The Gorham School Committee met for their monthly meeting on March 11, 2026. Chairperson Nicole Yeo-Fisher called the meeting to order and all seven members were present. The committee approved the minutes of the regular meeting of Feb. 11, the special meeting of Feb. 25 and the workshop meeting of March 2. (7-0)

Erin Eppler, principal of Narragansett School, introduced music teacher Lila Weiser and the members of the Fifth Grade Narragansett Band, who performed two numbers, to the delight of the School Committee and audience. This was the band’s first performance. Students participate in band rehearsals as part of the creative arts schedule during the school day and an after-school rehearsal once a week.

Special Education Director Kathy Hamblen and Assistant Director Nicole Poole provided an overview of special services being offered in the school system. The department is responsible for providing students with specific services under special education law and accommodations through Section 504 (a federal workplace law that applies to students), as well as monitoring the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). They described the referral and qualification process for students and possible law changes that might affect service procedures. They are also currently preparing to provide services to 3-to-5-year-olds in Gorham.
Superintendent of Schools Heather Perry continued her monthly review of sections of the State of the Schools Report, which is available on the school website. This month she focused on the metrics for success and the key indicators for high school graduates.

Each school committee member had an opportunity to report on recent events. Committee member Eric Thistle mentioned that sign-ups for the summer recreation program are now available, members had been attending Partners In Education (PIE) meetings at each school, and the budget workshops were being held each Monday night. Committee member Mia DeSanctis highlighted the Job Fair at Great Falls School. Committee member Michelle Littlefield thanked GMS Principal Lucas Witham and his staff for the Resource Hub, which provides insights into adolescents. Member Jeffery Ballard reviewed the work of the Village School Principal search committee and the near completion of this process. Chairperson Nicole Yeo-Fisher and committee member Lowansa Tompkins thanked the Narragansett musicians for their performance earlier in the meeting.
Each sub-committee reported on its most recent work and their meeting schedule.

The committee held a first reading of the following policies: Child Find (IHBAC) and Referral and Use of General Education Interventions (IHBAA).

The committee voted (7-0) to go into Executive Session to discuss the duties of officials/appointees/employees pursuant to M.R.S.A. subsection 405(6)(A).