Principals celebrate successful return to in-person learning, Covid remains a challenge. Board bylaws amended.
The MSAD51 School Board had a regular meeting on September 20. In the absence of School Board Chair, Tyler McGinley, Kevin Desmond (Vice-Chair) presided.
Significant agenda items included ongoing Covid-19 response, assessment of return to full in-person learning, and changes to Board bylaws. As with recent meetings, equity was the focus of multiple topics - public comments, frustration and concern regarding vandalism of a communication board, and proposed changes to Board bylaws related to on ongoing work and issues in the District.
Recording of the entire meeting is available on the MSAD51 YouTube channel.
Recognition
The meeting kicked off with formally recognizing MSAD51 2021 Employees of the Year. Desmond recognized K-12 nurses Erica Sarapas, Lora Rolfe, Nancy Terison, Nicole Anderson, and Chrissy Givans, thanking them for all they had done to support the District’s response to Covid-19.
Board member Jennifer Stewart, who had been on the Recognition Committee, added her appreciation. Stewart noted the committee received numerous recommendations for the nurses. She addressed the nurses in attendance to add her praise of their work “keeping our kids safe and in school as much as we could.”
Mike Williams thanked the nurses for “their strong, steady hand” leading the District’s Covid-19 response.
Superintendent Jeff Porter noted the nurses managed 110 cases and the resulting high number of close contacts within student body and staff for 2020-21 school year. Porter thanked the nurses for continued support dealing with Covid-19, noting the District has had 5 new positive cases since the 2021-22 school year began.
Scott Poulin added, “You guys were tremendous.”
Public Comment
Public comments were minimal. Residents expressed support of equity, but disagreement continues over effectiveness of the Equity Leadership Steering Committee (ELSC).
Jason Curry (GHS Social Studies teacher and President of the Education Association) emphasized the challenges teachers are facing. Curry asked the Board and the community to encourage teachers by sending cards or notes of appreciation. Curry alluded to Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, urging the community to focus on spreading positivity.
Emily Gray (Cumberland), Zach Bouchard (Cumberland) and Carrie Cianquette (Cumberland) support the ELSC and endorsed the proposed changes to bylaws.
Gray expressed concern “the word equity has become politicized” and listed examples of why her family and the community should continue to support equity work. Gray stated the vandalism of the GMS communication board demonstrated the need for further education in the community. She contrasted her family’s experience to that of her non-white friends, and considered it essential for schools to have an equity policy “at the core of their decision making.”
Bouchard considered the proposed changes to Board bylaws a means to achieve a higher level of transparency. Bouchard criticized actions from previous meetings, including a reciting of the “Lord’s Prayer” during the August 16 meeting. Bouchard asked residents to keep comments to Board business and refrain from personal, political or religious statements.
Cianquette reiterated her and her family’s “whole-hearted support” of the ELSC. Cianquette viewed the communication board vandalism evidence of the need for continued equity work. Although families may teach “the golden rule” to their children, Cianquette believes ELSC’s policy and plan can provide further guidance on how to apply these lessons.
Laurie Bachelder (North Yarmouth) and Tucker Cianchette (North Yarmouth) shared concerns about the current ELSC.
Bachelder stated twice, “I support the work that needs to be done for equity and inclusion.” Bachelder observed residents who question practices of the ELSC are deemed to be against equity and inclusion. Bachelder said her criticism related to the committee’s practices, rather than questioning the need for equity work. Bachelder listed lack of guidelines regarding membership, charter and scope of work as problems, and expressed frustration the ELSC lacks diverse representation.
Cianchette opposes the ELSC in its current format. Cianchette referred to multiple conversations with Superintendent Porter and resident public comments that appear to have been ignored, as there has been no effect on policy. He shared his concern at only one resident receiving any response from the Board, recently. Cianchette urged broader community participation in the process, rather than being limited to “eavesdropping on meetings.” He wondered if the only way to get the Board to respond is to “print hundreds of road signs and scatter them around the community? I sincerely hope not.”
Communication
A recently installed communication board to assist students with communication disorders was vandalized and defaced with a slur. Desmond read the District letter sent to the District regarding the incident.
The letter encouraged the community to use “this opportunity to have conversations in your homes about respecting property, accepting all people, and teaching how much our actions and words can hurt others.” The Special Olympics has developed guidance to help parents and community members with these conversations and effective ways to respond.
Porter thanked community members for generous offers to help replace the damaged board. A replacement has been ordered.
Ann Maksymowicz expressed disappointment that initial reports highlighted the damage rather than the slur. Maksymowicz appreciated the focus of the District letter and its emphasis on the seriousness of the slur. Maksymowicz was “not surprised” by this incident. “These are things that happen in districts similar to ours that have a lot of different privilege that others may not have.” Maksymowicz emphasized the vandalism indicates the need for work within the District to educate students.
The incident, and who might be responsible, is still under investigation.
Principals’ Report
The “Opening of Schools Report” from each Principal included changes each school has made to assist students transition back to full in-person learning. Greely Middle School and High School referenced areas that aligned with specific pillars of the Greely Goes Green plan.
Sally Loughlin outlined the “Responsive Classroom Model” being used at Mabel I. Wilson. A technique that has been used for many years, Loughlin explained how it facilitated a better learning environment, impacting both students and teachers. The program reinforces foundation skills necessary for effective learning, such as cooperation, assertiveness, self-control, and empathy. Eighty copies of The First Six Weeks of School by Responsive Classroom, is available for teachers and staff.
Carol MacArthur explained the “Open Arms, Open Hearts, Open Minds” approach guiding staff for return of Grade 4-5 students. Due to range of previous year’s learning experience, there has been greater variability of mental and educational needs than in previous school terms. Plans were designed to “support students where they are at,” with added goal of keeping all students in school.
Additional educational support includes extending the math and reading blocks to 75 minutes each and adding an RTI block on Wednesdays.
Mar-E Trebilcock celebrated students settling into routines. Grade 6-8 staff are focusing on student instruction and mental well-being. Overall, learning deficiencies were not as great as anticipated. Literacy skills appear to have remained unchanged, but math will need some attention.
I-Ready tests are being administered this week and will identify students that need interventions.
Of significance, 2/3 of current middle school students have not yet had a typical middle school year. Steps were being taken to ensure students had a more typical experience. A modified Cow Island retreat returns. All 8th graders will be participating in a daytrip model this week, while 7th graders will go next week.
Feedback from student representatives, Madison Dalton and Avery Olsen, affirmed return to in-person learning for middle school students has been positive. “You are doing a great job making it as close to an actual middle school experience as possible,” said Dalton.
Don Gray described an “almost perfect” resumption of school for high school students. Freshman orientation and first few days resembled a more typical year. Guidance kicked off post-secondary planning with seniors.
Gray shared steps being taken at high school to support student academics. Both Dalton and Olsen agreed the new systems and changes were impactful, particularly “Ranger Support Time.” The 20-minute period is open time for both students and teachers, which makes it easier for students to get extra help from teachers.
Gray credited Olsen’s request to build regular mask breaks into the schedule for other changes. In addition to lunch period, mask break opportunities include ability to transition between classes outside as well as added time between periods 1 and 2. The extra time was a nice surprise for students.
Dalton and Olsen also praised the changes to advisory. The shift from primarily task-oriented meetings to include emotional support made the process seem like a personal checkup, said Olsen.
Superintendent Presentations
A revised enrollment study is underway. The state will certify current enrollment numbers on October 1. Preliminary data indicates numbers seem to be rebounding from drop due to Covid-19. However, counts are below previous projections. The District has had a net gain of 26 students. High school enrollment dropped (-36 students) from 2020-21, but there was a large increase at Mabel I. Wilson (+57 students).
Covid-19 had greatest impact to class size for lower grades, particularly kindergarten, as a number of parents previously held their child out of school or have requested a 2nd year of kindergarten for their child.
Porter believes the overall pattern aligns with previous enrollment study. “The story is the same. The numbers are off, probably about 100 students from what was projected in 2019.”
The updated enrollment study is expected to be complete by November, at the latest.
“Greely Goes Green” plan remains mostly unchanged. The COVID Advisory Group recommended to maintain current protocols, including masking and minimizing unnecessary individuals in school buildings. No outside groups will be granted permission to use MSAD51 facilities, and the number of approved volunteers will remain limited.
The committee will consider developing options for parent-teacher conferences at its next meeting, on October 12. The music department is drafting a plan to allow fine arts performances to resume. The Committee will review once details are available.
All decisions are intended to support goal to keep students in-person 5 days per week.
As of September 20, the District has 5 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 6 close contacts in quarantine. Pool testing began for grades 2-8, and testing for pre-K, 1st grade and high school starting next week. Currently, 916 students are participating, representing 43% of the student populations. Testing results will be included in the next “Greely Goes Green” update.
At the October 18 regular Board meeting, Porter will be providing a more formal review of masking, along with a more detailed report for pool testing.
In response to Stewart’s questions, Porter stated the District did not have a timeline for implementing new mandate regarding staff vaccination. State numbers regarding MSAD51 may be outdated. Regarding providing a better procedure for reporting vaccination status, Porter will discuss with the nurses ways to simplify the process and ensure consistency.
Record urged the District be more proactive to prevent a Covid-19 related closure. Other school closures may be related to masking policies or vaccination rates. Additionally, pool testing will reduce number of MSAD51 community members who will need to quarantine.
For the most up to date District Covid-19 data, visit the MSAD51 Covid Information Center page.
“Superintendent’s Report” is posted to the MSAD51 website. Porter echoed District principals that school year is off to a great start.
Vandalism related to a recent TikTok challenge is being addressed by Greely high school administration and the new SRO, Amy Owen.
Porter congratulated Greely students, Lev Giffune and Matthew Gilbert, on being named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
Issues with bussing and traffic congestion on campus continue. To alleviate the driver shortage impact to the District, MSAD51 will be conducting free classes to help drivers get their permit. Current District bus drivers are working as instructors to help candidates prepare for their road test. The program is open to current staff or community members.
Board Business
The Board approved minutes for September 2 meeting and the September 8 retreat. Additionally, the Board appointed Desmond delegate to the MSMA Fall Conference and authorized hiring a Literacy Specialist for grades 4-5.
Desmond announced Board committee chairs. The 2021-22 Board committee assignments and Board goals are posted to the District website (committees, goals). Key aspects of the goals included supporting the “Greely Goes Green” plan, ensuring optimal learning environment, continuing equity work and improving communication.
Jason Record summarized the process the Board used to develop their goals. Record noted members submitted individual priorities to the Chair, but the Board did not vote to approve the final list. Record proposed adopting a “more dynamic” process to review the goals regularly.
Desmond added McGinley shared a plan with some Board members to make goal assessment a continuous and integral part of Board work.
Key action items for the meeting related to amendments to the Board bylaws. The changes had been tabled during the September 2 meeting to allow discussion during the September 8 Board Retreat.
Record reiterated his opposition to the proposed amendment to change language regarding appointment of Board members to committees to align Other Committees with that of Standing Committees.
Record advocated for a broader review of Board policy and practices related to all committees. Record viewed this change as a small piece of a process that needs further consideration.
Other Board members disagreed. Mike Williams noted school district policy templates for public schools are provided by the Maine School Board Association (MSBA). Williams sees the revision as “the opposite of doing something that is radical or out of the norm.”
Desmond concurred that Williams clarified the proposed amendment. However, he supported Record’s request for regular review of District bylaws and policies “to ensure they meet the current and ongoing needs of the district.” To which Maksymowicz responded the Board had recently looked at the bylaws.
Desmond acknowledged the Board had made an update to bylaws last year, but “it’s a dynamic, living document that needs to be looked at [regularly].”
The amendment to change procedure for membership appointment of Other Board committees in the Board’s bylaws to line up with language for Standing Committees passed, with Record opposing.
Record proposed the Board consider the committees individually for the vote to change categorization.
Record considered Negotiations Committee a Special Committee and expressed concern about putting it into a category that might conflict with its ability to maintain confidentiality. Information discussed by Other Committees could be protected by entering executive session, but Stewart noted Negotiations does not meet in executive session, rather, it is protected by state statues that limit access. Additionally, only Standing Committees are required to publish agendas and minutes.
Record expressed strong opposition to move forward with the amendment to change the Equity Leadership Steering Committee (ELSC) to Other Committee. Record linked divisions within the community to the ELSC. Siting problems with membership process and composition, and working structure, Record further attributed disagreement regarding opinions on equity to the practices of the ELSC and how it has operated.
Both Maksymowicz and Williams supported the amendment. Williams viewed the change as a “natural progression to make the committee meet what it already should have been doing.” Williams considered a change of status a positive step towards better accountability and the revised designation would allow the Board to “really own it and support transparency.”
Williams dismissed opposition. “You have a right to have your voice heard, but you don’t have a right to have people, even elected officials, agree with you, whether on process or substance.”
Stewart urged a thoughtful approach to define how ELSC is going to work. She underscored the need for Board oversight as well as ensuring the process includes student and community input. “I don’t understand the process of this Equity Committee and what they’re doing, in the fact that, it’s viewed that they hold all the power to push this through on curriculum.”
Desmond supported Stewart’s appointment to the ELSC, because she “asked all the right questions.” He hopes the conversation moves to a “place that benefits us in this community.”
For Record, questions about equity work are linked to the original equity workshop the District hosted in 2019, which he attended. The focus of the workshop was limited to racial equity, rather than broader scope inclusion of gender, disability or bullying issues.
Record questioned the effectiveness of the current ELSC, stating after two years, its only product has been the equity letter to the community, which he viewed as highly divisive.
Record insisted the conflict will not resolve until all sides of the issue are included. Record stated residents who have expressed frustration with the ELSC support equity. “The same things that they’re saying are the same things that Ann and Tyler would say, and Jeff would say; but it’s how you get there.”
“We’ve got good people with good Maine values.” Record sited the continued influx of new residents shows this community was “doing it right to start with.”
Williams disagreed with Record’s assessment of the ELSC. However, he supports “bringing people together to have hard conversations.” William argued the proposed change to ELSC corrects a process issue that would make the Board more accountable and more transparent.
The Board unanimously approved the designation change for both Communications and Negotiations to Other Committees.
The amendment for ELSC passed with Record opposing and Peter Bingham abstaining.
Bingham clarified his vote as “chickening out.” Bingham expressed his displeasure at the lack of diversity of the ELSC membership. Bingham further indicated he did not agree with committee membership selection process for “a couple other committees.”
Board appointments to seven committees is now at the discretion of the Board Chair.
At the end of the meeting, the Board entered an executive session to discuss land acquisition. Information regarding details or decisions was not shared.
No update was provided regarding the Primary Building Project. In an email, McGinley said additional information would be available following the Board October 4 meeting.
Next School Board meeting is a special executive session and scheduled for October 4.