001[laughter] Hey, >> this meeting is called to order at 6 pm. Can we stand for the pledge of >> allegiance? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call. Megan Ashimbo >> here. >> Melissa Bacon excused. Carmen Barski >> present. >> Susan Suzanne Bower. >> Mark Cardzano >> here. Elizabeth Day >> here. >> Michelle Felisetti. >> Anastasia Ferguson, I am here. Eric Garrison is excused. Jod Lane is excused. Jennifer Mayo is excused. Amy Morrison. >> Wes Finny >> here. >> Adam Tangway. >> Judith Vau. >> D Vigliata. >> Walker Vivian >> here. >> Zoe Anthony. We have quorum with 12 board members and two student reps. Are there any adjustments to
002the agenda? >> No. >> Can I have a motion for the consent agenda to be approved? D and Adam. Any questions, corrections? All in favor? Motion approved. Is there any public comment tonight? Seeing none, [sighs and gasps] board chair rep report. I have a recognition and celebration. Katherine Fornier, Maine's Psychological Association Educator Recognition Award recipient. And Mr. Thurlo will present. blue mean I'm live. >> Perfect. All right. Uh so thanks so much for for having us here tonight. It is a a highlight to be able to celebrate the efforts of any of our staff at the high school and definitely around the district. Um it's particularly exciting to celebrate Miss Fornier because she absolutely hates public attention. So this is this is especially exciting for me. um anytime I can give her a little bit
003of a hard time. Uh but but in all um all due respect to Miss Fornier, she was nominated by one of her colleagues for this this prestigious award to be recognized for her efforts in the Ables program. She is one of our teachers in the academic behavioral emotional learning support program. She is um one half of the duo, but she is a rock in every single thing that she does. I think what's most impressive uh for Miss Fornier in her performance is that she is consistent and constant for every student and family who comes into that program offering significant seal or social emotional learning support to our students. Um, it cannot be understated how important that SEAL support is for our students to navigate the day-to-day. Um, without her uh mostly smiling face and sometimes
004stern uh look across um the way is really important for them to know that there's somebody there that supports them, holds them accountable, but is always going to be there to celebrate them as well. So, we're very proud of Miss Forner um and this accomplishment and uh and just really really excited to recognize her in this way. So, Miss Forner, if you'd come up, please. >> Picture there. >> Right there. Kaitlin, do you want us off to the side? Come over here. Thank you. Thank you. Miss Bourne, did you want to say anything? [laughter] >> Okay, Jody gave me some notes for her board chair report. At the last boarding, a tentative date was shared for public information session reviewing the state subsidy and fund balance hosted by the Finance Committee. To allow additional preparation
005time, the session was pushed back a week from the tentative date and is now scheduled for Monday, February 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the east building training room. The finance committee will be in attendance and all board members are encouraged to attend as well as obtain a better understanding of the state subsidy and fund balance. There will be also be an opportunity to ask questions regarding the budget process. Additionally, she wanted to add a update on regarding the schoolboard newsletter. The HR committee has postponed had proposed this year. Initially, we look to have this out by the end of January. The newsletter is being drafted and should be finalized soon in the next couple weeks. Once the newsletter is template is developed, it should be a speedier process. We should have that available soon. Any
006questions? February 9th at 6:30. >> And that is the all the school board update. Superintendence report. Dr. Marquee. >> We're going to begin with Zoe and Walker. >> All right. Uh good evening everyone. Uh so Alfred Elementary's PTSA recently announced their February's Community Full of Love calendar raffle. Uh many local businesses have donated gift cards and other uh monetary prizes. Uh families have until today to purchase tickets for the event and each day a ticket will be drawn and uh whoever wins that will get the specified prize for that day. Uh Thursday, January 22nd, the school had a family bingo night. And the PTSA uh sought donations for the event such as sleds, snow tubes, snow scooters, and more. Uh after reading a book called The Gift of Word, students in upper grades created a
007schoolwide positivity tree where each student contributed encouraging and motivational words. And this distri tree is on display for the entire school. Waterborough has been encouraging families to call the school when a student is absent. So absences are excused and not unexcused. Uh if a student forgets an item at school, then families have until 400 p.m. that day to pick it up. On the 16th, the PTO hosted a movie night. Uh the doors opened at 6:00 and bad guys too began playing at 6:30. Uh there were mac and cheeses, uh snacks, and drinks for families to purchase and they were encouraged to bring their favorite blankets, pillows, chairs, and sleeping bags for a comfortable and fun viewing experience. The school's winter NWA testing window has opened and will be open until the middle of February. And
008on in March, they'll have a spring family literacy night. The theme is wild about reading and participants will be able to spin a prize wheel and dig for gems. Uh Lyman conducted will be conducting their NWA testing during late January and early February. Lion Elementary recently announced their December students of the month and their staff member of the month. And these students received newsletter recognition for their uh accomplishments and always um being a respectful and safe and responsible students. And Lion recently completed their NWA testing and will soon be starting their testing. Chapley Memorial Schools fourth and fifth graders have been working on a geology unit. they've been doing and will continue doing a lot of fun hands-on activities and we'll be watching some engaging videos. The school is in the middle of their winter
009session of the NWEA tests which started on the 26th of this month. The school has mentor lunches every other early release every early release day where students meet with a mixed grade group during lunch. And uh during their most recent mentor lunch, students created uh their own recipes for a good friend. And they did this by drawing and coloring a soup pot with the qualities that they think will make a good friend. On January 30th, the prek lottery for the upcoming school year will open. Uh the lottery closes in February. Students must be at least four years old by October 15th of this year. And Octo and students born on or before October 16, 2021 must must register for kindergarten instead of prek. Uh prek students should only be registered after families have had their
010selection confirmed in the lottery. Um to complete registration, families have to use an online tool and provide a birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, and a photo ID. And after the registration uh packet has been reviewed, there will be a quick online meeting to confirm the registration of a new student. On January 23rd, the first semester of the school year ended at Massabesc Middle School. Uh a week later, report cards will be sent out. The school recently had their winter band concert on the 13th of January and the day before was the Portland Press Herald/Scripts Howard Spelling View, which was rescheduled due to a snow day. After multiple intense rounds, uh, two seventh graders battled in a spell down until one was declared the school champion. After a misspelling of the word whittleled, the
011correctly spelled word fiberglass proved to be the winning word. And the first and second place finishers will be representing MMS at the York County B, which will be held at Sako Middle School on Monday, February 9th. And I'll turn it over to Zoe for the second half of our report. Thank you. Good afternoon everyone. I will cover the second part of the student prep report. Uh MHS students have just had their final week for their classes which was from the 22nd to the 27th. Today was a day for students to finish up any exams or unfinished work. Also during the day there were numerous enrichment activities um for students to do if they already had their work done. uh their admission due dates came up for sophomores to apply at Sanford Regional Technical Center uh
012where they'll be able to do more classes as a junior and potentially their senior year as well. The admissions open on January 12 on January 12th and will close on February 13th. Uh there was also an open house for them on the 21st for those that wanted to apply. The Mitchell Institute held a student workshop at MHS during block two on January 15th, and they will be giving a $1,000 scholarship to someone in the graduating class of 2026. The winter dance at the high school is coming up on Saturday, February 7th. Um, and students be able to get any formal wear that they need um for for free. Um, and the the theme for the dance is Winter Wonderland Masquerade. The MHS music department had an honors recital on the 12th which had all of
013those students in um, honors classes do their own solo piece. The MHS resilency project has focused on the spreading awareness about eating disorders recently and there is lots of support that can be found for students around the school and as well as their news in their newsletters. Two of the bulletin boards be uh that they have up in the school right now are one is one called your body and another one called take what you need. Um, and the Master Music Cheer team has announced that they will also be having a um a showcase which is admissions free, but they will be selling concessions. The law enforcement club at the high school is uh has an official launch um which is for students who are interested in law enforcement to learn more about it. The
014club will have many uh guest speakers and the meetings will be starting on January 26th. Um, also the annual freshman film festival was on the 15th where there were very there were 10 unique films that were shown to a few judges and they awarded they awarded trophies to the winners. I was at that. It was pretty great. The films were amazing. Um and there will also be a spirit week coming up which is designed to be teachers versus students and there will be games held for staff and students. Those um themes will be country versus hiphop, ages day, Adam Sandler day, despicable me day, and camo day. Students and staff in MHS have been working hard to close out the first semester. The second semester at MMS starts on the 26th and for MHS the
01529th. Um, a lot has been accomplished in the first half of the year and we're looking forward to see more in the second semester. And I'll conclude our report. >> Thank you both very much. Any questions for Zoe and Walker? Okay. I have uh someformational items to to share with you. Um it's been very very busy um in uh York County as well as throughout the state as far as superintendent uh collection of information. There's a lot uh a foot with the main legislature as well as with the United States Department of Education. Um some of the items I I'll go big and then I'll I'll kind of shoot down a little bit. A lot of uh balls are in the air with the US Department of Education. Um right now, Linda McMahon is working
016through six and uh six inter agency agreements um really about looking at changing the US Department of Ed. They're working on a proof of concept of how to move the Department of Education into the uh Department of Labor. Um there's some real kind of back and forth between the as you would expect between the Democrats and the Republicans and it's also a lot of funding questions. So um nothing that I can share at any great length. the the they did pass um and released a negotiated um fiscal 2026 fiscal note um package and uh that actually came out quite well um for federal funding towards public education. One of the the items that you're going to start to hear a great deal more about would be some of the um elements of the big beautiful
017bill. Um one big beautiful bill or whatever. um and its impact on school vouchers and um some law a law that uh or a component that will go into effect next January 1 that um uh provides a additional uh supports for u private schools and uh ultimately there would be no state or local um kind of engagement. uh the state would be prohibited from requiring any level of uh oversight or accountability to private schools under that bill. Much still to learn with that, but um I only share it because as you start to hear things, you'll likely have more and more questions. Also, there's a a movement, and Shane's out back, so he's probably well aware of this now, around changes. -ate uh relates to um we receive funds based on technology utilization and such
018and there's a a movement um on a national national level related to -ate um to reduce uh or limit screen time in schools. So that's going to be interesting. Um we'll see how that all goes. and also some changes around make America healthy again which is going to um uh eliminate ultrarocessed foods from our schools but there's a lot of question about what is the definition of ultrarocessed foods so I just wanted to share those items with you on the state level there's a lot of work um meri which is a research institute out of USM that's been really digging deeply into school funding um the state subsidy formula and they'll working with the DOE and the legislature around a number of meaningful um considerations around school funding um that likely could impact school funding
019for FY28. So we don't envision it being this coming year. Uh this legislature is also really um interested in looking at transportation, school transportation and uh specifically um more information to come, but uh I've been asked to be um public schools kind of forward- facing entity on a committee that's being comprised of legislators and maybe the DOE and I'd be part of um the main superintendence association. Um I wish I had more information. And I was just told would um your district is unique. Your district has is a very large district who provides lots of transportation services. So we'd like you to serve on that. So once I have an idea of what that even means, items that they're talking about um are safety measures as one example around um the arms that kind of
020prevent uh people from um discouraging people from passing school buses with red lights on. You guys know how I already feel about that. Um, speaking of transportation, I shared this last night and I'm almost finished. Uh, when you looked at um school districts all throughout um throughout Sunday and then into Monday and then Monday night, there was a lot of conversation about Monday was easy, right? Snow day, that's kind of a no-brainer. But on uh Monday, starting around noon time, there were conversations around and um well into the evening, many municipalities in southern Maine hadn't had any um work done on roads to the degree needed. Um certainly schools were not yet being prepped and um it was really a wonderful to see that we um along with Sanford and Bonnie Eagle did not have
021a delay. I know that sometimes people want delays and there's some benefit to delays, but we felt as though we were ready to welcome kids and welcome staff. Um, and we also have to provide a service, too. Um, there are many individuals that need to get to work and those sorts of things. Um, where I'm not aware of any major issues and we knew early on by speaking with Mr. Brooks and um Mr. Newton and and and Colin and and Dr. Doyle that we were in good shape. We were looking at our video surveillance of all of our schools. we could see the work being done and uh just want to express that our transportation and our facility staff and our vendors allowed us to start school yesterday on time, support students, families as well
022as ensure safety and uh we were kind of outliers in that realm. Certainly, there are areas that throughout any community where the roads are not always as good as we would want, but we felt pretty uh solid early on. And uh we should be all thankful of that. Last and and perhaps most importantly, um I [clears throat] want to thank you, the school board, for all that you do. Um, this is schoolboard appreciation month and I have not always been good about uh sharing appreciation. I wish I could have given you all a box of chocolates or uh um but I do want to share that uh your efforts make such a huge difference for this district whether it's developing a school budget whether it's um doing the the hard work in trying to look
023at programs and unique questions and dealing with student matters. So, please know that your your efforts are valued and appreciated by our our our staff and our administrative team and our greater community. Uh, I have one last thing I regret to share that due to a timing sequence um I need to ask the board for a special school board meeting and um the special school board meeting would need to be held within a certain time period. So, in looking at the upcoming schedule, I'd like to do that special meeting next Tuesday night, the 3 following finance. The purpose of the meeting will be um to discuss a student matter related to MRSA 405-6-B. Um I believe it will start at 7 and I would think that the meeting would conclude probably around 7:30. Um and
024we have so many folks that attend finance meetings that will allow us to u better gauge um having quorum. Any questions on any of the information I've shared this evening? Yes. Um De like we're solidifying 7 p.m. to arrive. Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah, the finance committee meeting that night is from 6 to about 6:50. Um, the agenda will be set up for 6 to about 6:50. That way, folks can have some time to adjust and get ready for the board meeting. And the board meeting, we would enter um it'd be a regular start. We would do um attendance and we would do the pledge and then we would go into executive session. Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Standing committees policy. >> Um due to the snowstorm, we have not met this
025month. We meet um next week on Wednesday at 6 PM right here. Finance Good evening. Finance committee met last night. Um covered a multitude of issues. Before I cover a few of them, just want to announce that there's a public information session. It'll be discussed, I'm sure, at some point tonight. again in this room at 6:30 on February 9th and it's to review the main department of education subsidy calculation and also to review and and explain fund balance and um and how it's determined and to answer questions from the public. It's a it's a an important forum. I hope we see u uh many of the board members in attendance along with [clears throat] our finance committee. Um, last night we met and we reviewed with Vanessa Richardson uh the school's food services nutrition budget.
026We reviewed nursing services with finance director Colin Walsh. Dr. McKe, Dr. Marquee worked the board for us all night and did a magnificent job. Uh, he reviewed bills that are before the legislature as he was mentioning. There's a lot going on this session coming up. We reviewed the continued structure of how finance is going to be conducting its business. January has been presentations from all the administrators, principles, department heads. Um, February is going to be a process where Dr. Marquee and his administrative team of principles and department heads meet and hone numbers and and staffing and a lot of the meaty matters that need to come before us. Uh while that process is going on, uh Director Walsh will be working with non-staffing related type uh issues um such as health insurance [clears throat] and
027percentages and all of that. Um there's a break in February with school vacation. Then we'll be getting into the hard numbers at the end of February into March. And March will be a lot of numbers crunching and decision making. Um a lot of information and decisions will be made based on the information that's shared with us by Dr. Marquee and uh and and uh Director Walsh. Um, so we'll have a budget ready for the board somewhere there in that March timeline into April and uh you'll have a chance to review it, make your recommendations and changes and and then we'll take a vote. Last night we also re reviewed the financial report reviewed the summary of expenditures and revenues. Um there are no concerns uh to report at this time. Uh the next meeting uh
028as Dr. Machi mentioned a moment ago is February 3rd, 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. Uh the major presentation next week will be transportation. Thank you. Uh any questions? Just a comment. Um, as we said last night in person, but again, we we've reported back to the board each time, we are incredibly fortunate to have the dedicated staff we do. Vanessa and her amazing food service workers uh just do a phenomenal job. Uh, even Vivian is uh Mr. Walker is uh very pleased with uh the food at the high school and uh that's that's that says something when kids like the school lunch and and they do they do a great job and of course also our dedicated nurses in each building. They did not present um themselves but certainly we want to recognize their efforts
029and appreciate it. Um HR, we met last week. We did not have quorum. We discussed some the schedule B job descriptions. We're going to look to streamline some of the descriptions. So there's not so there's one for coaches, one description. It'll be different versus head coach and assistant coach. Um, we also discussed some possible negotiation dates because we'll be entering into contract negotiations with the administration this year. Um, we're going to reach out to the administration team to get some dates to see what works best. And that was our meeting. Any questions? Okay. There's no old business, new business. RSU 57 outreach efforts with Megan Wakefield. And Dr. Doyle is going to speak about that. Thank you. So, um, tonight you've heard a little bit about some of the supports we have in the district
030in the recognition of Miss Fornier, Mrs. Jardens is also here, and Megan Wakefield are all really amazing examples of the supports that we have available to students. Tonight, Megan's going to present to you kind of a midyear check-in as to some of the efforts. You've heard me talk a lot um about some of the challenges and successes that Megan has faced in her outreach work this year. Um, but I also think there's a lot of value in bringing forward the person who does that work day in and day out on the front lines to share with you. Megan is a proud MHS alumni and um, she really is tireless in her efforts to support the not only the students, which I think is the obvious piece, but also members of our staff and other members
031of the community through her work. um whether that's connecting them with resources, making them aware of um you know staff aware of some of the challenges that folks face, how to identify challenges on the ground and connect students better with those supports. There's just such a wide range of what she does day in and day out. Megan is a fierce advocate. She and I um do a lot of work closely together, but she really deserves all the credit for the things that are happening that um really bring smiles to our faces with our students. So, we're really fortunate to have a broad team, but Megan is going to speak specifically to the outreach supports tonight. So, without further ado, Megan, take it away. >> Great. Okay. Um, good evening, members of the school board. My
032name is Megan Wakefield and I'm the homeless and outreach liaison for RSC 57. In this role, I support every school as the McKenna Vento lead. I work closely with preK through grade 8 attendance teams. Um, I serve on the everyone graduates committee to ensure that kids are successful and coming each day. And I'm currently volunteering as the uh mass sick cheerleading uh team coach volunteer. Um, as the 2025 2026 school year began, RSU 57 saw an incredible level of positive activity centered on community engagement and student support. I'd like to take a few moments to share the scope and impact of that work. We started the school year by helping families prepare um for success through distribution of school supplies, clothing, and other basic necessities. These efforts help ensure students return to school prepared and
033ready to learn. Just prior to the homecoming dance, I hosted a 3-day formal wear popup shop, as I call. Students were able to select formal attire at no cost and keep it. This initiative ensures that all students have the opportunity to attend the dances, feeling confident and included regardless of financial circumstances. Students played an active role in organizing the pop-up shops and community members and alumni generously donated items to make it possible. These pop-up shops are also open during winter ball and prom and have been successful for the fifth year in a row. And as stated, we are doing that currently. Um, and our last day is Friday. In October, RSC57 launched a sock drive that involved several fifth grade classes at Alfred Elementary, Lyman Elementary, and the middle school date program at the East
034Building. Together, students collected approximately 400 pairs of socks. Last year, it was about a thousand. Um, these were donated back into the local community to support individuals during the winter months, as well as partner organizations including Caring Unlimited, York County Family Shelter, and Beloved. um fifth grade classes all have the opportunity to participate and typically do. However, this year they were involved in some other projects. So, we're hoping to loop in some of our younger grades um for next year. During the same period, I work closely with school counselors and school social workers to coordinate the distribution of warm winter gear. Through community donations and careful planning, 193 winter jackets were distributed across all RSU 57 programs. This included all seven district schools, the day program at the East Building, Little Mustangs preschool, uh students
035at Sweeter, and families connected to adult education. To close out October, staff organized Thanksgiving meal boxes to support families during the holiday and extended break through generous donations and dedicated shopping efforts. 117 Thanksgiving meals were distributed districtwide. A key partner in this work was Youthful Maine, whose ongoing food partnership resulted in nine van loads of donated food to help stock school pantries in support both the Thanksgiving and extended break meal boxes in December. Each school also conducted their own food drives promoted through newsletters, social media, word of mouth, and during some events like a school conference. In November, the National Honor Soc Honor Society hosted a 5K fundraiser to support the district-wide holiday giftgiving program. The event drew 57 participants and was s uh supported by many volunteers, including staff, students, and community members. Um,
036and it was a great success. December brought additional challenges related to food insecurity. In response, school counselors, school social workers, and other collaborated to gather additional resources for the holiday break. As a result, 157 fully stocked meal boxes were secured to support families during the extended break and provide a holiday meal. In addition, 250 students representing 142 families across the district received assistance through the holiday giftgiving program. Throughout the year, countless staff and student led initiatives support fundraising efforts and help meet these community needs. By the end of the year, community members had contributed funds that will continue to help ensure that families remain housed, fed, and warm and supported and most importantly able to stay engaged at school. I thank uh the dedication to our staff and the strength of our community partnerships. The
037holiday season was truly above and beyond special. The impact of these efforts was clear in the many messages of gratitude received from students and families. We look forward to all that 2026 will bring and we remain grateful for the continued support for our community by staff, students, families, and the school board. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any questions? >> Hi. Um, hi Suzanne Power. Um, a couple years ago, um, we had a opportunity to take in a homeless, uh, young lady. She was 19, had her high school degree, but I the need I see in this area for our homeless students is getting their driver's license. And I was wondering if as a board we might consider looking into helping, you know, our students who are homeless be able to get that before they
038graduate. It's just an idea, but they they need it. And um she's been able to and she's been able to get her car and she's working full-time and a productive um comm community member. So some just something to think about. >> I think Dr. Doyle and I had talked about possibly a scholarship or something of that sort because it is a big barrier. >> Um, thank you for the tremendous effort. Again, we're so lucky. Um, Amy uh during the holidays had um been a liaison for the board so that we could contribute directly. I'm wondering if we can't do more of that. um have more let us know what's going on in a way in which we can participate because you rattled off a few things that I would have happily you know the socks
039for example you know >> I've got some new socks sitting right out in my Jeep right now you know I had known [laughter] >> but you know I don't want to put it on Amy every time but certainly if you could let the board know in a formal way >> absolutely >> and maybe we could you know contribute >> and thank you to Amy. She helped me out a ton. She brought me car loads of stuff, too. So, I know that we have each other's contacts and we can kind of move that forward with that. >> Um, thank you so much for everything that you do. It It's probably an impossible task. Um, so I know that it's like uh probably, you know, impossible for people to be asking reaching out and asking for help.
040Um, and it seems like, you know, quite a few are, which is amazing. Um, how are you reaching people who aren't asking? >> I think it's just that basic building the relationships. Um, I think that RS57 does a great job with that. A lot of our referrals actually for McKenna Vento or for our low-inccome programs or anything where people kind of need that safety net is through word of mouth. Um so just being open and also continuously posting in those newsletters um and just educating the community as much as possible. >> Yeah. >> Amazing job. It's really needed and thank you so much for all your efforts. Um one thing that I did I'm a nerd for doing stuff in my town. Um I coordinated with our clerk of our town hall so that when
041we have elections because we do have the bigger ones at Lyman Elementary >> um to our town's going to blast out for a food drive to all go to Lyman Elementary. So I didn't know if maybe even coordinating with some of the towns during voting time. Yes. >> I know there's a competition sometimes too and that can be a little >> touchy but um just great job though. >> Thank you. And I think that actually I was able to grab some of those items that they filled their pantry first. Um, Youthful Main delivers here and then I distribute. But if something like that happens and they have an overflow, then we'll kind of swap. >> So, thank you. >> We're all connected, [laughter] >> Megan. Thank you for the support of the county shelter programs.
042Uh, family emergency shelter. It's the only emergency shelter left for homeless folks in Yach County. We had to close our belt shelter program down way back in May >> and it's uh been a tremendous negative impact on the homeless population of York County. But the work that you do and the efforts that you make uh for our youth and the families of those youth is just outstanding. So, thank you and keep up the great work. >> Thank you. I just want to add I'm part of the York County Community Action Housing Navigation meeting that we do once a month and so I'm closely connected with the family shelter um which really might give somebody an in you know that shelter is often full so being connected that way too is just been tremendous. So thank
043you. >> Any other questions for Megan? Thank you Megan. Welcome. >> Our upcoming meetings are at the bottom of your agenda and we are adjourned at 6:40.