MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF May 19, 2022
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in person in North Berwick, Maine on May 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. with all members attending except Ms. Hopper, Mr. Doiron, Ms. Manley and Ms. Mallett. Ms. Travers was remote, all others were present in person. There were 9 in the audience.
The chair shared the public input statement.
Public Input: Rick Pelletier, of Lebanon, running for school board. He wanted to ask Stephanie Hagenbuch and Victoria Travers if they would be willing to work with him (if and when he is elected) to better inform the public in Lebanon. He shared that he sent an email asking this question and he is hoping that they would answer there. He also asked the other community board members if they would be willing to work with him (if and when he is elected) to bring more information to the public. He shared his goals and desires for the district if he were elected.
The board tabled the minutes of May 5, 2022. We will review them at the next meeting to be voted upon.
Educational Updates:
The Superintendent shared with the board an update from North Berwick Principal Mike Archambault and Knowlton School Principal Michelle Keniston regarding the transition for the NB 5th graders into the Knowlton school next school year.
Educational Update:
The student attendance for the past week has ranged from 88%-94%. Staff illness absence ranged from a low of 1 to a high of 7 employees out at buildings.
Solar Contract: The assistant superintendent shared an update regarding the solar contract that had been discussed with both the facilities and finance committee as well as with the whole board during budget presentations. We are working with Revision Energy to increase our use of solar energy and offset some of our electricity costs. The attorneys at Drummond Woodsum are reviewing the contract with Revision and we would like to sign the contract once it has been vetted by the attorneys. We will forward the contract to the board members for their review upon completion. If there are no questions or concerns, we will move forward. If there are any questions or concerns we will discuss those at the June 2 meeting.
Employment
The superintendent nominated the following teachers for the 22/23 school year: Brittney Langevin NMS Math, Clara Lord NMS Math, Amanda Liebau, NMS Science and Natalie Rentz NMS Social Studies. Additionally Christian Giddons NHS Choral Director and Christopher Taggert NHS Social Studies. Finally, Ms Beauvais nominated Elyse Forte NBES Kindergarten.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the nomination of Brittney Langevin as a NMS Math teacher. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the nomination of Clara Lord as a NMS Math teacher. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the nomination of Amada Liebau as a NMS Science teacher. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the nomination of Natalie Rentz as a NMS Social Studies teacher. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the nomination of Christian Giddons as the NHS Choral Director. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the nomination of Elyse Forte as a NBES Kindergarten teacher. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the nomination of Christopher Taggert as a NHS SS teacher. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared with the board the resignation of Ms. Erica Gold, literacy interventionist at the Hussey School. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the resignation of Ms. Gold with regret. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared with the board the resignation of Mr. John Brennan, Physics teacher at NHS. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the resignation of Mr. Brennan. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared with the board the resignation of Mr. David Grover, NMS teacher. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the resignation of Mr. Grover . All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Other Business:
May 26th is our hearing and we would like to schedule an executive session after that meeting for a student situation.
Public Input
Ms. Jere Basko shared that she was expecting to be on the agenda to present to the board regarding the book “We Got This.” A meeting was set up with the superintendent’s office for next week to discuss.
Mr. Rick Pelletier asked a question about the hiring process and what part the school board plays in that piece in the district.
Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to adjourn. All members vote in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 7:38 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais