The Gorham School Committee met for their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Nicole Yeo-Fisher, and five members were present.
They approved (5-0) the minutes of June 11 and special meetings of June 25, Aug. 6 and Aug. 27.
Josie, Maeve and Charlie, three students at Great Falls School presented a program at the school called Community Circles. A Community Circle is a classroom activity in which all students have an opportunity to check in and say how they are feeling that day and share important events in their lives. This is an important way to build class communities and support all learners.
All of the principals had an opportunity to share information and stories of the first few days of school. Each school is off to a great start embracing new challenges and opportunities while welcoming new staff and students. Mr. Jandreau mentioned the challenges of the construction areas at GHS and Mrs. Fotter explained that there are 18 new staff members who are in new positions at Village School this year.
Norm Justice, Facilities Director outlined the work that was completed this summer to prepare for the opening of school. These included the refurbished tennis courts, the Village School sidewalks, HVAC work at Narragansett and adding air conditioning to the office and library at Narragansett. He thanked the town for their cooperation and cited several local businesses that assisted in preparing for school opening.
Heather Perry cited the demographic information from “The State of Our Schools Report” which is available on the school website. She feels that it is important to look deeper into the data for shifting populations and increasing needs for support. She also wanted to remind the public of the referendum question on the Nov. 4 ballot which is not a new request for public money but a transfer of already approved funds to new capital projects. She also stated that the system is still looking for additional bus drivers.
Each standing and special committee shared their plans for the first meetings of the year and some of their goals and work that they would be engaging in. School Committee member Mia DeSanctis recognized long-time school department employee, Jane Meggison, who recently passed away.
The committee voted (5-0) to approve the School Committee 2025-2026 meeting schedule. This is an attempt to outline the necessary meetings for the school year, and although there might be some changes, provides an outline and schedule for their work.
The committee voted (5-0) to approve the superintendent’s professional goals for the 2025-2026 school year. These goals include refreshing the metrics for success in the schools, addressing AI and its impact on the schools, reviewing how they as a school community support the very youngest learners, addressing and planning for the required shifting of Child Development Services (CDS) from the state to the public schools required in 2028-2029 school year and increasing efforts for stronger two-way communication systems with the school community.
The committee also approved (5-0) the FY 27 budget timeline.
In their ongoing review of school policies, they approved the school Board Self Evaluation Policy (BAA) for a second reading and Questioning and Searches of Students Policy (JIH) for a first reading.