The Gorham School Committee held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 14. This was the last meeting for Chairperson Darryl Wright and student member Ellie Szostalo.
The committee thanked graduating senior Ellie for her service and presented her with a gift.
Darryl Wright is relocating from Gorham and will resign on Thursday. He has been a school committee member for twelve years, serving as chairperson for many of them. All six remaining members and Superintendent Heather Perry praised him for his service, his professionalism, and his dedication to the students of Gorham. In a brief statement he thanked the committee, his family, and the voters of Gorham for allowing him to do this work. His goal over the past twelve years has been to “provide a space for all students to feel safe and welcome while receiving an excellent education.” Several members noted that Darryl’s integrity, leadership, and passion for the students of Gorham will be severely missed.
The Anti-Racism and Equity Committee reported on their work in the past several months. Since November they have developed a mission and formed groups centered on student experience, professional development, community outreach and public policy. Their overarching goals have been student needs, community engagement, building trust, processing mental health trauma and learning and to reach families with learned lessons. This important work will continue in the fall, as they continue to support students, staff, parents and community members.
Heather Perry provided a brief Superintendent’s Report. She mentioned the end of the school year for students and staff. She also talked about her plan to announce the process for continued budget planning in her Superintendent’s Blog on Friday, June 16th. She looks forward to working with town leaders and community members to positively resolve this issue.
The members of the committee reported on all of the subcommittee work that has been done recently and plans to meet in September.
As part of the continuous review of school department policy, several current policies were reviewed for a second reading. Agenda Prep and Dissemination (BEDB), Immunizations (JLCB), Communicable/Infectious Diseases (JLCC), and Student Drug and Alcohol Use (JICH) were all reviewed, discussed, and approved.
In New Business, there were 10 new teachers hired including current Assistant of Technology Dervin Grady assuming the one-year position of Acting Director of Technology. Superintendent Perry outlined the need for these positions and the fact that all were needed despite ongoing budget considerations. The committee also approved a purchase and lease agreement to provide staff laptops and voted to increase the price of adult meals.
The final item was to approve Superintendent Heather Perry’s contract for five years through June 30, 2028. The committee thanked her for her work and expressed complete support and confidence for her continued leadership in the Gorham School District.