At the regular March 10 meeting of the School Committee (SC) held on Zoom, Superintendent Heather Perry announced that the state policy prioritizing teachers for COVID-19 vaccinating has no automatic connection to when Gorham will increase in-person instruction. She will be presenting options to the SC at their March 24 workshop. She reported that the state will be using the Northwest Educational Association (NWEA) tests for assessment which are currently used in Gorham schools. Also, the state is no longer funding the SATs, but that has been accounted for in the district’s F22 budget, so all students will still have access to the PSAT and SAT. She anticipates no changes in state funding and expects the district will receive an additional $1.4 million from new federal COVID relief bill. “Focus for these funds will be on staffing/facilities needs to ensure we are able to open up safely in the fall, hopefully in a five day a week model,” she said.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Record gave a presentation on Assessment and Title Grants and explained how Gorham schools use NWEA testing to assess student progress in math, reading, and language usage two to three times a year depending on grade levels. This nationally normed test meets Maine curriculum standards and gives information on each student’s progress. In reviewing data from this past year, Record said that there had been some slippage, particularly with 2nd graders, but he expects that testing later in the spring will show more improvement. Quinton Donahue, principal of Gorham Middle School, gave some examples of how NWEA data enables teachers and parents to track student progress over time. Record also reported that 154 Gorham High School students had taken Advanced Placement tests in 2020, scoring above the Maine average in more AP course tests.

The Anti-Racism and Equity Ad Hoc Committee has completed reorganization and 43% of members are people of color. The SC approved policies on Curriculum Development and Student Assessment (6-0, Wright absent) and fulfilled a state requirement to vote on retaining the school principals another year. Before voting, SC members praised the principals for their outstanding work during this difficult year.

Anne Schools, chair of the policy committee, presented the first reading of the new Immunization Policy required by the state. Exemptions based on religious or philosophical beliefs will no longer be available after September 1, 2021. Only exemptions for medical reasons will be allowed. All children attending Gorham schools must be immunized in accordance with Maine state regulations.