MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF November 2, 2023
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
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in person in North Berwick, Maine on November 2, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. with all members attending except Ms Wheeler.
The board took a short recess of about 60 minutes to have a tour of the Yurt, Mary Hurd Academy and North Berwick Elementary School facilities. Board members met with the Mary Hurd administrator Josie Chadbourne, North Berwick Elementary School administrators Elizabeth Jolly and Sarah Anderson gave the tour of the building strengths and needs. The board thanked all of the administration for their time and input and were appreciative of the information provided through the tour.
There were 13 in the audience.
Ms. Nancy Neubert, the vice chair read the public input statement.
Public Input:
Mr. Mark Rouillard, asked a follow up question on the Homeschooling students over the past several years. The Assistant Superintendent provided the data. She also noted that our office is reaching out to other area school communities to see their data.
Minutes:
Ms. Janousek made the motion and it was seconded by to accept the minutes of the October 19, 2023 meeting. All members voted in favor except Ms. Whalen and Mr. Doiron who abstained and the motion passed.
Superintendent Update
The Superintendent shared with the board an overview of the response to the Lewiston mass shooting and how it impacted our schools and the community. She gave an overview of the communication that took place, the way that the schools reached out to staff, students and parents to ensure safety etc. The community was very supportive in the wake of our need to determine school closures at the last minute.
The Superintendent also updated the board on the busing situation and the driver shortage that is ongoing. We have had to reroute buses due to how thinly staffed we are and that there are days that there are drivers who are absent. We still have two openings for the activity runs and we have just recently had a resignation so there will be more openings.
First Reading of Policy JICK:
This is the first reading of the bullying policy. We are modeling after the model policy presented by the Maine DOE. We will need to meet as a policy committee next week if possible. Currently Ms. Stanton is on the committee and Ms. Travers volunteered to join the committee as well. We will be looking to see if a Berwick member would be willing to join and if not, Mr. Tabor said he would be willing to serve.
Employment:
No new teacher hires
Other:
Mr. Tabor thanked the administration for enduring through the stressful situation of the Lewiston shootings. He was very appreciative of the heaviness of the situation and shared his support.
Ms. Janousek shared with the board her appreciation for the administration in all of the buildings who are so knowledgeable after such a short period of time.
The Christmas Parade in Berwick was discussed and all were encouraged to attend. We will work on a vehicle to provide transportation for our board members. The date is Dec. 2 at 1:30 pm. Meet at the Sullivan Wilson street intersection.
Ms. Travers asked about the PTO Howler event that was rescheduled from Friday October 27. No update at this time as it will be next week. There’s a full set of activities and games that kids can play, face painting etc.
Noble High School football is in the first round of the playoffs at Noble against Bonny Eagle Monday, November 5, 2023 at 7 pm.
Public Input:
None at this time.
Adjournment:
Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Travers to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 8:32 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais