001Good evening and welcome everyone to tonight's school board meeting. Uh today is May 27th and we're starting the meeting at 502 502 p.m. Please raise uh rise for the pledge of allegiance. Uh, please note that all schoolboard members are in attendance with the exception of uh, schoolboard member Prebble and Superintendent Ray is in. We're on number three for retirement acknowledgements. We're excited for everyone to join us this evening in celebration of those SACO employees who are retiring. We thank them all for their service to SACO schools and to the community as a whole. And I'd like to start by recognizing April Joe Cook who is our multilingual teacher at Thornton Academy employed by the SACO school department. When April Joe joined us to work with our multilingual learners at Thornton Academy three years ago, she
002brought something you can't teach, a calm, steady presence that made every student feel safe and seen. April Joe's classroom is a place where students who are navigating an entirely new language, culture, and school system can feel at home. She built that environment deliberately and with real care. Her students didn't just learn English, they felt respected while doing it. What has always stood out about April Joe is that she never stopped growing. She took on a new content area and dove in, taking coursework, collaborating with other departments, and seeking out anyone who could help her better serve her students. That kind of humility and dedication is hard to find. April Joe, you've made a real difference in the lives of students who needed someone in their corner. The work you did quietly, consistently, and with so
003much patience will stay with those students long after they've moved on. We wish you a retirement that is every bit as peaceful and well-earned as your work with our students. Congratulations, Good evening. Marie Susi, principal at Sako Middle School. Sorry, my back turned to you, Pat. I'm privileged tonight to honor Pat Evans, who has worked in a variety of roles over the years and has shared her talents in other districts along the way for the past 25 years, most recently serving as our reading interventionist at SKO Middle School, supporting students who struggle with reading and writing. Pat understands reading instruction, but more importantly, she understands adolescence. That combination is rare. It takes a special person to work with middle school students as you know and Pat is certainly one of them. She builds meaningful connections
004with students while also also holding them to high expectations. She has always been the anchor with a patient, calm, and motherly way with her students. She cares deeply for her students, advocates for them, and perhaps most importantly, she knows how to find humor through the times of chaos. Over the past four years that I've had the privilege of working with Pat, I've come to count on her as someone who's always willing to do what is needed for students. I would often go to her with ideas. I had and conversations began in a similar similar way. Pat, our multilingual learners need extra support with or we have this group of students who could really use or Pat, I had this idea. And those conversations were typically met with thoughtful questions and a practical, "I'm not sure
005how we're going to make that work." But no matter how ambitious the idea seemed, every conversation ended the same way with Pat saying, "You know, I'll do what you need me to do." And she always meant it. As a colleague, Pat has served as both an official and unofficial mentor to many teachers. She is the dependable friend people turn to for advice, book recommendations, perspective, or simply a listening ear. She is thoughtful, caring, grounded, and wise in the ways that truly matter. Pat, your impact on student, staff, and this school community has been tremendous. We are grateful for all you have given to SACO Middle School, Sco schools, our students, our colleagues, and we wish you nothing but happiness, relaxation, and joy for your retirement. Hello everyone. April Noble, principal at CK Burns. And again,
006my back is turned to our esteemed colleague. But I want to say after 28 remarkable years in education, Mr. Goth is closing the chapter on his classroom career. And what a chapter it's been. When the news of John's retirement was shared with the school committee, something happened that doesn't often happen in those meetings. Almost everyone in that room had a story, a personal story about how John Goth had touched their child's life or their family. That kind of moment doesn't always happen and it doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of 28 years of showing up. really showing up for the students and families in SACO. Year after year, classroom after classroom, John built relationships that families still carry with them. His students just didn't learn to read and write in room one. They learned
007that they mattered, that someone believed in them. That is a gift that no standardized test can measure, but every parent and child understand completely. And the reach of John's impact extends well beyond his own classroom. Every student at CK Burns has benefited from his expertise. John Goth isn't just an exceptional educator. He's a published author here in the state of Maine. He's shared that gift with the entire school community, inspiring young readers and writers to see themselves in stories and perhaps even imagine writing their own stories someday. How extraordinary to be the teacher in the room and the author on the shelf. John, you've given 28 years of patience, creativity, dedication, and genuine love for this work. You've shaped young minds during some of the most formative years of their lives. And now the ripple
008effect will be felt for generations. Your former students are out there right now, teenagers, young adults, and maybe ones who will come work under your supervision at UNE, inspiring future educators. Many of them will remember something you said, something you did, some moment when you made them feel capable and seen. The shoes you leave behind will be very hard to fill. Not because of a job description, but because of the person you are. On behalf of the students, the families, the staff, and the entire school community in SACO. Thank you. Thank you for every story you read aloud, every struggling student you refused to give up on, and every family that you made feel welcomed. You've earned this next chapter. We hope it's filled with as much joy as you've given to us. Congratulations and
009happy retirement, Dr. Goth. Hey, good evening. Jeff Mir, young school principal. I'm here to honor both Marker Gregoire and Sally Pulsiver. I'll start with Margaret over here to my right. Uh Margaret has been in education for 28 years. Um the first eight were in Scar Bro, seven as a multi-age teacher and one as an edtech and the last 20 at Young School um which she has served incredibly well. Um she worked at UNIM before she went into education and education was a second career for her. Um Margaret has served on many uh committees. Um and when I talked to her the other day, she spent 18 years on the LA committee which is really what quite a commitment. So thank you for that. Um she's also been on two new uh school committees, um responsive
010classroom and report card committees. Um since I've known Margaret for the last five years, um she's always been someone who puts students first, advocates what she believes is best for students, and we even when we've had some spirited conversations, we always have the utmost respect for each other, and we've always had some humor with that. So I've always enjoyed those interactions. I will miss um both our uh professional conversations around best practices for students along with some personal conversations around raising children and traveling. I hope she enjoys this welldeserved retirement. Margaret Gregoire first. That scared me for a second. Okay, >> right. Next up, I'd like to talk about Sally Pulfzer, also back here. Uh, Sally Pulfer has been at Young School for the last 29 years. Two years as a literacy edtech and 27
011years in first grade. one of them with my son 21 years ago who my wife and I just thought the world of Sally as a teacher and we still do. Um Sally also, believe it or not, worked at UNIM before she went into education. So I don't know if there's some kind of recruitment program that goes into UNIM. Um but that was I thought that was kind of interesting that both of you worked at UNIM. Okay. Um she has served uh many years um on different committees such as report card, responsive classroom, uh math and sightbased PD. Um she is someone who um I've known for 20 plus years because what I said we knew personally, but when I was looking to come here five years ago, I looked at the the rosters or the
012roster of Young School and I saw Sally's name was still there. And that was one of the reasons why I wanted to come back because I wanted to be with professionals like Sally Pulfer. Um Sally is um someone who is an early bird. She comes to work every day at 6:30 and we've just had some uh great conversations both professionally and personally. Um Sally is a just a wonderful teacher who cares about kids. Um and she's just a great caretaker of her family as well. um you know of her grandchildren, her her mom and um her children and I just think it's um she's ready for this next step to enjoy a retirement. So congratulations to Sally Pulfer. Thank you very much and congratulations to our retirees. We'd like to invite our retirees up to
013the front for one final photo op. and um before I know you guys probably don't want to stay the rest of the meeting, but maybe you can give me 30 seconds just to say uh congratulations to all of you. Thank you very much. Um, many of you I've got to know over the years. Um, John, love negotiating with you and I know that we want the Celtics to do a good thing. Uh, that's something John and I shared. And just, uh, to Mr. Gregoire, Mr. Pulsifer, thank you for having my kids. Um, I know, uh, Sally with Cole, it wasn't always easy. Uh, and Mr. Gregoire, I'm sorry about the fact that our experience was computer-based so much. That wasn't exactly what we all wanted, but thank you very much for um the work that
014you did. Uh man, with first first graders on computers that year, it was man that was just hard. So, thank you very much for that. Um and Pat, I've got to know you a little bit through the middle school in April. Joe, thank you so much what you've done for our ML students here uh in the district. I truly appreciate it. And we'll pause for a moment because I know you don't want to stay for the rest of the meeting. Thank you very much. 15 days left, guys. Okay, moving on. Item five is approval of school board meeting minutes dated May 13, 2026. Do I have a motion? Can't make a motion. School board member Johnson. >> Thank you. I move we approve the school board meeting minutes dated May 13, 2026. Second. Great. Have
015a motion by member Johnston and seconded by Waroff. Any discussion the minutes? Great. Roll call. Member Waroff. >> Yes. >> Revel. >> Yes. >> Richard >> abstain. >> Roach. >> Yes. >> Kder. >> Yes. >> Johnston. >> Yes. >> I vote yes. That is 61. Item six is adjustments to the agenda. I see no adjustments. Item seven, correspondence. No correspondence. Public session. If there's anybody who wishes to speak, please come up to the podium, state your name and address. You have three minutes to speak. Seeing no one seeking recognition, we'll moving on to item nine is the superintendent's report. Superintendent Ray. >> All right. Good evening everybody. Um couple of exciting announcements. Um the first is uh congratulations to Sako Middle School students Natalie Gerity, Brandon Dmer I stormier um and Aman Slam who were
016the top winners of the annual SACO uh the Bitterford SACO Rotary Club essay contest. The theme, what the word family means to me, encourages eighth grade students to reflect on the importance of families and those who support them while also giving them an opportunity to win prizes such as cash and donate to a charity of their choice. So, thank you to those students. Students from Sako Middle School recently attended the MLTI student conference at UMAIN, joining hundreds of students from across the state. SMS students uh led a drone technology session showcasing their skills they've developed through the school's MLTI grant which funded the purchase of seven drones. U their presentation highlighted how students are using technology in creative and practical ways uh including the footage of our new school build. Uh, and if you ever
017walk into the gym during drone clump time, it's pretty impressive to watch them fly through hula hoops and land and do all of these neat things. Um, also wanted to thank the Rotary Club of Sako Bay for its generous $3,000 donation for Aid for Sako Kids Foundation. And the Aid for Sako Kids Foundation is holding its annual swing into summer mini golf fundraiser on Thursday, June 19th from 12:00 to 5:00 at schooners. Uh the board is currently seeking sponsors and auction items and we hope you will save the date and join us for the funds. All funds support uh raised will support uh resources outside the normal school budget. We have some important dates coming up. We have family night. CK Burns is having community celebration this Friday night from 5:30 to 7:30. Young school
018is having its on the wildside night on Friday, June 5th, uh which was rescheduled, I believe, from a couple of weeks ago that no one would have wanted to be at the on the wild side that night in the rain. Um a reminder that June 9th is our school budget vote uh for the public. That's also uh I believe that's a primary day. June 8th uh t uh sorry 8th grade promotion is Tuesday June 16th at 6 pm and the last day of school is Wednesday the 17th which is a uh early release. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. Anybody have any questions for Superintendent Ray? >> Moving on. Item 10's chair's report. I have nothing to report. Item 11, staff reports. No staff reports. Item 12 is board subcommittee minutes. Policy and personnel meeting
019minutes are in there. Next meeting is June 10th at 5:30. Finance and infrastructure committee next meeting is May 27th at 4. That was today at 4:30. Did that happen today? We did not have that. Uh curriculum committee next meeting is June 22nd at 4:30. Item 13 is old business. No old business. Item 14 is new business. Item A is new hires. There's a memo in your packet. Motion. >> School board member Richard. I move we approve the nomination of Jacqueline Chaplan, young school counselor, and Samantha Nay, young school first grade teacher, and issue a contract for the 2026 2027 school year. >> Second. >> I have a motion from school board member Richards and a second from school board member. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Yes. >> Oh, sorry. Uh, school board member Waroff.
020Yes, >> Prebble. >> Yes, >> Richard. >> Yes, >> Roach. >> Yes, >> KD. >> Yes, >> Johnston. >> Yes. >> I vote yes. >> Motion passes 70. Uh, item B is resignations. Have a motion. >> Chair Truman. >> Yes. >> I move we accept the resignation of Joshua Wang, CK Burns teacher, effective at the end of the 2025 2026 school year. Second. >> I have a motion made by school member Prebble and a second by school board member Waroff. Any discussion? >> I just want to say uh Mr. Wyn is has been my son's teacher this year and um I hope whatever he's off to do in the next years uh wish him the best of luck. Roll call. Member Waroff. Yes. >> Rebel. >> Yes. >> Richard, >> yes. >> Roach. >> Yes.
021>> Johnston. >> Yes. >> I vote yes. Motion passes. 70. >> Item C is a building update. >> So Megan and I were at a meeting uh the other day for construction update. It wasn't really a lot to update us on. We're still at that really boring part of groundwork. Um, and it's like you dig a hole, you flatten it out, you put all this mechanical stuff in it, and then it disappears forever and you don't see it again. Um, I will say that one of the things that from a state level and uh a local level that we do have to be concerned about or at least watch is how long uh diesel prices stay at the level they're at because clearly ground crew uh equipment is uh using a lot of diesel fuel
022uh in the area. One of the things they've completed the back stairwell in the back corner of the elementary school and they were starting on the front stairwell. Um they seem to be on time. Um I think the site looks very organized. There's still a ton of material on the site. Um the big rainstorms have not been helpful in that piece of just you know creating the mud and everything that makes uh excavation more difficult. Um, but I would say that after the school year is over, we can get a time where we can pick like a afternoon and get out and walk the site because it's very impressive just to see uh everything that's going on. So, thank you. >> Great. Any questions for Superintendent Ray Roach? >> Uh, two questions. One reminder, was
023there a meeting coming up at Oak Point or did did it pass? >> Yeah, last week, right? Yeah, we had that last year. >> So that that was the meeting you're talking about, >> correct? >> I thought there was a meeting onsite at the construction site. No, >> we have one every two weeks on-site construction. >> Yeah. >> Uh so that was the one we had this week. >> Um but we can we'll schedule a time after the school year to get out and really need to line up with the contractor so that people can visit the site. Yeah, that was my second question or the leadup question was to that was that um summer's coming and yeah, sometimes I'm happy to be right next door to the site and the gate is open and
024I know from construction sites you should have a hard hat or go there but but yeah, what is there going to be a scheduled thing this summer? Yeah, we'll do a scheduled thing because uh when we talk to them about that, they really wanted, you know, again, if people are going to be on site, it slows them down for a little bit. They want to know what's going on. >> And probably not having a hundred of those big rock trucks flying around uh on that afternoon would be the best thing. >> We don't want Beth doing cartwheels down her road. >> Yeah. Is I haven't seen Beth at the being the gentry at the front anymore. Are you Are you going to be working there this summer or not? in spirit. >> Spirit. This is
025what I hear from supervisors all the time. So, >> thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Okay, moving on. Uh, item D is strategic plan draft. So, in your backup, you'll see the language that we're bringing to you after about a year-long process spearheaded by the curriculum committee with some additional community members taking part in the strategic planning process. We started with an initial survey of staff, then did some word smithing around the important priorities. We then um farmed out a version of the strategic plan back to the community and to staff members to get a little bit more feedback. The feedback at that point was like simplify the language and create more concise statements. So, we kept kind of the same tone and tenor, which got some good feedback, but tried to simplify the language
026and the bullet points in a way that would be accessible to anyone in the community and um tried to lean away from kind of educator speak when drafting those statements. And so what we bring you tonight is the draft of that plan and looking for an adoption to uh see this as a strategic plan for the next five years for the school department. >> Great. I have a motion. >> Chair Truman. >> I move we approve the draft of the strategic plan. >> Great. I have a motion by school board member Prebble. Do I have a >> second John? >> I have a second by >> Yes. >> want to give that one to school member Johnston. >> I guess second is the proper thing to say. But >> what did I say? It >>
027was me. I said yes, but I meant to say second. >> Uh any discussions? I just want to thank everybody that uh helped out on the committee, public, parents, teachers. Um because I know this was a long project and I'm glad we got it narrowed down to I think it's really concise and serves it purpose. Uh okay, roll call. School board member Waroff >> yes. >> Rebel >> yes. >> Richard, >> yes. >> Roach, >> yes. >> Johnston, >> yes. >> I vote yes. 70. >> Yes. May I just add that I think it's been it's been quite a process and in order to make it simple enough and direct enough, specific enough. Um, we worked pretty hard at that. But I really want to thank uh Meg for being a really good driving force
028for it. Her assistant superintendent did a lovely job. I concur. So do I. All right, moving on to item E. I'm not gonna It's ESA memo. Um, this is a little bit of an expanded and revised version. The overall numbers are still in a preliminary allocation state. So, we don't have final numbers yet. However, what we have added is the non-public allocations that can be found on the bottom of the last page of the memo with um of the three non-publiclix within the SACO border. Thornton is the only one that qualifies for those. They still have the option to accept or not those funds and work through the process with the school department to write the application for those. But all of those numbers are now um listed in there as well as comparisons for
029each individual title to see past year's allocations and this year's allocations. As we shared at the last meeting, we are considering ourselves quite lucky because even though we do have um just a couple of downward trends in some areas compared to other districts regionally, we find ourselves in a very good position in in which areas that we can make some simple tweaks to our application without having to absorb really huge losses into a local budget at a time when we really can't necessarily make changes to the local budget. So, justformational at this point. You can submit any feedback on the website if there are things that you'd like us to consider as part of the application. >> Any questions for superintendent, assistant superintendent? Thank you. Thanks. All right, moving on. And item F is the
030first reading of policies. School board member Johnston. >> Thank you. >> I move we approve the first reading of policies JLCA students with diagnosed allergies and sensitivities. B E DH public participation at SACO school board meetings and JICJ cell phones and other personal personal electronic devices. >> Great. Thank you. I have a motion from school board member Johnson. Do I have a second? >> Second from school board member Prebble. Any discussion >> on the policy? Great. Roll call. School board member Waroff. >> Yes. Yes. >> Richard, >> yes. >> Roach, >> yes. >> Johnston, >> yes. >> I vote yes. Passes 70. >> Moving on to item 15, other information. I see no other information. Item 16, executive session for labor contract negoti negotiations for administrative non-union contracts. A motion. >> Chair Truman. >> School
031board member Prebble. I move we enter into executive session for the labor contract negotiations for administrative non-union contracts pursuant to 1 MSR 4056D. Have >> a motion from school board member Prebble. Do I have a second? >> Second. Member Richard. Any discussion? Roll call. Uh school board member Waroff. >> Yes. >> Rebel. >> Yes. Yes. Richard. >> Yes. >> Roach. >> Yes. Johnston. >> Yes. >> I vote yes. 70 at 5:34 p.m. We will be coming back. Okay, we're back. Do I have a motion? >> First motion to get out of executive session. >> Yeah, we need to exit. >> All right. Um motion to exit out of executive session. >> Second. I have a motion by school member Roach and second by school member Waroff. Any discussion? School member Waroff? >> Yes. >> Member
032Prebble? >> Yes. >> Richard? >> Yes. >> Roach? >> Yes. >> Johnston? >> Yes. >> I vote yes. Motion passes 70. I don't have my 628. Is there a report? >> Madam Chair, >> yes. >> Make a motion to approve the administrative u non-UN contracts for the 202627 school year. >> Do I have a second? >> Member Johnson. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call. Member Waro, >> yes. >> Rebel, >> yes. >> Richard, >> yes. >> Roach, >> yes. >> Johnston, >> yes. >> I vote yes. Motion passes 70. And last one on the agenda is adjournment. Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> School board member KD. Seconded by member Prebble. Roll call. >> Yes. >> Rebel. >> Yes. >> Richard, >> yes. >> Roach. >> Waiting for a miracle. Yes. >> Ker, >>
033yes. >> Johnson, >> yes. >> And I vote yes. Motion passes 70 at 6. What time? 6:29 p.m. Thank you.