At the last regular School Committee (SC) meeting, held on Zoom, Superintendent Heather Perry reminded everyone that Governor Mills’ phased reopening did not include schools. Some outdoor facilities may be opened for use in June, but distance-learning will continue until the end of the school year. Devices that students are using will not be collected over the summer. She announced that the Maine Department of Education has provided 900 Chromebooks for grades K-3.
Perry reported that all district staff is working and at least 97% of their students are receiving instruction from their teachers. Only 80 students are not in communication. The staff is preparing 400 meals daily and 100 backpack lunches every week. Some of the meals are for residents in Avesta housing.
The SC attended a workshop with the Town Council (TC) on May 12 to discuss the proposed FY21 budget. The TC expressed concern over increasing the mil rate at this time so a second workshop was scheduled for May 27. The TC must vote on the budget by mid-June for it to be included on the July 14 ballot for voter approval.
All SC members thanked the district staff for their work under difficult circumstances. Darryl Wright asked what the district is doing to reach out to the students who are not participating in distance learning. Perry reported that teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, and principals are making every effort to reach these students. She also assured Phil Gagnon that there are no eligibility requirements for receiving meals.
Principals reported on students’ transitions to different schools in the fall. Elementary principals Becky Fortier, Brian Porter, and Cynthia Remick described parades for their fifth graders who will be going next year to Gorham Middle School (GMS). Zoom meetings with parents, slide presentations, T-shirts, virtual talent shows, and other creative measures will take the place of the usual end-of-year activities. Welcoming programming is underway for the 100 students who will be transferring to Narragansett School. Orientation for incoming Kindergarten students is still in the planning stage.
Principal Quinton Donahue described orientation plans for fifth grade students who will be entering GMS in the fall. Staff has prepared a slide show that explains middle school and Donahue is offering students a virtual building tour. All students will learn about their teams, schedules, and advisors by mid-June. Eighth graders who will be attending Gorham High School (GHS) in the fall will be recognized with a car procession, T-shirts, and music on June 11.
GHS principal Brian Jandreau announced that incoming ninth graders and their parents have had information sessions. Students will receive master schedules, view videos from teachers, and get summer reading assignments. He outlined plans for the Class of 2020 graduation that will permit students to graduate with friends and parents in small, spread-out groups. It will be followed by a parade through Gorham. The SC gave a shout-out to Jandreau and his team for coming up with an exceptionally creative substitute for a traditional graduation celebration.
The Finance Committee reported discussing the fund balance for 2021, the purchase of two buses for which the district will pay only 20% of the cost, and the possibility of receiving stimulus funds. The Facilities Committee is going forward with its capital improvements project list and has discussed the effect it would have on the budget or a potential bond referendum.
Votes were taken on three minor changes in school policies (7-0), approval of step-ups for probationary teachers (7-0), and a State requirement on retaining principals (7-0). The SC also voted on three hirings (6-1, Gagnon) and to permit the superintendent to transfer funds from one cost center to another if they total no more that 5% of the budget and have no effect on the total budget figure (6-1, Gagnon). Gagnon cited procedural objections to both motions he did not support.