The Gorham School Committee held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on May 13. Six members of the committee were present (Thistle). They approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 8 and the Special Meeting of April 29. (6-0)
Two GMS students, Rataj and Leila, reported on their creation The GMS Rams Rack. Inspired by the altruistic spirit of the Back Pack Program and a visit to the Maine Needs Program, the students approached Principal Witham about the idea of a clothes donation service. This would be a welcoming space where students are able to pick out something new for a confidence boost or a pick-me-up, as well as essential needs. They have handled every aspect of this project: securing a space, cleaning and designing it, advertising for donations, sorting donations and staffing the room. It is truly a wonderful example of students “giving back” to their community.
Superintendent Heather Perry gave a monthly report to the committee. She commented on the wonderful student artwork in the Municipal Chambers and the two student artists displaying their work at Sullivan House Bakery. She mentioned the governor’s budget had passed and the implications for school districts. She also thanked the Town Council for approving the school budget and encouraged community members to vote on June 9.
Each committee member reported on recent events. The student representatives reported on a May 1 pep rally, AP exams, music department concerts, senior internships and a drunk driving simulation to help keep students safe during prom time. Lowansa Tompkins thanked all of the district teachers for their hard work this year. Mia DeSanctis acknowledged emails about class size received from staff and thanked the committee members who spoke passionately at the Town Council meeting as citizens. Jeffery Ballard thanked the Town Council and acknowledged the thorough review done on the budget by this committee because of the need for fiscal restraint for the community. He also read a persuasive essay that he had received from a student at Narragansett School imploring the committee to consider three-day weekends for students. Michelle Littlefield mentioned the student music concerts and acknowledged a data point error that she had made at a previous meeting. Nicole Yeo-Fisher thanked the Town Council for approving the school budget and thanked Town Council member Janet Kuech for attending all School Committee meetings and budget workshops.
The committee voted (6-0) on two annually required votes. First, they voted to move a list of probationary teachers from year one to year two probationary status and to move a list of teachers from probationary year two to continuing construct status. Secondly, they authorized the superintendent to transfer up to 5 percent of the budget between cost centers, if necessary, at the end of the fiscal year. The superintendent will notify the committee of any changes made.
In their review of School Board policies the committee conducted a first reading of the following policies: Private School Students – Access to Public School Co-Curricular, Interscholastic, and Extra-Curricular Activities (JJIAA), Student Educational Records (JRA) – No changes recommended, Relations with SRO’s and Law Enforcement Authorities (KLGA), Hazing (ACAD) and Evaluation of the Superintendent (CBI).