MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF July 22, 2021
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in North Berwick, Maine on July 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. with all members present except Mrs. Hopper and Mr. Doiron. The student representative was absent. There were 3 in the audience.
Public Input for July 22, 2021: None at this time.
Ms. Denise VanCampen, business manager, shared with the board the revenue return that the state has provided through the ED279. The legislature has also included a caveat for this year only, to be able to spend the funds or to return it to the towns. The district is receiving 1.2 million back from the state and the board discussed the options that are in front of us.
Ms. Mallett made the motion with passion and conviction and it was seconded by Ms. Whalen to return the extra funding to the towns so that the tax assessments to the taxpayers will be lowered. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Austin, Assistant Superintendent provided an overview of the ESEA application and the use of funds for 2021/2022.
Ms. Mallett made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the ESEA application for 2021/2022. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared with the board the following new hires:
Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Mallett to accept the new hires: Amanda Saffer- Hussey Grade 3, Elizabeth Spiller- Hussey Kindergarten, Alexandra Amicone- Hussey Kindergarten, Sarah Mossman- ELKS Grade 4, Kelsey Murray-ELKS Special Education, Glenn Hoag-MHA SE Teacher, Rebeca Allain-NMS Grade 7 Science, Cheryl Shadrick-Hanson Grade 4, Molly Jacobson-NBES Speech Therapist, Tristan White- NBES SE Teacher, Sarah Abbott- NOLA Teacher, Melissa Denick- NHS MP Teacher, Katherine Dube-NHS English, Carly Patterson- NHS Spanish.
All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent then shared the resignations of the following staff: Heather Laviolette,Colleen Hill, Brooke St. Laurent, Caroline Schwab, Elizabeth Croston, Andrew Elwell, Aaron Watson
Matthew Reid
Ms. Elva Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Travers to accept those letters of resignation. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Student report: None at this time.
Superintendent report:
The Superintendent reported that the Bus Fleet has received a Clean inspection. Next Thursday, updated health and safety precautions from the CDC. We will be meeting with the DOE and DHHS for updates.
Summer programming is going really well. North Berwick and Berwick programs are working out of Hussey. Middle School and High School are working out of the high school. Lebanon is at the Lebanon Elementary School.
The normal vaccination mandates have come into effect. Currently there are approximately 100 students at the high school who are outstanding in terms of immunization. Not Covid related.
Other:
The Assistant Superintendent shared a commitment statement regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to the success of ALL MSAD #60 students. As a district, it is imperative we examine our role in addressing inequities. Our district-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework ensures the ongoing application of an equity and inclusivity lens in all district aspects. This essential work positions equity and inclusivity as the foundation to further the goals of our school district and lead to enduring sustainable change.
Ms. Mallett made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to accept the Commitment statement. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. Adjourned 7:25 pm. Workshop followed on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audra Beauvais