MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING August 4, 2020
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held virtually on August 4, 2020 at 7:00 pm, with all members present except Travis Doiron and Rebecca Hopper.
Ms. Mallett, Berwick Board Member shared the explanatory statements regarding public input.
Changed the public input to the end. Questions may be submitted online on a form that can be found on the website- questions will be read to the Board.
Public Input: None at this time.
Mr. Doiron entered the meeting.
Linda Corliss made the motion and was seconded by Nancy Neubert to accept the Minutes of July 16, 2020 as amended. All members voted and the motion was passed.
Ms Beauvias spoke about the 3 tiered system being proposed for the 2020-21 school year. On July 17th Governor Mills issued guidelines to School Districts for reopening schools in the fall. The guidelines are based on a three tiered color coded system to designate Covid-19 risk by County in the State of Maine.
RED: Categorization as “red” suggests that the county has a high risk of COVID-19 spread and that in-person instruction is not advisable.
YELLOW: Categorization as “yellow” suggests that the county has an elevated risk of COVID-19 spread and that schools may consider hybrid instructional models as a way to reduce the number of people in schools and classrooms at any one time.
GREEN: Categorization as “green” suggests that the county has a relatively low risk of COVID-19 spread and that schools may consider in-person instruction, as long as they are able to implement the required health and safety measures. Schools in a “green” county may need to use hybrid instruction models if there is insufficient capacity or other factors (facilities, staffing, geography/transportation, etc.) that may impact full implementation of the health and safety requirements.
Ms Beauvais presented examples of remote schedules, hybrid schedules, considerations and challenges that are under consideration. Complete presentation may be seen here.
After much discussion, the Board spoke about when they would be able to vote on an opening plan. The Board asked Ms Beauvias that if a remote meeting were to be called on Thursday, would this give the Administration enough time to to “tweak” the plan? This will give the Board time to think about the plan. Next Board meeting will be Thursday- remote at 7pm.
Ms Mallett suggested that the proposed change to the 2020-2021 School Calendar be tabled until the next meeting. Ms Neubert made the motion and Mr Coiron seconded the motion. All members voted and the motion was passed.
Ms Beauvias notified the new hire of Shea Kimball, Girls Varsity Basketball.
Additionally Ms Beauvais notified the Board that Kristen Bennett Hanson (.5) Guidance is requesting a one year leave of absence. Mr. Doiron made the motion to approve the LOA and it was seconded by Ms Neubert. All members voted and the motion was passed to approve the leave.
Ms Beauvais read a letter of retirement from Jon Applebee, longtime Noble High School ELA teacher. Mr Doiron made the motion and it was seconded my Ms Corliss. All members voted and the motion was passed.
Ms Beauvais read a letter of resignation from Lindsay Burrowbridge Hussey Intervention. Ms Schaeffer made the motion and it was seconded by Mr Doiron to accept the resignation. All members voted and the motion was passed. Ms Mallett accepted with regret.
Ms. Schaeffer made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to adjourn. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 9:42 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audra Beauvais