Chairperson Nicole Yeo-Fisher called the meeting to order and all seven members were present.
As determined at the last meeting of the school year, Superintendent Heather Perry informed the committee of all teaching contracts that had been issued this summer. They approved (7-0) nine new educators:
Erin Malloy, School Psychologist
Sean Fitzsimons, Special Education Elementary Teacher
Paul Lamson-LaPlume, GHS Math Teacher
Mary Fagan Murphy, GMS Math Lab Interventionist
Kyle Hanson, GMS Special Education Teacher
Emily Bisson, Pre-K Occupational Therapist (.6)
Jaymie Frazier, GMS Music Chorus Teacher
Elizabeth Connell, GMS Health
Acadia LeSiege, Elementary Teacher
At this point, all teaching positions are filled, but there are openings for educational technicians and substitute bus drivers.
Due to increased enrollment over the summer, the committee voted (7-0) to add a fourth grade to Great Falls School.
Heather Perry presented a draft of the superintendent goals for the 2026-27 school year. The four goals that she will prioritize 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. She asked the committee to review the document and offer feedback before the goals are officially approved at a later meeting.
Superintendent Perry presented a draft of the School Committee schedule for the 2026-27 school year. This is a guideline that can be adjusted as needs arise.
Superintendent Perry presented the 2025-26 State of the Schools Report reviewing data and information about successes and challenges of the school system. Some of the successes noted are that GHS graduation rates continue to outpace Cumberland County and state averages; school culture and engagement ratings are very high with staff, students and parents; there are some strong elementary school gains; and a strong career preparation focus and a high family satisfaction rate of 95 percent. Some of the challenges noted are attendance and discipline at GMS, growing student support needs, slipping reading scores on the NWEA this past spring, persistent equity gaps in discipline and attendance, and identification and readiness gaps at the elementary level.
The committee voted (7-0) to designate Michelle Littlefield as delegate and Lowansa Tompkins as alternate delegate to the MSMA (Maine School Management Association) Delegate Assembly this fall.
The committee voted (7-0) to go into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and superintendent goals.