brian Jandreau, Gorham High School (GHS) principal, introduced Assistant Principal Christina Cifelli and four GHS counselors and social workers who are working to implement a new program for alternative learners.
The SC voted last year to eliminate the old program and the team developing a vision and goals for a new approach gave an update on their progress and challenges. They reported that in addition to needing academic support, many students have social and emotional needs. Their three-tier plan is designed to make students feel safe and comfortable while helping them have a successful educational experience to prepare them for a career or college.
Superintendent Perry gave a progress report on the Little Rams initiative to provide early childhood education for children from birth to five years in cooperation with existing local providers such as daycare facilities and community organizations.
Perry gave a COVID data summary for the first three weeks of December showing 523 K-5 students and 32 staff impacted. This includes quarantined individuals as well as those staying home or sent home with symptoms. The figures for grades 6-12 were 143 students and 20 staff. A full report is available on the district website.
Darryl Wright reported that the finance committee is close to getting a new contract for custodial services. They are also looking at providing additional social/emotional resources. Bids are coming in for the Gorham Middle School heat pumps. He also said that committees from the Town Council and SC have received the report on the town’s facilities from the outside evaluators.
The Anti-Racism Committee recommended that there be a review of the K-12 social studies curriculum with the assistance of a consultant.
The SC voted (4-0, Perkins, Brockman, Gagnon absent) to approve three policies, one on public participation at School Committee Meetings and two others. Changes to policies on use of physical restraint and seclusion and on standards for ethical and responsible behavior were made to reflect legislative changes.