MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF March 14, 2024
Current Board Members-
North Berwick- Lauren Janousek, Kate Whalen, Joshua Tabor
Berwick- Travis Doiron, Elva Lovejoy, Peg Wheeler
Lebanon- Victoria Travers, Jeridene Basko, Nancy Neubert
Executive Session Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A §405(6)(B) Expulsion of Student
Mr. Tabor made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Wheeler to go into executive session pursuant to 1M.R.S.A. §405(6)(B) Expulsion of a Student. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. In at 6:30pm. Out at 7:00pm.
Mr. Tabor made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Wheeler to expel the student under consideration. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in person in North Berwick, Maine on March 14, 2024 at 7:15pm with all members attending in person except Mr. Doiron.
There were 30 in the audience.
Vice Chair Ms. Nancy Neubert of Lebanon read the public input statement.
Public Input:
Pam Texeira of Lebanon and a teacher at Noble Middle School, came forward to share her concerns regarding budget cuts, teacher reduction and the possibility of teachers transitioning to positions they may not want. Ms. Texeira also shared that she feels that morale is low at the middle school and the possible effects that changes may have on the students.
Tamara McCormick, of South Berwick and a teacher at North Berwick Elementary School. Ms. McCormack is concerned that if specialists are shared amongst many buildings, relations with students and communities will be effected.
Jeramy Caston of Berwick, came forward to acknowledge that the cost of everything in life has gone up, gasoline, electricity and food. It is unrealistic to believe that school budgets won’t increase. Mr. Caston believes that most parents think the same way. He isn’t sure how to make the budget work and what programs should be cut, but his hope is that the School Board does not cut the Arts and Excel budgets.
Mallory Prince of Lebanon, who is a parent and a teacher in the District. Ms. Prince spoke of her rigorous work load and the challenges of shared dual purpose spaces that she uses for her classes. Ms. Prince asks that when the board is looking at schedules and space please consider the knowledge that the professionals have in their fields and that they be a part of the solution.
Erin Dolly a resident, teacher and parent in Lebanon. Ms. Dolly, an invested life long Lebanon community member, spoke of her work load and job description. Ms. Dolly goes on to cite that statistically students do better academically when they participate in the arts specifically music. She invites Board Members to please spend time with her music class, or attend a concert in Lebanon.
Heather Lorenzo, of Berwick. Ms. Lorenzo has children at both Vivian E Hussey School and Noble High School and feels fortunate to have the teachers and staff the MSAD 60 has to offer. Ms. Lorenzo has been a teacher for 20 years and teachers are now expected to do more with less. She would like to know what parents can do to keep the teachers that MSAD 60 has.
Gwen Durodemi, a resident of North Bewick and a parent. Ms Durodemi would like to invite the Board into the schools. If the Board would like a primary source as to how the numbers will effect students and staff directly, please reach out to her.
Sharon Taylor, North Berwick resident and District Librarian. As the District Librarian she has a good, “birds eye view” of what is happening throughout the District. Ms. Taylor went on to say what terrific people we have and knows the Board has a tough job, but hope you do not go after the frontline people.
Approval for the One Act Play to Attend State Competition:
Mr. AJ Dufort, Principal at Noble High School, spoke to the board regarding MSAD 60’s One Act Team having performed last weekend at Marshwood High School and won first place. The team has now been invited to compete at the state level next weekend at Camden Hills Regional High School. This would mean an overnight stay, for the students and chaperones, and need the Boards permission.
Mr. Tabor made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Janousek to approve the One Act Team Play Team to attend the State Competition at Camden Hills Regional High School. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Adjournment:
Ms. Janousek made the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Tabor to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 7:41pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais
Moved into the budget workshop