5/13/2026 Board of Education Business Meeting

001Good evening and welcome to this evening's Augusta Board of Education business meeting. It is May 13th, 2026 and we are here in the CATC cafeteria. And with that said, we will stand for the >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And do we have any adjustments to the agenda? >> Yes, we do, Madam Chair. Um, I make a motion that we remove item 2A from the agenda and add item 22L to the agenda. Do I have a second on that motion? It's been it's been moved and seconded to remove item 2A from the agenda. The reason being that that item is not ready for this evening. It will be on next

002month's agenda and to add an approval on item 22L which I believe is approval of a concept idea. >> Yes, it is >> discussion hearing none. Please vote. Did I get four votes on this side? I didn't see >> and a motion um those opposed Mr. or you voting? >> No, I I didn't wasn't there for that to see what the adjustments were. So, I'm not going to vote on that. >> Okay. It's been approved on on a vote of six to zero. >> 7 to zero. How many? >> Six to zero. Thank you. >> The next item on the agenda is an educational presentation from CHA, which is our architectural firm for our new our new school renovation project at farm at Fington. And I'd like to welcome Ron and Robin Tannon Bomb. Welcome,

003Robin. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Let me press the button. Amazing. Thank you. Take a >> You're gonna have to speak up. >> Okay, I'll do How's this? >> Perfect. >> Good evening. Thank you for having me. My name is Robin Tannen. I'm an architect with CHA Architecture. And for the past um nearly two years, I've been working closely with Superintendent Tracy um assistant superintendent and with the building committee for this uh school board to work on the project that we originally knew as the Huzzy project. And I'm here to give you an update. And at the end of my update, I will be asking, I believe it's in your agenda, for a vote from this board to support the concept design that I'm going to be presenting to you specifically to support

004that we forward it to the state state board of education in June for approval. So, let me go back and tell you a little bit about what we're doing. As many of you know, the Huzzy School was placed on the capital needs priority list in the 2017 2018 cycle. This is a list the department of education uh receives applications for and ranks applications for every six to seven years. And the HUDIY school was in a position where it became one of the projects that would be funded by the state from that cycle. The process didn't actually begin until 2024 because it takes a while for the state to um refill their coffers and their bond capacity to come to us. CHA came on board and we've been working with the building committee ever since. Um

005I'm I'm going to compress a year and a half of work into eight minutes. So bear with me. Um we immediately began meeting with the department of education and big picture the department of education asked us to take a whole district look. It was not an immediate foregone conclusion that closing HUD and replacing HUD one to one. This is not atypical. This is how the department of education approaches lots of projects and it's a way to be fiscally responsible to see do we actually need another school? Does the number of students to be in that school warrant your fiscal respons? So we began um a two-path process. Uh part number one was we began looking at the existing buildings that you had the four elementary schools and we actually also looked at Coney at the

006middle school to see what was the condition of the buildings, what was the educational suitability of the buildings, what was the um ability of the buildings to hold as many students as they have or even more. We also looked at the sites to see if any of them were able to be used for an expansion if at some point that became the obvious option. The other path we were on at this point was the district got an enrollment study which is typical and we look at 10-year enrollment projections and the 10-year projection told us that enrollment in the district is expected to decline by about 12% in 10 years. So at this time we were looking at 2034 2035 enrollment. And I always say this, this is not unique to Augusta. It's not even unique

007to Maine. It is a trend we're seeing everywhere. It's it's a long-term trend. So we were we were on the one hand looking at facilities, what what works, what doesn't work. On the other hand looking at how many students do we need to serve for this new project. And the interesting thing about the numbers in the enrollment study is that on the one hand we had the enrollment study study showing a smaller number of students. On the other hand, this board made a priority of offering universal full day prek for three and four year olds. So we knew there was a new group of kids coming in didn't mean more kids in the district and that they were coming to the buildings earlier. And so we needed to rebal look at the numbers and essentially

008balance out the net loss and net gain in the same building from the prek students. And what emerged from this was that in about 10 years the prediction the projection is that we'll have 151 prek through sixth graders. Um that is a prediction based on projections. It's a couple of years old now. we we have every reason to think that we could pan out. And knowing that another priority of the district and of the board was to have parody on both sides of the river, we began looking at how that might uh play out in terms of buildings. Fington uh has capacity for somewhere in the low 300s. Huzzi typically has in the low 200s. I will just state that typically the board of the state board of education does not support building projects for

009two, three, even 400 students. they are looking for larger projects for all the efficiencies that go along with that. So there began to emerge a that there is not necessarily the population for an entirely new standalone school and b through our facilities condition assessment and our analysis Fington school quickly rose to the top as a school that had really good bones was in great condition had some core spaces like gymnasiums and librar library that were sized appropriately and importantly it had a site that could handle a fairly substantial um expansion. I'm going to jump again. I'm covering close to two years. I want to say that we also reached out to the community along with the building committee for lots of input. We held community forums. We held a straw poll which was an actual

010vote by members voting members of the Augusta public to support the site piece of the project. This is just how the process works. And we'll be holding a similar straw poll in early June to ask for support of the concept what I'm presenting to you tonight. We met with numerous members of staff and faculty. We met regularly and continue to with department of education and we meet regularly with the building committee. So jump ahead. We moved towards the Fington site and what you're seeing on this slide are the brown areas are proposed additions to the building. There are three fairly substantial additions and one small one in the front at the entry. In the rear, what you're seeing is a designated area for play spaces and ball fields. And the other thing I want to

011point out is that we are looking at a newly configured circulation path at the beginning of the building at the front of the building. Couple things I'll say. Added parking now a separated bus and pedestrian loop for parent drop off and buses. So currently they have to well I know currently Fington they go around the school but what we want to do is have everybody come in the front and we want them separated so no kid ever has to pass in front of another vehicle between however they got to school and getting in the front door. We're also going to take advantage see if I can point to this to this little area right here that the school district happens to own and using. There's a a a a road there now that the church

012adjacent to you had a right of way for and we're going to actually make that an ingress for buses and an egress for buses and cars and that's going to greatly help site circulation as well. It's really great to have two ways in two ways out. It's also good for emergency purposes. So again, it won't be for car and parent traffic. It will be for buses to go in and both buses and cars to come out. Statistically, the existing building is 48,000 square feet and we're adding a little over 30,000 square feet. So, we're going to end up with a 80,000 square foot school, which is fairly typical this for a school with this population. The intended population uh in 10 years is 525 students. So, now I'm going to take you through the project

013very briefly. These are plans of Fington as they are now. For anyone who's not familiar, the entry is right around here. To our left is an open cafeteria, kitchen, music, band, uh, sorry, music stage, gymnasium, and this is a classroom wing centered around a central library. That's the ramp that goes to it. Upstairs, also a ring of classrooms around the double pipe library. And you can actually see that the original architects left a little area here on the edge. They left a little bite at the building anticipating a future edition. And we're going to do it. We're going to do it. Plus, so um I'm just going to h this up for a second. Everything circled in red is the addition. So on the left is the the first floor and on the right is

014the second floor. So you'll see what you saw on the site plan. Here's our cafeteria kitchen edition, our twotory classroom edition, and a prek kindergarten edition. And I'm going to flip past that quickly because I know it's hard to see. And zoom in a little bit. Again, the red denotes the addition. So the existing gymnasium will stay and behind it we have an entirely new right-sized kitchen and cafeteria. I should say that the cafeteria at Fington is undersized now even for the current population there. It is too small by all standards. So we're going to rightsize it for the future population. There's some additional support spaces, storage, bathrooms, etc. You'll see uh in the lower area in the existing building, we'll be building out a fully um fully compliant administrative suite with all the offices

015that we would normally have. It's a very small suite right now. We're going to rightsize everything. The center area is will essentially uh essentially there's there's not exterior changes to it, but a lot of the rooms are going to get changed around. So, the rooms on the the walls on the corridor are CMU block. We don't want to mess with those. We don't want to change those. But the partition walls between them, so the ones that divide one classroom from another are drywall and stud, those are not as hard to move. So as we need, we're going to move those around and create a different set of rooms. It's not nothing, but it's much easier than working with CNU. The library will stay where it is. It'll get a light refresh and a new mechanical

016system. To the south of the existing building will be the onestory prek and kindergarten edition. This has six classrooms. We need eight in total. Four for prek and four for kindergarten. So, actually up here are the two that are taken out of the existing building. So, six additional classrooms. They're all 10,000 square feet inclusive of a toilet room, which is the state standard and appropriate for children this age. If I go up to the top, the sort of northeast corner, here's that addition where we're sort of tooththing into the existing building. It is primarily classrooms. Just the blue is regular classrooms. There's one special team room. There's some mechanical spaces and there are bathrooms. And I should add there are actually two stairs in the addition. One is required and one is replacing an existing

017stair that's not code compliant. Okay. I don't know if that's a timer. So, what's it going to look like? It's going to look great. Um, here is a shot, a before and after of of the building. And so what you're seeing is the front entry gets a little addition to the front to make the administrative area bigger. The actually the existing cafeteria, if you can picture the two big windows in the front will become sets of doors and a double vestibule, an airlock vestigial to go in. And so we'll have a a canopy to welcome folks in. And over to the right here, you're seeing the one-story prek, we call prek K edition. So, here's some elevation views, which is essentially a flat picture of the wall of the building of the prek edition. One

018story. The language that we're using throughout is a uh it's called split face block on the bottom. It's actually what Carrington has right now. And a light colored brick above. So, it's masonry. It matches what's there in terms of materials. It's very durable. The state supports it. We have a couple of locations for metal panel as an accent, and that's what you're seeing here above some of the windows. It's just a cladding that supports the um kind of differentiates the window base. This is actually the the south side of the prek edition. And so we're aware that as you come in on the site, if you look at this arrow, this is what you will see. So here's a view sort of as you're on the bottom as you're driving into the site. We've talked

019about having signage on this facade. There's a lot of opportunities to add some decorative elements if we so want. The twostory classroom edition in the back is fairly it's a it's a bar. It's a regular rhythm of windows. So this side which is looking from the east here is a stairwell, a door and a light into the stairs. And then if you look across here, every two windows, every pair is a classroom. So one, two, three, four, five classrooms on this side. On the other side, what you're seeing is also classrooms and louvers. We don't know exactly what these will look like, but this is for mechanical ventilation. This is a view of the cafeteria. You have to put yourself at the rear of Fington now. And if you were looking at the back corner

020of the gym, that's all going to be pushed out many, many feet. And the cafeteria will have a glassy corner. So these windows and these windows are in the area where the kids are sitting and eating. And over here to the right, this is the kitchen. The walls are lined with equipment, etc. There's some small windows, but generally speaking, it's pretty solid. and then we go back to the skew. Okay, I didn't have my watch in front of me, so I don't know how I did with 10 minutes. Muffy will tell me. >> I am here to answer any questions that the board would like to ask me or that Muffy sends to me. I'm also here I think you have a motion in your agenda and I will I will let you tell us

021what we do now. >> So, we're it's later in our agenda that we'll be having the concept approval and I don't know if Mr. Tracy said that you don't have to stay for that. I know you have a long drive ahead of you. Yeah, >> we appreciate the information that you shared. I'm glad the public that are here tonight had an opportunity to see it as well. And are there any questions from the board? >> P. Not as much questions. Just want to comment that a lot of the plans and more details and presentations live on the website. There's been a lot there's been a desire for transparency for this process especially because of how much it will impact the community um in you know in good and bad ways in terms of losing you

022know a school community and also gaining a new facility um with additional services and programs. So if if parents of community members are curious and interested the website does have more information. And I think there's even a little tag um that says school construction. Um some folks are informed on the process. >> And Mr. Tracy, do we have a date for the um is it a straw poll that we have coming in June? >> Actually third. >> Oh, there we go. >> I forgot. Um yes. So, we have a tentatively, but I believe we're we're linked in to June 3rd. And I put the building committee meeting on May 27th here for the schedule because we will be coming back then with more information about the cost of the project. This is a state funded

023project. We're right in the middle of gathering construction costs and project costs right now. And at that meeting, we'll be able to share updates on that. So, I I put that there. Then the straw poll, the SBOE, the state board of education. Those are some meetings that typically my colleagues and I and Superintendent Tracy might attend. Um, and then part of the procedure, we'll have a public hearing and then a referendum vote in November. >> Member Parks. Well, I just wanted to mention that we're hoping to have some displays of the layout of the building with maybe some explanatory arrows uh in the city center at Fington and maybe at >> and by that I think you actually like we have three models that we printed which is pretty fun >> and um yes we

024can make we can make a bunch of those. >> Thanks. Any other questions for board members? >> Thank you, Robin. Much appreciated. >> Thank you very much. >> Next, I'll entertain a motion to enter into executive session. >> I make a motion to enter into executive session pursuant to 1 MRSA subsection 4056A regarding personnel. >> I'll second. It's been moved and seconded to enter into executive session pursuant to one MRSA subsection 405 6A regarding personnel. Discussion hearing none. Please vote. On a vote of 7 to zero, we will now be entering into executive session. You never know. >> Do I have a motion to exit executive session? >> I'd like to make a motion to exit. >> Executive session. I second. I've moved and seconded to exit from executive session. Discussion carried none. Please vote.

025And on a vote of seven to three, we are out of executive session. >> Like to make a motion to >> three. What did I say? >> Seven to three. >> Seven to zero. I told you my numbers are off. People got to stay on top. >> I'll make a motion. I want to make a motion to approve the minutes of the Augusta Board of Education business meeting on April 8th, 2026. Special meeting on April 27th, and emergency meeting on April 29th. Do >> I have a second? >> I'll second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the Augusta Board of Education business meeting, April 8th, special meeting, April 27th, emergency meeting, April 29th. Discussion hearing none, please vote. And on a vote of 7 to zero, the motion has been approved.

026Next, we will entertain or listen to the superintendent report. Mr. Tracy, >> good evening. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, good evening everyone. Happy May. in the last really the last five weeks or so of the school year. So we are excited to be planning or have been planning but planning those year end events like the credit promotion graduation capc's awards assembly etc adult graduation so there's a lot being planned and going on I will not labor my report is written and on online I'd be happy to answer any questions I do want to mention one thing that um we have been working on as an administrative team and that is um trying to sort of negotiate, work through the budgetary changes and the the effects really like the impacts of the budget reductions that everybody

027knows we've recently went through. Excuse me. So, um, as as things unfold over the next few weeks, we are planning we are looking at class sizes. One of the things we mentioned, for example, at the elementary level is maximizing some of our class sizes and and having to move some students. So, um, uh again going to be the bearer of not great news that some families will be notified in the next week or two about um movement to another school. Okay. So, there are those things. There's some tweaks we're making to some of the high school program again in relationship to uh downsizing if you will. So, we're trying to be as efficient as poss to to have the least impact and effect on kids. Um but but that's going on in real time. we've

028been working hard every day has been uh something to do with that. So, just wanted to notify the board and the public about that. Um but we're confident we'll get through it and uh we'll be notifying people as as things change and happen with staffing etc. Okay. And you'll see part of the agenda tonight is the board taking some action on teaching positions for example. That be just part of this process. So unless there are questions, Madam Chair, that concludes my report. Thank you, Mr. Tracy. Assistant Superintendent Tibido. So, my board report that is was presented to you from the public is is now updated, had some changes. Um, I wanted to highlight that we've done a lot of extensive work which is underway to strengthen preserve some of the student services um across the

029district. So over the past several months, we've been working on reconfiguring staffing structures, uh restructuring systems of student support, uh pursuing federal and state grant opportunities. Um like I said, presuming as many student services and staff position as possible with the budget. Um ensuring services remain sustainable, coordinated, and fiscally responsible. So meetings have been held with department of education. We're aligning title funding with our new model of school supports, incorporating the community eligibility provision status into that planning and that update came yesterday afternoon and then today there was the allocation update for the title funding. So that's why my whole plan has to change all the laws that were changed. um addressing the district funding considerations based on that we are now at 74.72% free and reduced lunch rate. Um district instructional assessment updates include

030that we have adopted a dibles for the early literacy universal screener. We have purchased the MC class math for beginning of the next year for math uh universal math screener. We are using the desktop for the social emotional learning and student strength and needs screener and these tools are going to help support and data informed interventions curriculum updates. The amplify CKLA will be is going to be piloted in grades districtwide K through five. The Amplify ELA 6 grades 6 through 8 is going to be again university across the district. We have had a small pilot for this year of 27 teachers. It's not really small. It's 27 teachers. Our early data is showing that it is making quite an impact. So I'm hoping that we have that at seven days this year in June. Uh

031our multi-tered systems of support work is reviewing of building schedules to protect core instructional time development of dedicated intervention blocks and improving those alignment of services and times. We've had some staff construct redesign develop I'm in the process of developing multiple job descriptions and then redunding those to the personnel committee in June. Oh really in all of this restructuring and redesigning is moving away from being so siloed for general education support, title one support, ESOL supports, special education and also gifted and talented and really looking at how to best utilize all of that funding. So along with the general education to be able to provide those supports, those layers of support. What else? Then we were awarded the main department education early learning solutions lab grant and that's in conjunction with head start the y

032invested child care. We have formed the capital area early childhood alliance and monthly meetings have been established day of the month. What that's going to be doing is looking at communitywide what are we able to provide for students three to five year olds particularly with the advent of us being responsible for faith and CDS students and students of three to 5 year olds and then also looking community wise so that we're not competing with staff shortages or students and how can we best serve the community for that particular age group. So that work be going. We were awarded the the department of education grant to study the late start models. So that's education beginning. We're doing a partnership with adult education for staff training and for the early childhood workforce. That we're exploring other grants

033that we have not fully received. who are doing partnership discussions with head of behavioral health for school-based social work services and we're uh also working with additional community partners to fulfill that need for social work services that I know it's a long one but oh as far as the actual allocation for the title money we I get my numbers right. So we have a preliminary allocation with title one, two, three, and four of 1,651,5928. That is a reduction of 53,576.73. the reductions are in the area of title two and title we no longer have title five funding which is um the other part of this is that we have applied for the through the eligibility provision for all six schools. So all six schools will be schoolwide. Six schools will be four elementary schools include

03411 questions for assistant superintendent. Hello. >> Thank you. Um, I think assistant superintendent Tibido, there was one thing that you didn't discuss based on the report and I think that was the racial language training summary and next steps. Can I see the the plan online? I know folks in the audience can't see it now. Do you want to talk a bit about that? >> Yes. Sorry. Thank you for reminding. So what we had done is there's been a number of instances of students using language that if it's racial language and it's really what can we do to address that with students using the N word. um being treating each other not respectfully and um and we're talking students who are young age. So really it's about education. Um, and really I wanted to start with

035staff to see where we're at and we had presented a video training and then you know then what can we take for next steps from that. So part of that plan was this. So staff really responding to that bias language addressing it immediately. You know, we do have some laws that restrict what we can do for discipline for younger younger students and then so it becomes part of educating younger students about what is acceptable or not acceptable. also, you know, being consistent and equitable with the discipline across the different schools in the district. Looking at our curriculum and what pieces of the curriculum can address some of those um you know, whether it be in our independent our language arts programs or our social studies units and then really strengthening the school school culture. It

036also made us look at our system for web to school when we are tracking discipline. You know, adding a tab that talks about racial language so that we have an actual data point so that we're able to present that. You know, we we've had a a parent was a very strong advocate and has have really supported this this work. Thank you. >> Thank you. Other questions from board members? And just a reminder for those listening and those in the audience, we have uh the blue links are highlighted on the agenda. If you'd like to see any of these reports or for more detailed information, please feel free to access our website and that that information is available there. So, thank you. Next is business manager uh Mrs. Ross. >> Thank you. Um so, we are

037continuing our work with the fiscal year 25 audit. Um we filed another audit extension um with the per the state department of education and we're awaiting a decision on our request. Um and that is really motivated by the timeline of our auditors. Um we continue work with uh Mrover on implementation of our absence time and recruitment platforms um so that we can move away from paper and become electronic. Um, our last meeting with them was on May 4th, 2026. Um, and our next meeting is actually tomorrow, 2014 at 10 a.m. So, um, I do have to give public recognition to Brenda and Christy in our HR payroll office because they have been working tirelessly to supply data to Red Rover to um, ensure that we are live before August 1st with all three pieces of

038that software system. Um, so I've been part of the meetings with them, but they're really doing the tedious work um, that's required. Um, paid family medical leave began on May 1st, 2026. We already have some staff utilizing that program. Um, we continue to go through training because it is new for everyone. It's new for employers and the people taking um, benefit from the program. Um, so we continue learning along with everybody else. Um, our last training was on May 4th, um, with them as well. Um, and right now we're finding that even though we went with a private company to assist us with the plan, it is still requiring a lot of work and power from our HR payroll team um, that we were not expecting. So, we're hoping as things become more comfortable with

039that program um and we continue to learn more that hopefully that will change a bit. Um we received notification on May 5th that we're receiving an addition to our fiscal year 26. So, our current fiscal year subsidy in the amount of $143,666.99. Um these funds represent a multilingual hardship adjustment. Um so the hardship adjustment funds are based on the comparison of October 1st multilingual learner student enrollment counts and April 1st multilingual learner student enrollment counts. So that amount will be added to the remainder of our subsidy payments um for May and June this year. Um April financials. So we have 2 months or 17% of the year remaining with 11,382,359 or 28% of the expenditures remaining. Um we've received $35,85,11 in revenues um with 13% remaining. So we have 17% of the year left. So

040having 13% of our revenues remaining is positive because that means we're bringing in slightly more revenue than we had before. Um so areas with um less than the 17% remaining so special education administration at 7%. So um we receive main care seed which is an expense to the school department quarterly. We received the last quarter which is quarter four recently. So that kind of accelerates that budget line that cost center for us a bit but it will even out in May and June. Um so all of the lines in that administration area have been evaluated by myself and we should um fund within the limits that were approved going forward. Uh student assessment that's been on there that's a onetime fee. System administration is at 15% so just below the 17% um we are watching

041that closely. We have made some updates within our office to make sure that we are within the funds. Um so I expect that we will end the school year in the appropriate amount there. Uh transportation is at 8%. um continue to follow that. We believe that that cost center may go a bit over um but I've been working on projections in other cost centers to ensure that there are funds that we'll be able to hopefully transfer over to cover those costs. Debt services 2% that's a one-time payment so that won't change. And again, adult education um is at 0% in their guidance line, but that was planned because that individual has moved to a grant funded position. Um and then finally, attached to um the agenda are FY27 budget documents. So those are updated documents

042putting the dollars amount in the appropriate cost centers. Um the agenda has us looking at the warrant later on in this process. Um, but the dollars in the appropriate cost centers are linked to this agenda so we can um review them at your leisure. That's it. >> Thank you. Questions for business manager Ross. Member Powell. >> Thank you. Business manager Ross, you mentioned the 143,000. Um, that's the additional Montalian hardship from the EPS based on increasing counts. Is that sort of earmarked specifically for that program or does that become funds this year that could help us if a cost center is going over the amount? >> So basically it just comes in our general subsidy came in through our revenue so it could assist us overall. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions hearing? None.

043I have one more. Oh, I'm sorry. >> Is the I I just probably missed this. The 27 budget doc that sort of has the outline of each position cut. Um, is that online now? >> Yes, it's part of the FY27 budget documents that are attached to this agenda >> and on the website. >> It is not on the website. >> It's in the agenda on the website. >> Yeah, just it. So, you could only ask somebody if they were like, "What just got cut?" They would only access it through the agenda. >> We have not uploaded the full budget yet. >> Okay, cool. Thank you. >> But but will >> Yeah, the board will approve articles tonight and we will put that on. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Hearing none, we'll move on to

044reports from other school officials. >> Good evening. Heather Gothier, principal of Lincoln school. As I emailed you all last week, May is a very busy month for us at Lincoln. Today we had our day of caring event, which is a collaboration with United Way. We had students uh out and about throughout the city uh doing some cleanup events. Um, some of our students at the Made Veterans uh cemetery, Green Street Cemetery, Viewer Center, and of course our old school, uh, doing cleanup and making uh, toys for humane society. Um, last week we had a penny war with our students. So, if anyone's missing any change, it likely was brought to Lincoln uh, last week. Um the penny war uh the change uh is goes towards our PTC, but we also donated 25% of our proceeds

045uh back to United Way, which are one of the only schools that do that. So we raised $1,818 in one week's time. So we were able to give the United Way a check for $458. So we're very proud of our students uh with that. Next Wednesday, uh, we have one of our last family events of the year, which is our ice cream social art show event. Um, we hope that you all can come. It's from 5:30 to 6:30. Our lovely Missy, our art teacher, does a fabulous job of making sure that all student work is on display and then you can top the night off with a nice treat sponsored by our PTC. Um, one other big thing I want to share is that we started our three-year NWA assessment last week, uh, Thursday and

046Friday with grades three through six with reading. And we've been putting a lot of work with making sure students understand test taking strategies and as well as test construct, but also teachers have been sitting down with students and going over here's where you were with your fall score, setting and establishing goals, showing them like, you know, is two seconds enough time to spend on a question? I can see what you've did. what can we do to spend more time with going through the test questions and also the tools that are available to them to use and should be using. Our students have been putting in a lot of hard work and effort and it shows and a sneak peek at our scores for reading is uh we have grade levels that are meeting the grade

047levels benchmark right now for the state and we even have a couple grade levels that are slightly above where the state is. So, we're super proud of our students. We're very appreciative of our teachers and their hard work. Tomorrow we do the math for grades three through six, so we're going to be there cheering them on. Our little grades K to two started their NWA math growth and you can't see those results as quickly as you can with the through year, but what I'm hearing from the teachers is uh what they're seeing is pretty exciting as well. So >> questions, what day is the ice cream? >> Next Wednesday, May 20th. 5:30 to 6:30. dessert in your neighborhood. >> Other questions? >> Thank you. >> Hi, Tesa Bowden, principal at Fington. Uh, Mrs. Goth here

048kind of said some of the things I was going to say. So, I will just say we're two are doing the main through testing right now and similar things. We are really trying to focus on the strategies and the goal setting and similar similar things. So, I just want to say that that's going on. Next week, we'll do our K through two nuia testing. Uh, and the science test is at the end of this week for grade five. And again, great job with effort. It's the kids are trying very hard. It's it's nice to see. Um, I think some try so hard that they're taking a long time on every question, but that's that's great. It's great. They're taking it seriously. And we just always say, "Show what you know." And that's the biggest thing

049that they're showing what they can do and that it's your personal best, not a competition with other people. Um, next week, similar thing, day of caring. Our day of caring is the 21st. The majority of our projects are within our school community. So, if you want to come by, it's in the morning and starting, it starts at 9:00. We go 9 to 11:00 and then we have some lunches. And so, anytime from 9:00 to 1, if you want to come by and see what we're doing, love to see you. Um, we uh, one thing I want to emphasize is that our kindergarten screening is going on the 26th and the 27th, which is the Tuesday and Wednesday after Memorial Day. So, if anyone has a child who is going to turn five by October 15th

050of 2026, we're really asking as an entire school district that you call your local school to sign up for a screening appointment. We all have different dates throughout this month, but really for our fall planning, if we could do that, we do do a day of screening the first day of school with kindergarten, but it's great if we can get that screening done ahead of time, so we can account for the numbers and plan accordingly. Um, again, that's the 26th and the 27th, and a parent in the kindergarten will not have school. The current K does not have school on those two days. Uh, we have a family fun night. Our our next thing is going to be family fun night which is June the 2nd and that's at 5:30 and just a nice time

051out in the back with playground and I think we have a some inflatable bouncy thing sorry upcoming and uh just a few other dates just as I want to make sure everyone knows that the last day of school is June 12th and that's an early release at 10:30. So just that everyone knows that in our sixth grades all have celebrations and at Fington that is the 10th. So many dates and that's only actually a preview of the many dates that we have but trying to give the big the big hitters there. Do you have any questions? Wonderful. Thank you. Thank you Mrs. Bo. Well, um I'm not going to repeat all that Teresa and and Heather said. I'm Tina McDonald, principal at Huzzi. Our last family event is next Thursday. Um the PTC will be

052grilling with the police department and a fire truck um on our playground. So, we're just going to hang out on our playground and celebrate um Huzzi that day. And our day of caring is next Friday. Not this Friday coming. >> No, next Friday. >> Questions from >> I just have a general question. Why are the days of caring on different dates? Is that to coordinate the different things that they do for the community? And so >> I I think so. I mean, some school districts do them all on the same day. Some we we spread them out. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Mrs. McDonald. Right. They forced me into it. The only elementary not speaking, but Marin Herzel, principal of Gilbert School. Um, my big add-ons, the 27th is the art show at Gilbert again

053with the awesomeness C. Um, we'll probably have ice cream because who doesn't love ice cream? Um, and then the other big thing for us is our prek screening. So, kindergarten screening obviously same as the others in getting notifications to your um, front office at whatever school you live near. Um, well, prek is also having open enrollment and so those screening dates are June 5th, June, Hold on, there's a weekend mixed in, so I have to make sure I say it correctly. June 5th, June 8th, and June 9th are the days for prek screenings. So if you have any student who will be four by October 15th, please do call Gilbert School or go online and do the registration and um we will set up a screening for you and we will love to have your

054tiny talk in the fall. Yeah. >> Uh question about how do you guys work with like daycare? How are you targeting specific outreach so that parents know about these dates? because I can foresee like, oh, August, like, oh, school's going to start and I want to enroll you. And I can see that being when that start process starts. >> Yeah, that's actually part of the plan is that people get excited in August and they do just that. The same numbers we have now are the same numbers we had last year at this point in the year and we doubled our numbers by the fall. So, I love the idea. We have the collaborative that Shel's been working on with other local agencies. We do advertise. Um, we have posters out, we have Facebook posts, we

055have emails going out, flyers went home with all of our grade levels across all the elementary schools. So, any family that had a student or knew a student that was for um vote before got the information. Um, but yes, there seems to be a trend of that that August comes and all of a sudden school looks great. >> So, thank you. Other questions? Any other questions? Thank you, Mr. Any other reports from school officials? Hearing none, we have no communications. The next item is resignations and retirement. And I'll let Mr. Tracy speak to this one. >> Great. Thank you. We have two resignations. Tim Goodman attempt here. And in retirement, Susan Bridge, chief of managers for many years a uh is retiring the end of this year. We wish them well on their next endeavors

056and students. >> Thank you. >> We have no recognitions. Next is our student council report. >> Hello. Hi. >> We have a busy last full month, I guess, at Cody High School. The Cody music department is hosting their spring concerts this month. The high school and middle school band performed earlier tonight and the high school and middle school chorus concert is next Thursday the 21st. The swinging into summer jazz concert is June 1st and our high school drama department will be debuting their first production of Little Shop of Horrors on May 29th and May 30th. A number of KO chorus and band students are also attending the all state music festival starting tomorrow with the concert at University of Maine Oro this Saturday. Um and then the tennis state singles tournament is also taking place

057during those same days and we have two um girls tennis players who are competing for the state championship title hopefully. Um last Saturday the National Art Society hosted their annual spring fling dance for juniors and seniors. The night featured complimentary Aroma Joe's and a limbo competition. Day of Caring was rescheduled to May 27th, I believe, due to the rain. Um, so our students will be out and about town doing their volunteering that day. Cody 8th graders are preparing for their movers and shakers fair and speech competition. Um, the fair will be in the first week of June. Um, the spring Olympia snow forum is next Tuesday for Cody students in the Olympia snow women's leadership program. The forum is also a graduation for seniors in that program. And noia testing is incoming for high schoolers

058tomorrow and middle schoolers will also be continuing their NOIA testing next week. Um, some other Cody students also just finished their AP exams the past two weeks. And looking forward ahead, we have senior finals taking place on May 28th, while the rest of our finals will be taking place on June 10th and 11th for Cody students. Class day for seniors is June 5th and graduation for the class of 2026 is on June 7th at the Augusta Civic Center. Project grad will be hosted at Coney that following night for all graduating seniors. >> Thank you. Questions? hearing none. The next item areformational items. >> I'm sorry. Sorry. >> All right. Is there an update on the student rep? >> Yes, they have elected our student representative for next year. Our our student representative next year will

059be Aana Ba. She'll be a junior that year. Um and I'll likely rope her into coming to the next meeting with me. So, you will see her. And I was going to ask is after I believe our next meeting is after you graduate high school. Are you still planning to come into >> I'm still planning coming so I should be here. But >> yeah, >> thank you. >> And congrats. Next item isformational items on the list. You can check that out. One is an updated athletic stipen that was added to the list as well as the field hockey stipen position for the fall has been filled. There have been several professional development opportunities attended and listed as well. And we will move on to item 17, which is committee reports. And I'm looking for a

060motion to approve the minutes of the finance committee, personnel policy, etc. I make a motion to approve the minutes of the finance committee, personnel committee, policy committee, curriculum and education committee, and building committee for April 2026. >> Second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the finance committee, personnel committee, policy committee, curriculum, education, and building committee for April 2026. Discussion hearing none, please vote. And the motion has been approved with a vote of 7 to zero. The next is consent agenda and I will entertain a motion. If you would like to explain this one, Mr. Tracy. >> Yes. Um, we are nominating Mr. Brad Bald to the high school math position at Coney High School. He is currently a a special education teacher with us and um is going to be a

061great fit for that position. So, um our nomination to you is to move into that position. >> And since this is a consent agenda item, would you discuss B as well? >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. Um, also we are doing the annual slate of um, probationary teachers. So we have one year probation, two-year probation moving people to continue contract that's listed that is attached to the to the agenda as well as board members have that in front of you. So that is just an annual requirement that you do as a board and those recommendations are attached. So you have you can take those separately or together but those are the nominations for renewal and for the new buyer at >> and I will entertain a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent

062items as presented and a second. >> I'll second moved and seconded to approve the consent items as presented. Discussion >> is Mr. Gold here? >> I did I was looking around. I don't see I don't see it. Thank you. >> Discussion hearing none. Please vote. An automotive 7 to zero. Item number 18, consent items has been approved. The next item on the agenda is board member comments andor discussion on non-aggenda items. There's a 30 minute maximum on this with a limit of 10 minutes per board member. And would you be our timer? Should we meet once? Sure. Okay. Does anybody wish to speak? Hearing none. Oh, I'm sorry. Hello. I just want to thank everybody for emailing and speaking this month on the budget process. We had a lot of folks that came in in

063person here. There were folks that came to city. There were probably over a hundred or so emails received. I tried to respond. Folks tried to respond. I may not have responded to everybody, but I want to say I read them all. Um, and just want to thank the community for voicing whether you're happy with the decision or not. Um, it was really profound to hear everybody's perspective. Um, so I just appreciate the time and the emotions and the effort it took to email all of us for the budget process. Thank you. And the next item on the agenda, I just flipped my page, is public comment. And I would also like to echo uh board member Pel's thanks for the public comment that we received during the during our board meetings, during public meetings, during

064city council meetings. We really appreciated the respectful, thoughtful cooperation and participation from members of the public. And thank you all. I know it took a lot of time. There were several of those meetings and we really do appreciate them. Also, a reminder, if you would like to speak this evening, make sure that you've signed up on the list. And with that said, I just want to remind everybody that the primary purpose of school board meetings is to conduct the business of the board related to school policies, programs, and operation. The board encourages residents to attend board meetings so they can become acquainted with the operation and programs of the school. I cordially invite any interested members of the public to attend and to participate as provided in this policy. Although board meetings are not public

065forums, the board will provide appropriate opportunities. Members of the public may address the board within the guidelines provid provided in this policy and the chair shall be responsible for maintaining proper order and compliance with these guidelines. The following guidelines shall apply to public part participation at board meetings. Citizen employees of the school union are welcome to participate as provided in the policy. Others may be recognized to speak at the chair's discretion. Individual employees in or employee groups will not be permitted to discuss matters which for which complaint or grievances processes are provided. Those addressing the board need to state the name and city of your residence. The chair may limit the time allotted for comments at on particular topic as well as the time permitted this evening. It will be a 30 minute total with

066three minutes for each speaker. Um during the time set aside for public participation, the chair will be responsible for recognizing all speakers who must identify themselves as they begin talking. Speakers are not permitted to make defamatory comments. No complaints or allegations will be allowed at board meet by naming any person employed by the school system or particular students. The chair has the authority to stop any presentation that violates these guidelines or the privacy rights of others. And I just want to add that speakers are expected to follow the rules of common etiquette and decorum and are required to refrain from dis engaging in disruptive comment. So with that I will take a list and the first speaker I have is Jane Whitney. >> Hi Jane just gonna get some things you said for the board.

067Um, >> point of order. I thought that if a public commenter had documents to give us that they needed permission to do so. >> Apology does not say that. >> That's the Roberts rules of order. >> Do you want to vote on whether to accept these? Do I have a motion to accept the handouts? I'll make a motion to accept the handouts. It's been moved and seconded. Does the board wish to have discussion on distribution of the handouts? >> This sets a precedent that we may not want to set. >> You don't want to see >> Excuse me. There's no speaking from the audience at this point in time. Thank you. >> Excuse me. Um I'm sorry. >> I think that this would set a precedent that we may not wish to set. We'd rather

068have an opportunity to discuss this in a policy meeting or another workshop meeting rather than decide that right now. >> Other comments. All those in favor of distributing the materials, please raise your hand and a vote of six to and opposed. 6 to1 the materials will be distributed. >> Thank you. I just want to make sure the student member gets one. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you for reminding me. You want to start again? >> Oh, y again. Thank you. Nice. >> My name is Jane Whiteside. I live on in uh Ward 4 and I've met Bobby Joe earlier today. Um I just wanted to I gave you some information. Uh a lot of concerns I had about the the school board. Uh but I'm just going to focus in on three of them because

069I know there's more people at the meeting tonight. Uh, first of all, I've been watching the the um school board meetings on CTV7 and now your Facebook or YouTube since January 2025. I've sent emails and occasionally I've get gotten response from the chair, the member and the superintendent and I appreciate that a lot and you've been able to look at the information. I am commenting today about the policy public participation at board meetings plus the K policy public concerns and complaints and I know that these need to be updated and they come from a state school management association template. So I'm thinking about watching these meetings at home. Um, I tried to share my information as best I could about with every schoolboard member, get the email address, try to send it out, be equal

070to you all. Um, just I think about the things about accommodating people who can't attend the meetings here um have a because of a work schedule or responsibility. And something that I don't have right now with you, me is something from Wisconsin. um they have a process, maybe this is more for your the state level, but a process that comp uh deals with um public complaints um regarding school boards and there is a need for a general concern and complaint portal um with the Augusta School Board of Education um on mostly general things, not I'm not talking about real specific things. Then I have some other things, but I did want to go jump over to a thing that I think is really important. This is a book, The Soul of Civility. It's by uh

071Alexander Hudson. She's on C-SPAN a lot of times. If you watch the Washington Journal, she's been on there on May 1st uh uh 2026. And this regards to the policy AB, which is the um the first policy comes right out of the book um the people in the school district. um civility takes priority over politeness and that's what she discusses in her book and um right now there's uh policies I looked into this in uh California and New York State I gave you the the particular towns I'm not sure if they have it at the state level that integrates civility into the um policy so that's something new I'm hoping that the all main school districts will work on that Um, but like I said, the author, um, Alexander Hudson, she's on C-SPAN. She's been

072on there a number of times. Um, and I also know about an effort just recently from the University of Southern Maine, Southern Maine civility effects um, efforts and they have a KJ opinion letter. And I didn't write this in my summary because I've looked at that today just over the other day. >> Sorry to interrupt, but your time is up. So, if you could I know you had three points. >> Okay. One more thing. Um, just want to remind you civility is important. And way back in the day, we did have something. Look in the news. There was a 1980 bus march. It was um, uh, Francis X. Quinn, April 12th, 1980. Having to mark walk makes students march. Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. But I want you to look into that. I've given

073you a copy of that. the state library was very helpful in me getting that the um stop on the microphone. Thank you for your time. Thank you so much. >> Next person is Roger Lesner. >> Is Roger here? >> Nope. >> Jane McGuire Ty. Jane McGuire Ty. I live in ward three. I just want to say that um every year the day after the election, you always say thank you for all the voters who came out and voted yes on the school budget. And there's not really that many voters who do go out and vote at all for or against the budget compared to how many are in the city. And I just want to encourage all registered voters to vote now on budget. It's our only way of fighting back. because we can't really

074not have you people here. We can't like say we decided on not vote for you after all. But we can vote for the budget or we can vote against it and I'm encouraging people to vote against the budget. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jen. Next is Stephanie Sinowitz. >> Hello, my name is Stephanie Sinkitz. I am a resident of Ward One in Augusta. I'm a city counselor also in Augusta, but I'm here in my capacity as a parent and a resident of Augusta tonight. Uh Mayber, as parents like to call it, gives a lot of opportunities for us parents to be in the schools or at the schools. Uh and that has been true for me so far this May. I, as one of the PTC members at Lincoln Elementary, got to participate in teacher

075appreciation week and I was at Day of Karen today and I've been popping in and out to help with various other things. But one of the things that I wanted to highlight is um just the energy in the school even in May is pretty incredible. Uh, we actually had to kind of compete for decorating space because the PTC wanted to decorate the school for teacher appreciation week, but the teachers already had a plan to decorate for testing pep rallies. So, we uh had some streamers that got changed in and out on different days. But, uh, that was really impressive to me and it made a really big impact I know on the students in our school, especially my children. uh their way of going about testing was really impacted. Do you want to just wait

076a minute until we can do >> I know I'm very spoken >> um the energy that >> Thank you. >> It happens. Um the energy that students came into school with was palpable. Uh and my kids were so excited to be pumped up for testing. The streamers, the pep rallies, things like that just made a huge difference. Um and one of the things that I got to experience today at Day of Caring, um the recesses are like much bigger on these days. Uh they do about half the school at a time and um there is a lot of chaos that comes with that. But uh being able to see the kids at different age levels interact with each other respectfully and uh so joyfully and the staff being able to manage that chaos without impeding

077the joy was just really really wonderful. Um there's been a lot going on throughout the city throughout this month of May and yet our schools end up continuing to be a place where kids are able to be kids and that at the end of the day is what I think we're all here for. So um I'm looking forward to the art show, the chorus concerts, the many many things that come up in the month of May. But um I just wanted to thank the teachers and staff for the work that they're doing at all levels to not only prepare our kids in the things that they're teaching them, but then those smaller things, day of testing to really pump them up and make them feel ready to take those tests. Thank you. >> Thank you.

078>> Next, Jan Rollins. >> Yes, I'm going to pass at this time. Thank you. >> Do you want me to come back to you? >> Okay. Janessa James. >> Hello, Janessa. G James, Augusta, Augusta, parent and resident. I'm here tonight because I'm concerned about the lack of accountability in our schools. I understand that schools must follow state laws regarding discipline, especially for younger students, but respecting the law does not mean accepting an action. Many people may not be aware that there are state laws prohibiting suspension and loss of recess to students in grade five and under. Families are too often being told that the school's hands are tied. But there is a difference between being legally limited and being unwilling to act. Schools still have authority and schools still set expectations and schools still have

079a responsibility to protect every student's right to feel safe. If current laws limit certain punishments, then schools should be developing new policies and meaningful consequences that align with those laws while still addressing harmful behavior seriously. And I'll just end it there. I think we could do more. I just think like it's gone downhill. Like when we were in school, we always had consequences. And I just can't believe some of the stuff I'm hearing. I've heard that students have brought knives to school and elementary and that we're not allowed to suspend them. Does that sound right? That sounds shocking to me. So, I can't imagine what else is going on that we we may not be hearing about. But I think we need to do something. We need to bring back accountability and consequences even for

080students grade five and under. There are some things that are just zero tolerance and we need to enforce it. Policies won't do anything if they're not um being enforced. Sorry, I get anxiety up there. But >> thank you. >> Can I take up the rest of her time? >> We don't that's not allowed. But thank you. >> Next is Dan. And I can't read your last name. Burns. >> Uh Dan Burns, Davenport Street, Gustin. I've been here my whole life. I've uh I city council um stood up. I mean, thank you guys. Few of you I adore immensely. You not really, but uh a few of you have gone through a lot. My hugs. Um, and this is a little bit about maybe the policy about kids leaving school and I just I I'm not

081I haven't been a part of it. You've addressed it. Uh, my child left during this uh protest. I'm all for it. Yay. Got a multi-million dollar campus here. You you do walk downs all the time. We got state troopers over there. It's not a big deal, but uh you guys left or you didn't. Um and >> you guys do a nice job. >> Excuse me. Excuse me. >> sorry for the interruption. >> No, you're fine. I Everybody's awesome. I love this community. I love everything that you guys do. All right. And I am nervous. And James, thank you for standing up for me, sir. Um there's a lot of us that you represent. I appreciate that. Amen. >> Um, that being said, um, the school's awesome to my kid, but she's having a hard time.

082She didn't come back. I showed up 1:48, waited in line for half an hour, and then I went inside. I was animated. I get animated. They brought me into another room. I said, "Where's my daughter?" We don't know. It was hectic. It was like, it really was. Well, that tells me that guys need a policy immediately a mile down the road. Eighth graders, holy moly. Now, I'm all for it, but I just I I I hope that this is addressed immediately that those kids never leave this school with a city council member, with a school board member, with any parent. I didn't give my parent permission to do that. My my child to do that. Um, and I'm not animated. You guys are doing all you can do. I get it. But please make a

083point that this never happens again. Encourage them. Got a multi-million dollar campus. You got gymnasiums. You've got incredible baseball fields. You've got a two a million dollar track down there with Yeah, that's what we should have been doing with these kids. And second, maybe it should have been addressed to you guys a little bit. I didn't feel like those kids addressed the school board much when they marched down there and they're like, "Oh, you're cutting." Well, maybe we could have caught talk about the cuts a little bit and how it was like in this room, too. Maybe you guys could have gotten some of that attention. I think that would have been more important. But store, thank you for everything that you've done. And thank you everybody. >> Thank you. Next is Nicholas Blanchard. Mr.

084Blanchard, did you want this material passed out? >> Yes, I do. >> And once again, I will entertain a motion to have this material distributed. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to have it distributed. >> Is there a second? I'll second. >> It's been moved and seconded to distribute the this information. Discussion. >> Member Parks. >> Again, this is setting precedent. Um, >> you've already done it once. Excuse me. We'll have the conversation with you when you time start. Okay. Thanks. It's setting a precedent that I don't think the one set. It's against the Robert's rules of order that we're this board is supposed to be following. Other discussion hearing none. If you're in favor of having the f this this material distributed, please vote. Raise your hand. against and in

085a vote of 6 to1 the the material will be distributed. I'll you can count your way and I'll do this one. >> I think those are two different pieces. >> Oh, there's there's three separate things. That right there is what the judge the judge wrote. There's only three copies of those because they're 33 pages a piece. But then there's >> What did you want done with these? I >> I mean I'm sure the rest of the board hasn't been able to read that. So that's you guys can keep that. Whoever wants to read that. the other one. There's a copy of each one for each. We'll get these distributed while you're speaking or do you want us to >> I want I want you guys to see them first because you're going to need to

086look at them. >> Everybody was all smiles ago. representative has not received copies of these. There aren't enough. >> Well, she's not actually part of the law. >> She's entitled. She's entitled. >> Well, there's extra copies outside if you want. >> This is the other thing. Okay. All right. >> With that said, we'll start your time. >> All right. So, as most of you all have seen, the lawsuit has um the judge ruled, and this is what I think of your new policy that you are trying to approach because it's still unconstitutional. And it said that you cannot take responsibility for what is going on here. You still sat there last week in that meeting and tried to say that it's not the way you are treating me, that it's just the way your policy

087is worded. Did you not read that order at all? Did you? I mean, every news organization even said you were wrong. And instead of you just apologizing and saying, you know what, I was wrong and we can do better, you're going to try to buckle down and you're going to cost the city of Augusta a lot more money than what needs to happen. Have you looked into the law firm that I'm using? You know that they won the exact same case out in Florida. You know how much that school board had to pay? 500,000. That money ain't going to go to me. That's only lawyer fees. I'm not going to get a dime out of this lawsuit except for Yeah, you can keep looking. You got a minute and a half. I'm going to stand

088here quiet for a second because Miss Susan Parks thinks I'm not allowed to do that. And another thing, we're talking about this walk out, right? You guys claimed that no one teacher, no one had any part of it, right? How many people are sitting right here that were down there? You. >> Who else is down there? Hey, Miss Lum, >> you remember telling the students that they couldn't go? >> I'm sorry, but comments to the board. >> You're violating the judge's order. >> I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing. Excuse me. >> Parliamentary inquiry. >> Member Park. >> Pause this time. >> Point of information. If possible, please pause this time. >> Member Parks. >> Does the public commenter have the permission to address other people? >> If you agree what I handed up,

089you'd know the answer to that. >> Say that. I'm sorry. I didn't >> I can't I can't. >> Would you would you let me park? Okay. Try again. The person at the public comments podium is wanting to address a person in the audience rather than the chair. >> Is that allowed? >> It is not a chair. >> Point of information. >> Thank you. Uh we have an attorney present. Maybe we should ask her. the and the question I think you were asking whether whether um he had the permission of the board and I don't think that has been >> I think the question is does the speaker have to address all comments through the chair that's >> I'm addressing through you guys >> and if you if you continue >> but I can still mention

090Kim Liskum by name >> yes I can >> I didn't ask that you not mention her I asked that you not speak to people in the audience at your comments >> okay I'm going look at you and say the same thing all right so Miss Liscom was trying to say that she had information. You haven't started your time. >> Okay. Go ahead, >> Mr. Blanch. I just Is the board concluded with the information question? >> Not real. >> I I the information is that all comments need to be addressed through the board and not to the audience. >> Okay. I'm talking to you. >> Okay. >> You can start time. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, Miss Liskum tried to say she had no idea what was going on. You can go back to my

091live video. I it's not I had it pulled up, but I literally got her on live video telling a student they can't go. So, if the teachers had no part in this, why are they saying who can and can't go? You got I I showed up to the school while you guys were leaving. You guys were all organized. All the teachers had walkie-talkies. You guys were helping the students. Don't say you had no part in this and then you guys tried to turn around and blame it on the students because you didn't want the push back. You need to resign. you are causing this Augusta district too much money and the fact that you don't have the backbone to just apologize and say you know what I was wrong says the you Mr. Johnny Reynolds.

092>> The next time you want to put your hands on a woman, my number is public information. You call me. >> Your time is up, Mr. Blanchard. Thank you. >> The fact that you have a woman beater sitting on your school board. >> I'm sorry. If you can't be quiet, we'll have to have >> because he's a woman beater sitting on your school board. Mr. Tracy, your recommendation. >> Is that true? Because I think we deserve to know. >> No. Um, so >> it's public information. You can look it up. >> Public information the board uh needs to conduct their business. >> Thank you. >> And we can ask the audience to uh remain cooperative while we try to conduct their business. >> And right now you're in the middle of public comment. >> Um

093we we we can ask people not to make defamatory comments during not true. That is true. >> And again I'm not arguing with anybody. I'm just suggesting we should ask the audience to allow the board to conduct your business and and when everybody's ready, the board should do that with continue public comment. >> Okay. >> Are we ready? >> Member Parks. >> Well, I don't feel that we can conduct business when people from the audience who are not at the podium are shouting out. >> If members cannot be quiet while they're in the audience, we will ask them to leave the room. >> Okay. Next person on the list is Katie McCormack. >> Hi. >> Um, I wanted to ask what is the total school budget being voted on this evening? What's the total dollar

094amount >> that's going to be coming up? Do you have that? I don't have it at my fingertips, Mr. Tracy. Oh, >> you have to. member has that article 1 through 11. >> Yeah, that's correct. >> Yeah, 41,391792. >> And then what was the approved budget last year? >> Can we get back to you with these figures because we don't have them at our fingertips tonight? It was 40,260,892. Do you know what the difference is? >> $1,130. 1.1 million 1,130,900 >> increase or decrease? >> Increase of 2.8%. >> So the public narrative that last year's budget was slashed is false because it has been increased by 1.1 million. that. Would you assess that? I'm sorry, but just as a conversation, if you'd like to to have your comment session. >> You were just responding and

095you get caught in the line. Now you don't want to respond. >> It's fine. It's fine. Thanks. Okay. I would like to remind >> Please ask please ask Mr. Blanchard to leave the room. He continues to call out while public commenters are speaking without permission. >> That was her. That was me. That was my first time. >> Would you like Mr. Tracy? >> Let me let me just try to help. Um, if you've taken He had a request from a board member. You as the board chair get to make the decision whether you would like to take any action against Mr. Blanchard, do nothing, give him a warning, ask him to leave. Those would be the things you would do if you wanted to take any action. >> Of course, you're the board chair. >>

096And Mr. Blanchard, I would like to give you a warning that if you continue to disrupt our business meeting, we will ask you to leave. >> Thank you. >> Sorry, Miss McCormack. Um, so I just wanted to remind the board that you have policy BBA, which is board member authority and responsibilities adopted in March 2011 says that members of the board have authority only when acting as a board legally in session. The board shall not be bound in shall not be bound rather in any way by any action or statement on the part of any individual board member except when such statement or action is in the pursuance of specific instructions from the board. Policy BCA, which is your code of ethics, also reminds you that the board members have no legal authority outside of

097board meetings. And I see that there are two executive sessions at the end of this meeting this evening. So, if you are holding one of those to try to punish James or for attending the student pro protest and suggesting that students return to class in support of the education that they require. If the argument is that when a board member who engages in speaking with students concerned that their conduct could be perceived as being on behalf of the school board, then your own policies make that a moot point. It's laughable that you are threatening this upstanding, respectable, retired soldier with a first amendment lawsuit because he put his life on the line to protect those this country and those very same rights. And rather than try to use this man as a scapegoat, you should

098be embracing his points of view because everything that he has warned you about since he came on this board in 2023, including the Moms for Liberty injunction and the current lawsuit that you're in, James predicted and he tried to warn you and you didn't listen. And you probably should. So, you should stop ignoring him because it's just basic human decency to cut that >> Hey, let's go. The next member is Brian McCorman. All said and that concludes our public comment for this evening. >> The next is we have no unfinished business under item 21. Item 22 is new business. >> I'm sorry. Make a motion. >> I make a motion to take the policies A through E as groups rather than individually. I'll second. It's been moved and seconded to take policies student attendance uh

099KFFF2 facility rates and fees chemical hazards pest management in school facilities and pest management notification as one group discussion hearing none I'll accept a motion on J student attendance FF- facility fees and rates EBAA chemical hazards, EBC pest management in school facilities on school grounds, and ECB-E pest management notification. Discussion member Pello. >> Yep. Just given that the student attendance policy is meteor and more impactful for people probably besides some of the facilities work, can we have a short update on what happened with this policy in terms of updates? Does somebody from the policy committee want to address the student attendance or should I have assistant superintendent to? >> So as part of the attendance policy update was um part to address the chronic absenteeism and also to look at more proactive ways to address

100the chronic absentism. the thousand updates based on the MSMA and the um student engagement website recommendations about addressing the running of theism along with and the steps that we need to take such as adding an attendance coordinator who would be looking at and part of what our um our dropout prevention committee does is to look at student attendance rates and how that affects the drop and what particular student population and what students are. And can I ask you was this in reaction or as a result of some recent legislation that was passed regarding truency, a definition on truency? No, we just need to review >> more of the group that we wanted to address the chronic absenteeism prior to it becoming student who's become chronic absent because if you think of 180 days a student

101that is absent 18 days they considered chronically absent. So if we're at 90 days within the school year and you have missed 10% of that time you are chronically absent. So it's really about educating families and then preventing poor students. >> Gotcha. Thank you. >> And the difference really between chronic absentee. >> Thank you. >> Any other discussion? All those in favor of these policies, please raise your hand. At a vote of 7 to zero, policy J student attendance has had its first reading as has KF-D facility fees and rates. First reading for EVAA chemical hazards. First reading of ECB pest management in school facilities on school grounds and ECB-E pest management pest management notification. All have received and been approved for a first meeting. I will now entertain a motion on item F. I

102make a motion to approve suspending policy BGR in order to expedite the review and adoption of policy BEDH only as recommended by legal counsel to ensure the board's compliance with applicable legal requirements. I'll second. >> It's been moved and seconded to suspend policy BG-R in order to expedite the review and adoption of policy BH. Discussion. Would you like to explain this, Mr. Tracy? >> Yeah, I'd be happy to. Um, the there there was a recent court order from a legal matter we've been involved with. the u we had legal counsel here next week and we go more specifically the details of the policy but the overall idea was that we would swiftly move to adhere to the judge's order and and we believe that this policy does that. So I don't know say any more.

103>> I thought you said that >> great >> succinctly and well >> so that is why we have this before you. That's why we're trying to expedite it and we do believe that it will honor the requirements of the first amendment. >> Thank you. Discussion on this motion. This is not a discussion on the policy. This is a discussion to suspend the policy so that this so that policy BDH can have just one reading. Those in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. Those opposed. In a vote of 6 to1, the motion to approve suspending policy BG-R in order to expedite the review and adoption of policy PEDH only as recommended by the legal council to ensure the board's compliance has passed. I'll entertain a motion on item G. I make a motion to

104approve the reading of BEBH public participation in board meetings as the first and final reading. >> Yeah, I'll second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the reading of BEDH public participation in board meetings. discussion >> member or >> yes thank you ma'am chair and I just want to remind everybody that um the attorney that is here representing tonight is from Drummond Woodsome Drummond Woodsome is also the same law firm uh that had said that the last policy that we had as well as our Bran Isacson our other attorneys had agreed that that the last policy that was found to be unconstitutional uh and had been part of the injunction. Uh they had said that they were constitutional. I just want to remind everybody that the same law firm that is saying this one is

105good were the same ones that said the last one that was violating the constitution was also good. Thank you. >> Further discussion hearing? None. Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Tracy. In all fairness, I when we went through Mr. War's point, when we went through the last iteration prior to this one and the recent events, um Brand Isacson was the firm that weighed in on that policy. Dr. Luc had not. Thank you for that clarification. >> You're welcome. >> Any more discussion? Those in favor of adopting bet, please raise your hand. Those opposed and vote of 6 to1 beedh public participation at board meetings has been approved. Item H. >> I'd like to make a motion to approve the um Huzzi assistant principal. >> I second. >> We this a motion to approve the Huzy assistant principal

106Nicole Clark. Discussion. >> Yes. Um I had the pleasure of being um on the um hiring committee and had an opportunity to listen to our answers. They were very authentic. Um her years of experience, we're really excited to have you on board. Um and I believe that your natural abilities to lead um will you're going to be a great fit. Further discussion, member parks, >> I also was on the interview team and I I concur with what member Bishard has said. Thank you. >> Further discussion hearing? None. Those in favor of approving Nicole Clark for the assistant assistant principal position at Hazy School, please raise your hand. And in a vote of seven to zero, Nicole Clark is our new assistant princip. ITEM I >> I would like to make motion to approve uh expenditures

107for articles 1 through 11 in the following cost center categories within the proposed operating budget for the school year 2026 27 the total amount of 41,391,798 I'll second. >> It's been moved and seconded to approve the expenditures in articles 1 through 11 for the operating budget of the school year 2627 in the total amount of 41,391,792. Discussion hearing none. Please vote opposed. And a vote of 6 to one articles 1 through 11 for a total of 41,391792 for the operating budget for the school year 2627 has been approved. I want to move make a motion to approve article 12 in the amount of 14,568146 and 20,567,634. >> I second that motion. It's been moved and seconded. And if you'd like details on these articles, they are available online as a at a blue highlighted link.

108So if you'd like to have the specifics, those are available. A motion to approve article 12 in the amount of 14,568,146 and 20,567,634 has been made and seconded. Discussion on this hearing. Not member or >> madam chair just because I missed it on the last one. So for every one of these ward articles I'm going to be voting no. Um I believe the the the budget is probably a lot closer to what it should be but I'm going to be voting no for the sole fact that this board has consistently and continuously voted against following federal law and specific to title 9. Further discussion hearing none. Those in favor of article 12 in the amount of 14,568,146 and 20,567 634, please vote. Opposed in a vote of 6 to1, the motion to approve article 12

109has been approved. If you're wondering why I have to keep repeating these, it's because Robert's rules of board requires me to do that. I'd like to make a motion to approve article 13 in the amount $236,657. >> I'll second moved and seconded to approve article 13 in the amount of $236,657. Discussion hearing none. Please vote. Those in favor? Opposed? And in a vote of 6 to1 mot to approve article 13 in the amount of $236,657 has been approved. >> Make a motion to approve article 14 in the amount of $3,654,839. >> Second that motion. >> Moved and seconded to approve article 14 in the amount of $3,6548. 6 3,654,839. Those in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. Those opposed. And in a in a vote of 6 to1, article 14 has been approved

110in the amount of $3,654,839. >> Like to make a motion to approve article 15 in the amount of 41,391,7 92. >> I second. It's been moved and seconded to approve article 15 in the amount of 41 million3 41,391,792. Discussion member Pello. And that is the total budget amount. Um it is 1 million over. It's about a 2.5% increase from last year, but with 3% contracted increases in salary, it does end up being more cuts. So, I know there's math. We are increasing our budget. We raise what we need for local, but given that we're increasing at a rate less than what contracts are for cost of living adjustments, for salary increases in a step for collective bargaining, that's why you're seeing that many cuts to staff. Just wanted to clarify that point. Thank you. Further

111discussion hearing none. Those in favor of article 15 in the amount of $41,391,792, please raise your hand. Opposed. And at a 6 to1, article 15 has been approved. The next motion I make a motion to approve article 16 in the amounts of 1 million 30,61 and $546,455. A motion to approve article 16 in the amount of 1,30,61 and $546,455 has been moved and seconded. Discussion member Pell just said this is separate. This is the raise the costs that we're raising for the adult and community education program. >> Thank you for the clarification. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Those in favor of the article opposed and then a vote of 6 to1 article 16 has been approved in the amount of 1 million $30,61 and $546,455. >> I'd like to make a motion to approve article

11217. >> Second. It's been moved and seconded to approve article 17, which is in the event the Augusta School Department receives more state subsidy than the amount included in its budget, shall the school board be authorized to use all or part of the additional state subsidy to increase the expenditures for school purposes and cost center categories approved by the school board and or decrease the local cost share expectations as defined in title 20- A section 1 1485 subsection 5 for local property taxes for funding education as approved by the school board discussion hearing none. Those in favor of this article please raise your hand. Those opposed and a motion of 6 to zero. Article 17 is approved allowing the state this school department. Madam Chair, that the vote was 6 to1. >> What did I

113say? >> Six to zero. >> Vote. Six to one. I'm sorry. Then I'll follow my council only like James. I'm sorry. If we receive more state subsidy than the amount included in the budget address authorized to use at home. Thank you. >> We have a question. Just as item I have two control here in my packet of things. You don't All right. Thank you. I'm sorry. >> Thanks, >> Madam Chair. You have a couple of points of information. I know you >> on article 16. I don't know if I missed it or if we didn't have a second. >> Article, >> you did. >> Yeah, >> I had John as a second. >> Thank you. >> Item J. I I'll accept a motion. >> I make a motion to approve CATC's ProStart management team culinary

114arts to an overnight trip and outofstate trip to the National Restaurant Association food show. for students in Chicago, Illinois, May 16th through May 18th, 2026. Shepherowned by Heidi Parent and Patrick Austin. Second, it's been moved and seconded to approve CatC's culinary arts to attend an overnight trip in Chicago for four students from May 16th to May 18th with the parent and Patrick Austin. Discussion Mr. four. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to be voting no on this. Uh, but I can't say the reasons why because it is personnel. >> Okay, member Pell. Uh, having been born in Chicago, I can tell you that's one of the best food scenes in the country. So, I hope that the trip goes really well. >> Thank you. >> Further discussion? Hearing none. Those in favor of the

115out ofstate trip for the culinary arts team May 16th to the 18th, please vote now. Those opposed. And a vote of six to one. The culinary arts has been approved to attend an out ofstate trip to the National Restaurant Association Food Show in Chicago from May 16th to May 18th. Item K. >> I make a motion to approve the termination of individuals and associated contracts due to reduction in force in the attached document. >> I second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the termination of individuals and assoc associated contracts due to reduction in force in the attached document discussion. And I'm going to ask Mr. Tracy to kick off this discussion. >> Essentially, the school board function is to hire and terminate teachers. And when we have situations where we have continuing contact continuing

116contract teachers um you're essentially untiring these quotes. So through the process of reduction in force as per the collective regarding an agreement and language that we view is legal language that was in that document that's attached. That names the position that's been eliminated as well as the person who will uh who's contracted and terminated at the end of this contract year. >> Discussion by board members. Member Pillow. Um some of these are very direct in terms of the positions. I knew we were cutting like the social working staff at the elementary schools. Um can you say more about the alternative ed? Is that because of the restructuring of um the reintegration specialist position and so therefore it's actually an alternative ed position that's can you say more about that? >> Uh what I can say

117is that the according to the collective bargaining agreement that goes basically by seniority certification and experience. If in the event that we made a reduction at a particular um impact area or position, in this case risk position, that person was able to being certified for in this case alternative ed a a junior teacher. >> So that that's what you're seeing list. further discussion on this item could just say that this is not uh like a not why we join the board. That's all to say that I guess further discussion. Are we good? I don't think anybody really wanted to make this motion or this second on this item, but it certainly was required by our new our new budget limitations. Um, and I know that there were rumors assoc circulating that nobody was really losing

118a position, that we could just shuffle people around and through retirements and whatever, nobody would lose their job. Well, this is the evidence that that's not true. Those in favor of the motion, >> and I just want one last thing, I want to thank them for their service to the students in Augusta. >> Thank you. And I want to say of all the votes I've taken since becoming a member, this is the one I will at least look forward to, but I know the necessary consultation. Thank you. Those in favor of the motion, please vote. And in a vote of seven to zero, the motion to terminate the individual associated contracts due to the reduction in force has been approved. >> I'll next accept a motion on item L. >> I move to enter executive

119session. >> Nope. Nope. Nope. Item L. Item L. >> We have a secret item. I make a motion to approve the Fington Elementary School concept design and to submit it to the main department of education. >> I'll second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the Fington concept design and to submit that design to the Department of Education. Discussion. >> Member Pillow. >> I mentioned this previously, but it's been a really long and robust process. Robin talked about that in the presentation this morning and I just think it's been a so far at least for somebody that sits on the building committee side. It's been a really uh collaborative process, an effective one. Uh we have subcommittees um held by some of our own staff and experts that have already started ramping up. Um we've

120had some community engagement with it and for the folks that are still here uh keep your eye out on the models. Um come to the next straw poll. Um, it could be an opportunity for us to have a building that not only will have the capacity for us to provide better services for our students in Augusta, but also be that community anchor on the east side because there will only be one big school. Um, and we can do a lot if we have the vision and the collaboration and the effort from the community. So, thank you for that and thanks for the thanks to the architecture firm for getting us this far and for the administration. Mr. Tracy, you're looking like you want to raise your hand. >> Well, I like to correct myself. I

121I went back through some emails and it looks like Mr. or and I will both write in reference to B E when so specifically when we received the in uh feedback from fire. You remember that when we were dealing with DVH last year, we did engage with Rowan Woodson and Bren Isacson in relationship to that. Bren Isacson gave us a recommendation on policy. Roman Woodson did not. They weighed in on the response to fire, but not specifically the policy additions and deletions. So, >> thank you. >> We're both ready. >> Thank you. >> On the motion on the floor about the Fington concept, have we vote on this? Did >> we have a vote yet? >> No. Those in favor of submitting the concept design to DOE, please raise your hand. And a vote of

122seven to zero, the concept design is okay to go to DOE. And on that, Madam Chair, within a couple of weeks, we should know the the budget for this project. I'll say again, it's a state funded project. It's not an Augusta funded project. Um, and we'll know those numbers within a couple weeks. That'll come back to the board. >> Thank you. I'll entertain 23A. Mr. enter into executive session pursuant to 1 MRSA 40560 to discuss advice from an >> I second moved and seconded to enter into executive session pursuant to 1 MRSA subjects 405 6E to discuss advice from attorney those in favor >> discussion yes just because I know we're about to go into two executive sessions that folks probably don't want to hang around for for a while. Um, you usually give the

123spiel with the dates. Do you want to do that before everybody heads out? >> Spiel with the dates. >> I saw that. >> Um, building committee May 27th, 5:30 here in the CAT cafeteria. It may we may also have a special session that night as well if we need to approve the amount for the school project. uh finance committee, personnel committee, and policy committee are on June 1st, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 here in the CATC cafeteria. A reminder that there will be a straw poll vote June 3rd at 6:00 at Fairtown Elementary. There's also the budget validation referendum on I want to say June 11th. Is that the correct? June 9th. Thank you, Susan. >> On June 9th, please vote. And the Augusta Board of Education business meeting will be on June 10th, preceded at 5:30

124by the curriculum committee is this meeting at 7. Building committee again on June 24th at 5:30 here in the CATC cafeteria also followed by a June 24th workshop. And with that, Mr. or I will call on you for your discussion on the current item on the floor for an executive session. >> All right. Thanks, Madam Chair. Uh what I would like to know is this one in regards to the is this the executive session or is it the next one? >> This isn't in regards to any specific personnel. >> neither are. >> That is not what you told me in the email when I asked you the question, Madam Chair. >> I stand corrected. >> So So neither one of these executive sessions that we're about to go into have anything to do with me.

125They are not in regards to me cuz that was not what you had told me. >> I said that the letter that the that the executive sessions were in in response to a letter sent out by the superintendent to all board members. >> So in instead of dealing with any specific person, we're getting legal advice on how to manage particular issues. So >> So it is in reference to me. Correct. It is in reference to me. Is this the executive session that is in reference to me or is it the >> attorney? I I I understand that the first executive session relates to um pending litigation. >> Thank you. Which is the one we're voting on. Correct. Right now. >> Right now. Those in favor of entering executive session to discuss advice from attorney regarding

126pending litig litigation, please vote. >> I'm sorry. >> Those in favor are you in favor or not? Mr. or I couldn't tell. >> Madam Chair, I didn't realize we closed discussion. I I have a question then. >> Your question >> is the second um executive session. Is that regards to myself? We will discuss that when it's time for discussion on that item. That's not the item on the floor currently. >> We on camera then we will come out of executive session and vote to go back into executive session as we always do. With that said, those in favor of entering an executive session, please raise your hand. Those opposed. And on a vote of six to one, we will now enter executive session to discuss advice from the attorney. I know. expand it over here.

127This whole table I think not yet. James is Oh, you're >> we have to go back on. >> You're unmuted and you're all good to come. Just so everyone knows. >> Okay. I'll entertain a motion to executive session. Oh, are we all in here? >> You're good. Yeah. Okay. Make a motion to exit executive session. I'll second. >> I have a motion to exit executive session and a second discussion hearing. None. Please vote to exit executive session. And on a vote of 7 to zero, we are out of executive session. I will now entertain a motion on >> I'll do it. >> I make a motion to enter into executive session pursuant to 1 MRSA subsection 4056E to discuss advice from an attorney. I'll second it. Moved and seconded. Discussion. Mr. Ob. >> Madam Chair,

128is this executive session in reference to me? In regards to me, >> the executive session that we're about to enter is to discuss advice from our attorney. >> Is this executive session in regards to myself? Madam Chair, >> can I just jump in here and say that it isn't inappropriate for a school board to discuss the topic that they're talking about with their lawyer that um potentially um will result in a waiver of the attorney client privilege. So, we can go into executive session. The board can receive advice from the attorney and then um if there are issues that you want to raise, I'm sure that they will be addressed. >> They could come back out of executive session and make the discussion there. >> Well, we'll >> right. >> Let's just >> someone who

129is subject to the >> excuse me, but we don't have public comment. one who is subject to the investigation gets to ask that it's an open session. >> There's no there's no investigation. >> There's no investigation >> personnel. So, >> so let's further discussion >> hearing none. Please vote. Opposed on a vote of 6 to1 we are now entering into executive session. Do you want Mike on this to open it up again? Are we off? >> No, we're just we're not going to come back. >> Okay. I didn't know. I tried to guess for