MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF May 20, 2021
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held virtually in North Berwick, Maine on May 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. with all members present except Mrs. Schaeffer and Ms. Mallett. The student representative was absent. There was 1 in the audience.
Public Input for May 20, 2021: No public Input
Ms. Potter made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to accept the minutes of
April 8, 2021. All members voted in favor except Ms. Manley who abstained and the motion passed.
Ms. Potter made the motion and it was seconded by Ms, Corliss to accept the minutes of May 6, 2021 All members voted in favor except Ms. Schaeffer, who abstained and the motion passed.
Ms. Corliss made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hopper to add 6B, MSAD teacher’s contract. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Student report: None at this time.
Donations gladly accepted:
The Friends of 2021 donated $2,560 to be used for Class Dues and Project Graduation. An anonymous donation of $4,000 to be used for Class Dues and Project Graduation. Spence and Mathews donated $2,000 to be used for Class Dues and Project Graduation. Ben and Elise Row donated $1,000 to the Backpack Program and Apple is going to match their donation!
Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Corliss to accept the donations with appreciation and enthusiasm. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent held a brief discussion with the board about the necessary approvals of the admin and teacher contracts. The board determined that they would move the approvals to the next meeting on June 3 and we would set up an executive session before or after the next meeting to discuss the contracts as needed.
Employment:
The following new staff were presented to the board for approval: Ms Emma Brewer- NBES Kindergarten, Ms Jessica Gapsis- Transition Specialist (Special Education),Ms Alison Howard- Hussey Kindergarten, Ms Jaden Johnson-High School Math, Ms Stephanie King- Lebanon Grade 2, and Lindsay Tibbetts- NMS Phys Ed.
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Corliss to accept the nominations of Ms. Brewer, Ms. Gapsis, Ms. Howard, Ms. Johnson, Ms King and Ms. Tibbetts. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Resignation: Superintendent Beauvais shared the resignations of Ms. Lindsay Morin MacArthur and Ms. Amy Lessard both of the Hussey school. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Doiron to accept the resignations of Ms. MacArthur and Ms. Lessard. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Superintendent Report: Superintendent Beauvais introduced Ms. Amy Creighton to talk about the many changes and updates regarding Covid and the mandates. Since April break we have had a total of 9 cases of Covid. The last three to four cases at NMS and NHS have allowed us to utilize the seating chart version of close contact tracing and it has helped immensely in reducing the number of students needing to quarantine. Teachers are doing an excellent job.
The travel guidance has been changed to “You can travel to all states except…” and currently no states are on the “except list.”
We can be maskless and not have to physically distance outside. That is a new piece. We will be communicating out to families and staff over tomorrow and the weekend.
The adult distancing requirements have been removed. Distancing requirements for indoor spacing for musical activities have been reduced. Over the counter tests are not accepted at this point.
Close contact definitions have been updated.
A pool testing program from the state of Maine has been talked about used as a mitigation strategy if you cannot be able to maintain a 3 foot distance. We can maintain that three foot distance, so we do not necessarily need to do the pool testing.
Other:
200 signs for the seniors delivered by our teaching staff at NHS. These were very well received and the students and parents were thankful.
Last day is a half day and a communication will go out to parents to inform them.
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Corliss to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. Adjourned at 7:41 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audra Beauvais