001I do. >> Okay. >> So, sorry. Adding to number six and number nine. Adding to number six and to number nine, we have uh Waldo County Tech Center report um by um Julie Page and we also have um policy committee minutes from September 2nd, 2025. and a remove from number 12 new hires Jade Stone as inadvertently. We had done that the last meeting so we don't really need to bring her back again. >> So what was the second one under nine >> policy committee me minutes from September 2nd >> 2025 did I say 24 yeah not >> and the Waldo County Tech Center reports yeah >> I'm sorry >> it wouldn't be under the consent agenda. is consent agenda your committee minute minutes. >> So >> I don't know. Sorry. >> That's all right. >>
002Can I ask a question? >> Um, didn't we do the 92 2025 policy committee minutes at our last >> Yes, you did. >> September 9 meeting. >> Yep, you did. >> We just approved them tonight. That's right. >> Oh, I see. Okay, never mind. Thank you for clarifying that. That's a little bit of a new process for us. So the tech center and the and the policies going under six. Okay. >> Yes. >> And then the reports as well. >> Yes, please. Mhm. >> Okay. Anything else? >> And then removing Jade from number 12 under new hires. Yes. >> Okay. >> That's it. >> Motion to accept the board minutes as amended. >> So moved. All in favor >> celebrating excellence student and staff in the spotlight. We'll be presenting that one. >> RJ will
003put that on the on the minutes and share with you. RJ created a really nice um celebration of director joining us and did um welcome home. So we're celebrating it was post Facebook. >> I've made it very Facebook official. Thank you. >> Considerations and minutes from the 9925 board meeting minutes. >> Any questions? All in favor? I'm going to abstain. Thank you. Consent agenda, the Waldo County Tech Center and the policy. There's no mo. There's no action needed. >> She's going to do it under nine. We'll do that under nine. >> Yes. >> I'm apologizing in advance. Um, not having Jess here is a little of me trying to cobble together what an agenda what things were like. So, I apologize. >> That's all right. Any public participation? >> Welcome, Masha. You're the only one
004here. Thank you. Okay. Report from the administration RSU 20 school board update. >> And that's me. Um I again I share with you in the update some information Shandra and I both attended last Monday. Um Dr. Woodson put on a workshop and we did it virtually here in the office just on updates to legislation. Um so we'll be talking about a policy meeting. Thank you. And we'll also be talking about it in the administrative team meeting um in in the next few weeks. And I've been sending out emails um today just to keep everybody in the loop about that. So you'll notice there's some changes in freedom of access. Um there was a lot of information about finance and facilities. Um student rights, labor management, main pers curriculum and planning. So there's a little bit
005of everything that they do and all the legislative updates. So that was very interesting. Um other updates include uh the admin team working on evaluation documents. We'll be bringing those to you to share in the next uh couple meetings. Um we are trying to put together some just um documents based on um job descriptions. So bus drivers, uh custodians, uh food service, maintenance, things like that so that we have and and get that evaluation process for all staff in place um this coming year. So you'll see those we'll be sharing with you. Um the administrative team is also working on an update to a code of conduct handbook K to2. Um and I think Ruth was sharing that I thought it was embedded in um school handbooks and I think it is but again a
006K12 perspective so that we're using the same language with all students and families from kindergarten all the way up through. Do you know why we don't do that? That's because and having the same language all based on policy. So, I think that's that'll be really helpful. And just for parents, I think very clean that it gets them to know that the reason that we don't do that, but we're not allowing that is based on policy. Um, so you'll be seeing that coming up soon. Um, we're also trying out a new app and Josh, have you been able to get on that app as well? Have you signed up for that as well? The P the parent power or is it just >> I have >> not quite yet. So, uh, we'll be getting admin team
007on that, but it's a great, it connects with title one. Title one, part of that whole family engagement piece is to make sure that we're working with parents. And we also know that we have a concern um, with student attendance in this district. So, these are proactive, positive messages that go out to parents three times a week. The first one is like a fact-based. It will give some kind of fact about um, reading to students and then it will give a tip when you read to students. I just did it and it has it it's based developmentally on the age of your student. So I have right now I'm receiving one at a kindergarten level, a third grade level and a sixth grade level. So you can see the same message and how it looks
008different for parents based on their child's ages and developmental needs. Um but talking about how you ask questions and things like that, but it's engaging parents in positive proactive instead of scolding and saying why aren't your students in school? You know, what's wrong? You know, where are we going? that it's it's getting them involved that way. So, uh, Tenny and I and I think David might be in there as well that we're all PR um on a trial basis right now, but we hope to roll that out to our families and it's absolutely free, which is really exciting. it's through the main DOE. Um have a connection with somebody that is in the attendance program through the main DOE and they called and we've had a meeting um online virtually with these people and again
009as I said that Tenny and David and I are trying that out right now. But we're hoping to roll that out really soon that parents will start and it's an opt. Everybody is opted in. So you'll automatically if you have kiddos in the district, you'll get the first one and then anybody can opt out and it's that way it's much easier as far as our tech team that we're not having to add everybody in. It's just it's an automatic that they'll work with Bob and Bob's already been um working with this team and making sure that their privacy policies are matching with our policies and they are. Um so we're looking forward to that. Um, and I think that's all I had for the update. >> I have a couple questions for you. Sure. >>
010Um, >> I was very pleased to see pictures posted um with the SCES lunch that was being served and I been sharing quite a lot lately. Um there seems to be a very optimistic um comments that that have be posted and and throughout the district and both towns. Um whatever is posted on the regional school 20 I have blasted on every group page that I can find. Um but the comments from from the communities is is been um very good to see and and to congratulate with anybody that has had a story about them. And I think Shandra is my latest one. >> I think Mr. T was one before that and I don't think I've missed too many. Um this seems to be um a lot of um people very very satisfied and and
011letting the communities know what's going on. So I I really am very pleased to see such an optimistic um following at this time. So thank you very much for sharing that >> and thank the board. I mean truly the idea that you had last spring to have a communications person really up and and and forward is I think is paying off in divid dividends. I think that R.J. has been very um forward thinking. He's been quick if I email or any of the principles are emailing saying hey don't forget this. I mean David one day just said here's some pictures. this is, you know, we had all these donations and within I feel like an hour there was a prototype in my email saying, "What do you think about this?" So, it's not that I'm
012I'm having to nag or anybody else is saying, "You need to do." He's he's been very quick and proactive in creating at least one thing a week and sometimes more than that based on whatever is going on in the school. So, he's doing a really nice job as are the the principles, I think, and directors communicating with him to say, "Don't forget this. don't forget this. And he's been on it. So, >> and actually and and with the um community members that approached us as far as the fling into fall, >> that was quite a um a thing to take on. And I'm glad that we did a followup with that. And and David's um article that he wrote, there's actually been people that call to um a question on on the social media of
013who to contact. And I actually gave them David's elementary school number >> because there seems to be they seem to be watching us. and and that's a that's kind of a blessing in our eyes, I think. So, it's been >> pretty good. >> It's been positive. >> Thank you. Since we're on your report, I might as well ask this now, but um and since Denise brought up fling into fall, uh I know we had talked about trying to get some pre more presence there. And I was just wondering if it would be useful to actually figure out kind of a roster of like when some of us who have said, "Yeah, I can stop by for a while." Like when we might actually do that so that we don't end up with everybody at the
014same time. >> I know Shander and I are planning to be there for the the four hours. We're going to be there between 10 and and twoish somewhere in there. And again, if you want to create a roster that we for for this team, I think principles Josh has said that he'd be there. So, I've kind of left it open. Anybody can show up. The there'll definitely be at least two of us there at the table. So, again, if you want to create a roster, I think that's a great idea. I'm happy to do that if if you want to do that or just say, I'll show up when I can show up. I think I heard back from almost all of you that said I can stop in. So, >> I didn't respond because
015I don't know what my time frame looks like just yet, >> but I would like to >> drop in. >> I'm fine with the drop in. And I'm going to bring a couple um SE Sport shirts for people that need them so that we are um I think mine all say state champions, but I'll have them there so somebody can wear them if you need District High School shirts. I'll have them. I'm going to drop them off with Laura this week. >> So, what time works for you? >> I mean, I would probably take the earlier end of things if that's an option. >> Of course, it is. Yeah. >> 10 10:30 is there at 10ish. Okay. Anybody else want to share time or you just want to drop in if you're able? >> Just
016a reminder, I'm out of town. >> You're out of town. >> Sorry. >> No, don't be don't be sorry. There's stuff there. >> She knows I'm not right. >> Don't feel bad, Ruth. I'll be delivering you mail. So, >> that you'll be dropping. >> Mhm. >> Perfect. >> Got it. Thank you. Any other reports? Okay. Um, committee reports. Waldo County Tech Center. Julie. So, we had our meeting on September 19th and um Travis Wood, the director, reported that the school year is off to a great start. They're making some improvements to um electrical work throughout the building and hanging safety posters. um that will be common with what we use here in Searsport and what's used in Belfast. Um they're also going to be putting room numbers around the building and on windows to help
017with their safety plan. Um and some consideration is being given to offering adult ed courses starting next year. um about 80 students and their families attended a new student orientation ice cream event um right at the beginning of the year. So, they thought that was really positive and because of the new procedure that they have where they do student interviews in the spring, there really has not been a lot of change in students selecting their programming and there are still students on the waiting list for attendance. We have 39 out of our 118 students who attend Waldo County. Um, we're about 25% of the way through the year financially and uh, let's see, the IT director reported that their new ticket system is working well. They are planning to go out to bid on improving
018the server room and they really have poor cellular service throughout much of the building. So, Wi-Fi will need to be updated, but they're going to put that in the budget and work on it for next year. Um, let's see. We have our next meeting on Thursday, October 16, starting at 5:30. and um board members, administrators from all three districts have been invited because we need to change a little bit of language about the CTE program. And so they need to have a quorum from each of the um boards. And so right now I h I'm I will be there and I think Chris and Denise is joining is what I have on the list. >> That was the October 16th. Yep. And they'll serve dinner and they'll have uh give tours and then work on
019this. Um we are applying for a 9 through 16 educational facility grant which is being offered through the state. Uh we're hiring a grant writer to help do at least the first part because it's due December 1st. And with the grant, if we were awarded it, um, they could work on creating, like they did in Scow Heaggan, a a mega high school, and it would be connected with secondary partners, you know, like the university and the Waldo Tech Center would be right there in the high school as well. Um, so I did specifically ask uh if there was any thought about where a new facility would be and at this point they said there is not any there hasn't been any talk about where it would be located. So >> So 9 to 16 we
020found out I wasn't quite sure that it means it's Um I think um it was interesting that they talked they did talk about um this big grant that that is available that there is the potential of doing a big high school and pulling from Belfast and Mount View and and Searsport to build this one universal high school somewhere somewhere and connecting it with the CTC >> is is this something in the future or is it going to be already um looked at and how do they figure it's going to affect the send in schools? They didn't even go. I I think what we heard was there's tremendous grant money potentially available and that Jess Woods was asking for permission to go forward writing this grant and with the support of a grant writer >> and
021they have to partner with some outside um educational agency. And so they were looking at rural aspirations um which is another yep a an educational partner in this area that can come in and provide professional development. They've I think all of the districts have worked with um Kora and and anyway there's they have to have some kind of partner and they are going forward with the potential of could we get some kind of grant. I would suspect it could be if they did something like that, everybody would have to sign off on it or sign on to it or, you know, it it they can't just do it and and assume that all the districts want to close down their high schools. So, >> at some point they would have to have buyin from each
022of the three districts to go. >> I mean, because each each sending >> district would lose that funding for everyone that went there. So you're talking we might send 39, but there's 20 something children that go there now. So each district, some I think um had like 113 kids. And I can't imagine if the send in district given up that kind. So it sounds to me as >> I'm not even sure Denise if they were talking about just the kids that wanted to attend a technical school. I kind of got the impression that they were talking about all the high school kids in Searsport, all the high school kids in Mount View, and all the high school kids in Belfast coming together to create a high school. So, closing it down, closing down high schools
023in each of those districts and creating one universal. >> So, that comes back to the place because you have a building that's built in a swamp and they already know that you can't um really build one there, right? So it sounds to me like Belfast is stepping up and where they just purchased that new land. So is is that their game plan to bring it into Belfast and Belfast control? >> That land hasn't been purchased yet. >> So that was brought up that that land hasn't been purchased. And actually the lady from Mount View, I think she's she's on their board as well, and she said, "I can't imagine that you would choose any place other than out here where it's equidistant to everyone." And there were a lot of nodding heads, right? I mean,
024I think Sears Sport and Mount View were both saying we're not thinking about trucking our kids necessarily to Belfast. So, I don't know if even Yeah, I don't know what Jess is thinking. She just was asking for permission to >> at least submit the first part of the grant and and I gathered it was going to be like a year-long process. I mean there different steps that you have to take. So um you know I think they have to sort of do each step and >> and go even submit a grant without the buy in first. >> That's right. So my question being is in the past they have wanted as I sat into meetings out there they had wanted Belfast to control everything and we're all looking at them that's not going to happen.
025So, is that the game plan? If they submit it, that's like we've already signed on board. >> They would need our signatures, >> right? >> I suspect it's a state >> some kind of state grant. >> I suspect that there would have to be a prelim preliminary something put in, but the state would probably not go any further until they they could show evidence that the districts were buying into it. So, I guess here's my question. >> An intent to apply. Is that what you're talking about? >> Yes, that's what I would suspect. It was there wasn't a lot. I mean, maybe only seven minutes were spent on this. >> I I thought that as you were telling this that they were actually doing it for for the tech center itself, but it sounds like
026to me, as you said, that they're trying to bring it in and control it as one. And and what happens, >> right? >> Yes. That's not what we signed on board for. I didn't believe. >> So, they're probably submitting an intent to apply. Correct. >> If that is approved, then they'll go forward with >> the collaborative piece. >> Correct. I believe that. I believe that to be true. >> And they talked about um we'll meet with the architects uh at the October meeting and sort of get what they believe is should be our next step. Are we going to fix things or are we going to rebuild? like what is what is their plan? and and then they would like to start having some committee meetings in each district so that they can get the
027board and they can get parents and students and start planning out like a what do people have for a vision and a mission and um so I mean I think they are looking for a lot of collaboration in whatever steps are taken. So, sorry. I feel like I've been a little bit asleep with the switch here, but if I'm understanding now what you've kind of all pieced together, the tech center has a problem because their buildings are in crap shape. They have now decided that a potential solution to that problem is to go after some really big pool of grant money that would lead to creating not just a centralized tech center that everybody could come to, but a centralized high school that everybody am I following this right? I take it. >> Okay. Just
028go. Great. Okay. Good. Good. We'll move on from there. >> Anything else, Julie? >> No, I'm good. >> We're still smiling. Julie, I the intent over the years has always been that they were going to um allow students to go there longer that have already been enrolled there and and take the classes that they needed to graduate so that um the students that really wanted to go there could spend the day there and and get all the credits. That was the original plan. It wasn't to combine the three schools as into one. Like that sounds like the that seems to be a major goal for a um technical center to to that. It's I I don't believe that I would really want to see us signing on for a grant to take it on when
029um we wouldn't really need to. And if that was the case, we could bring the classes back into the classroom if the building's no good on our own. Uh just to confirm, am I doing tonight's meeting? Is that what you want me to report out on? >> She said 92 >> I did that last meeting. >> So I would go tonight. >> Okay. So tonight's meeting um was held just prior to this meeting and we went over well first we approved our 9225 policy committee me committee minutes um and then we reviewed a couple of required policies. Um we didn't get through our full list. Um we're still making adjustments to JNDB. Um, and the other one was I JN DBR or did we decide? >> Yes. No, that's >> that's correct. Okay. And that's
030as far as we got this evening um in the hour that we had. Our next meeting is October 28th. Um, and we have a continuation of our work from this evening. Um, but I can't tell you exactly what the other policies are because I don't have that list up in front of me. Maybe Dr. Miller does. Um, it looks like we are going to be talking about draft 2526. Welcome to the RSU 20 school board handbook discussion. So the handbook is something that we looked at when we were when we were uh met at the end of August and the the one piece that we did not I didn't print it yet because um it's incomplete. The one piece that we hadn't finalized was board norms and I shared with you at the last meeting
031that I was uncomfortable setting those norms for you. I think it's really important that we have a discussion about those. I had shared with you some examples of board norms that might be helpful for you to kind of decide. I don't know if you can open that link. Um I don't know think I printed them out here. So some of the examples that I was able to share, you could focus on the use of meeting time and what that could look like. Um start and stop times if there's an issue with that. um or utilizing the phrase I agree with to avoid repetition if there's issues with that. You could also think about orderly procedures. Um you could consider um staff and district capacity, thinking about what you're asking principles to do. Again, um these
032were just a list of I was trying to find different ideas that you might consider. Um respectful deliberation and conversation, engaging in the work of the board. So there were lots of different examples here. Um focusing on you could just do broad ideas like we're going to focus on students. We're going to focus on respectful communication um preparation um beforehand that we're going to come to board meetings already having read um the attachments and things that are come teamwork modeling behav appropriate behavior a single voice things like that. So, I'm just not sure what you thought would be helpful and important um based on norms for the board. >> I appreciate you putting that that draft down and I think those cover a lot of the points that we've mentioned in different meetings of of
033order and and some type of, you know, consensus. And I think that I'm comfortable with those. I don't feel like those are something that you're directing. I think those are things that we have all individually brought up at different points over the years and just having it kind of funneled into one working document makes it make sense. I don't know. Anybody else has >> Yeah. I mean, again, just to make sure I'm understanding what we've got in front of us and what you're looking for. So you've put together kind of a one through five which I read as like a potential sort of draft of correct these >> could possibilities that you could say cross off any of these don't need that >> and then the ones below that were sort of if you wanted
034something else or whatever we could throw these into. So I would say especially given that we haven't had any of >> this to begin with like I am perfectly content with just adopting one through five as you have written them um given it a try for a year and if we decide next year that we're missing something we need to change like we could but we got to start somewhere and that to me seems like a perfectly good starting place. I'm good with that. >> I do like um sorry >> I do like the focus on student one which is in the bottom section. >> Can we squeeze that into another up above or could do you want to just start with that as number one and then >> Well, I I would like to
035know how other people feel about that but that one is important to me. I mean, I did like that one as well. It I mean, it could possibly go under the um respectful deliberation conversation because if that is sort of a guiding >> principle that should >> and the work of the board underneath number five, I'm >> could go there too. >> Can you read that out Chris for me? >> Sure. >> Give me just a minute to get there. Uh focus on students. place the educational interests and achievement of all students above all other considerations. I'm fine with it going anywhere, but I do >> Is there any reason why it can't be the first one as a standalone? As a reminder, like that's what we're here for. That's the primary reason. And then
036drop everything down to two through six. >> I'm okay with that. Okay. Got it. >> Yeah. And I agree we can or I I feel very comfortable adopting this as is now with that focus in there. >> Perfect. So I will go ahead and add that to the handbook. And then below on that same document that I shared with examples of norms are the the goals that you would you would ask for the strategic plan. Is that fine as well? So, creating an RSU's 20 strategic plan is what you asked for. This is a five-year plan that it could take us up to five years. It doesn't mean we have to take five years, but the development of a plan that will include staff, students, administrators, boards of directors, and community members. Um the components
037of a the strategic plan could include a vision, mission, goals and objectives, strategies and action plan, stakeholders and resources, um monitoring and evaluating and then communication and engagement. So does that kind of cover what you were thinking and we could plop that in the handbook as well? >> I believe it's the same thing that's in red in the handbook right now, right? >> It is. I put it on the same document just when you opened it. Yes. >> Yes. In that case, yes, I think that is fine. Perfect. Agreed. >> So, I'll make it in a form of a motion so that we can vote on it. >> Mhm. >> That's should be draft the volunteer handbook as amended or as >> not the [Music] draft of the welcome to the RS20. >> Yep. Sorry,
038>> that's in the form of a motion. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> Perfect. Um, the next thing that I brought to you was the volunteer handbook. This is something again that I think would be really helpful. I think did I share it at the last meeting? We brought it back. I can't quite remember if I shared it. I think so. that it was brought back so that you would have time to look at it. >> But I think it's just really helpful that it that as uh we have volunteers and we're hoping to continue to en encourage people. I think that again that was one of our goals is to get community members and people inside. Um I did print that off for you. I think if
039you look in your packet you'll find the volunteer handbook. It's there. Okay. If that's helpful. >> Y that one. >> Yep. So it's right there after the second or third page in your in your your book. Um it will just be something very helpful that gives volunteers as they um come into our buildings kind of guidelines of what what what it looks like and sounds like um to be a volunteer in the school. Do we did we make a are we hyperlinking the application to this or vice versa or on the web page? How's this? >> We can do that. We can do that. >> Is the application part of this? Yes. Okay, it is. It's in there. Okay. So, when you go on the on the website, RSU20 website, you go to careers, there
040is this application. Should the handbook be hyperl is what I'm is what I meant to say. >> We can do that. I I hadn't done that yet until it was approved. So, we can >> And where are we with the status of um being able to do the checks that we need to do? So, we um Jessica is coming back tomorrow and she has already been checking um trying to get into the system. I know that um there's a certain timeline. So, we had to we got logged out and then logged back in and I think she's all set now. So, I'll check with her tomorrow. But, we are able we were accepted to do the background check. So, we're good to go. It's just getting her into the system now. >> Okay. >> Yes,
041you do. Anything else? Make a motion to accept the volunteer handbook as >> it was. Any other questions, comments? All in favor? >> You know what? Actually, I'm going to comment because it actually is nice to see these um processing along so that people can actually set it and it's great to have it on the website. I do agree with that, too. Okay, next one. draft RSU20 substitute handbook and I think that's in here too as well. >> And again, very similar to the volunteer it we just felt that it would be nice to have something to hand to those PE substitutes that been have been approved to make sure that they're aware of the expectations um from us and on their part. It gives a lot of information just about our schools. Um principal
042names where they can find things, our approach, um you know, there's a section on, you know, cell phones, how much they're getting paid, things like that. So, it's just a little bit of everything that kind of pulls it together. Um, our plan is that when we have um, people that apply for substitutes that they will meet with either Bill or Josh or David and kind of go through a little bit of an interviewing process to make sure and and kind of going through the handbook at the same time and kind of getting them up to speed and then everything comes back down to Jessica and they can, you know, be on the substitute list. But it's just again sometimes we forget when we're talking some pieces and this kind of gives them all the information
043that they might need to be successful. We're trying to set them up for success and >> and this is nice with the confidentiality in this packet already and >> and they'll sign that right as part of Yeah. and pass that to the administrator. That'll be part of it goes into their file. >> Is there an acknowledgement page? I know there's the confidentiality thing they have to sign. Is there an acknowledgement page like I understand blah blah blah. Will that be part of the >> uh >> process that you guys go through? >> When you say acknowledgement, do >> like with the students when they get their handbook, they have to sign that they've read it and they understand it and they acknowledge it. Is there one that >> I don't it's it's more the confidentiality
044and the principal will have a sheet that they go through and say, "Yes, we've covered this, this, this, this." So, they're signing off and saying, "Yes, I approve this substitute." Um sometimes so the form that I have that I didn't I should have attached to this you know Denise do you want to substitute for kinder you know um grades K to five are you only interested in 6 through 12 or whatever it is um or I'm here just for food service or custodial whatever it is so that we're trying to get those go through all of those people that you know that that might sign up to be a sub and again that confidentiality that fura piece is so important that whatever they see whatever they hear that they can't go out and talk about
045specific incidences or students in the schools. So, >> I'll make a motion to accept the RSU 20 substitute handbook. >> Second. >> Any other questions, comments? All in favor. Thank you. New business budget meeting discussion. Director Coden, you are up. So, I put um in each of your spaces the uh two two packets. >> Can I teach you something? There's a button >> that turns it green. >> Look at the other one on it was red. Sorry. >> I always >> I've been watching. >> Look. >> So, the first one that says um uh revenue report, this is a copy of the full budget balanced. You can see revenues equal expenses. Um again, this is just so that you guys have the the full budget um the way it's going to be presented uh tomorrow
046night. The second one is the um handout that will be going to everybody. Um I did make one change on this. Um it used to say budget by cost center. I changed it to budget by article because that's how these are labeled is articles. So that you know thinking that maybe it will help the public um mesh the two together to see what they're talking about. Um now my question uh for you all is do you want the full budget to go and be available for people to have as well tomorrow night? I'm going to say yes for the simple reason. Um, >> print as many, you know, as you think we're going to have, but then some people can share if they need to. But they I think it would help them to understand
047it >> and to follow along. I think the article part is perfect and um the more we educate them, the better it would be. >> Absolutely. Yep. Sabrina, >> this one also includes the the food service um section as well, which they're not going to be voting on tomorrow night because that article was already passed um back in June. So um but they need to see the budget. You know, it's absolutely absolutely okay. So I'll uh I'll do up those as well. Can I just clarify though because I when I was nodding vigorously I think maybe I wasn't >> 100% sure whether like are we now going to have this one and this whole because I think they only need one or the other Denise like if they've got this >> I think the that's
048an absolute that one's going. >> So was your question do they also need this? >> Do you also want me to have this? And I would say no as long as they're getting >> right. What's your take? >> We can bring this ourselves just to have but I think it's the article that they got to follow. >> Yeah. So So if y'all can remember to bring yours to the other one at all that you is beneficial to the public because I guess >> not necessarily not necessarily um this is just this is the budget. You know if this passes in November this is what it's going to look like. Mhm. >> Um and we can definitely put this on the web. >> Yeah. Y >> and have that available. Um and then I'll have um
049Bob tomorrow put this one up. >> Mhm. >> Um >> but we'll also do the copies so that they've got the >> hand just in case people are listening. Now, we're not withholding any information. This is by cost center which can be confusing. And when folks were asking when we were doing, well, what what exactly includes regular instruction, you have now broken it down by article so that when they so that it's easier, but it's the same information here. It's just set up differently so that it's easier for the public to read. >> Right. So, this is what they're voting on and this is how they're voting on it. This is saying, okay, where where's the money going to which school? So, this is actually by location. It says, okay, how much money is going
050that uh is budgeted for the middle school, for the high school, um for library media, how much is coming out there? Um so this is just the detail I guess you would say, Ruth. This is the detail, >> right? And I just wanted to make sure when we were doing this, if people were hearing in, they were not thinking that we were holding information, some secret. This is just more cumbersome to navigate than this. >> Exactly. Yep. But they both have the same information just separated out differently. >> Yeah. Um but we'll have we'll we'll put both of them up on the the web. So and then change it when it passes. >> That's right. >> Official budget. >> I think that's a great idea. >> Thank you for all your work on this. >>
051You're welcome. >> Um and >> D did most of it. So >> I did. Yes. Thank you to Miss Blanchard, too. And just I I don't know if anybody feels cuz I unfortunately will not be able to be here but um I did notice a couple of public comments. They're like why are we voting on these separately versus a whole budget? So maybe just a gentleman that have the moderator remind the group why we do it that way because there was some question on um one of the Facebook posts about that. There was a challenge and I someone did politely explain it but I think it would be good to reinforce it. You know what? It's not it's not an easy process to follow if you're not familiar with it. It's it's not um and
052you know the the the questions that are being asked I think they're it's wonderful >> because that's showing us yeah they're not understanding this whole thing. So, you know, hopefully Laura and I can um put it out there uh so that it's fully understandable um and you know, answer their questions to the best of our ability so that they they do get it. >> I think the challenging part Thank you. I think the challenging part continues to be that I think that we have been very transparent with the school budget. I think the snaggly part is is how it connects to their tax bill which is so separate from us that we don't have control over and that's the part I think that's very challenging. Um taxpayers don't necessarily have the ability to vote for
053what happens with the county budget and with their local town. this is the one place that they have the ability to vote and I think they're they're hoping to make change based on that and we're hoping that we've answered their showed that we've heard their concern and how you know to make things beneficial to them but also supporting our schools at the same time. >> Yeah. And and they think that because the taxes go up that it's the school because that's what they're led to believe. But it isn't. It's the assessment and it really doesn't affect us when you come in at a zero budget increase. It it really is not us. >> That's correct. Um you know they have their required local which is set by the state. It is not set by us.
054They have the the um debt service which we don't have. So that's not factored in. But the additional local which is set on our budget. Um, and that's I mean you you've come in at a 0% increase, you know, and that's with raises for staff um allowing for the increase in cost. So, you know, it was I think it's a pretty big deal >> to come in zero with all of those factors that I call them non-negotiables. You know, the salaries and they're non-negotiable that they have to be in the budget at the way the contracts were settled. And I think Denise and I both witnessed um at both town meetings that I feel like the town's um government is very much supportive of the school budget. I think that they've been very >> verbal
055in saying that this isn't this isn't a school district problem. This isn't they've been really supportive. So I appreciate that. and and we've been trying to go to the um select board meetings and as I was talking to Marasha tonight um they're having a very short one on the holiday and the next one in Stockton will be the fourth Monday, the last Monday in October. We'll just have to check our calendars to see if we get that one. And we are trying to go to Seport as well too just to um discuss how it's going and how much we appreciate them backing us and so forth and so on and and um you know be beginning to intertwine the two as a as a community of whole. So yeah. >> Yeah. I think it's very
056important for the towns to explain their portion of the budget, but it's also extremely important for the school district to explain their portion of those taxes. >> Um, I had what somebody was in today asking about that. I'm like, that's not my area. I I can't tell you how the town um does their, you know, how they come to their their Miller. I that's not my area. It's not for me to answer that. Um, and the more that we can be available to our towns, then um, hopefully that will just provide that extra layer of comfort that you know the administration is doing their job and the board. >> Is it possible and I I know we've talked about this before, but like cuz if it passes tomorrow, when it passes, I'm going to be
057optimistic and it goes for November that we do have that little bit of month. Is it possible to come up with like a little sheet, like a little short sheet saying like facts like budget's going up 0%, valuations, you know, just a little thing and then get it to Mr. Robertson to maybe send out weekly leading up to the election just as a reminder like if you have questions about valuations, this is who you contact if you live in this town. If you have contacts about the mill rate and you live in this town, this is who you call. that kind of just to remind folks that that's not it impacts us but it's not us. >> That's a great idea and we can also again put it on the web. >> I think that
058would be good website. >> Y is that something is that something you have that okay >> and we could also take it to those um meetings that we're going to um before the election too. We can take that. >> Thank you. Um, we need to vote on this and it's going to be in a form of a motion to add director Hodgen to all Bangar Savings Bank accounts, General HSMS, SCES, Androscolan Bank, CDR and US Bank Corsco um, funds and that's in a form of a motion. >> Any discussion? We can't. All in favor? Thank you. policy for second readen draft volunteer >> and okay um volunteers there's in a form of a motion to accept it >> second >> any discussion all in favor form of a motion to accept JOC-e volunteer applications >>
059second >> any discussion All in favor? Thank you. >> I would like to if it's possible um ask Mr. Robinson as well now that we have an updated handbook and application to maybe do a blast looking for volunteer opportunities and put the link on the Facebook page as well. >> Please and thank you. >> Good idea. Ruth draft after school program coordinator job description. That is that that's in the form of a motion to accept her after school program coordinator >> the job description. >> Bruce second it any discussion I just have a question about this. This looks very familiar. Um so I'm wondering if there are any updates to this since it was accepted in 2016. So I believe the one and I apologize I didn't send you the one typically that crosses up.
060So yes there are quite a few one the original job description was for an after school director >> and we no longer need a director we just need a coordinator. >> Um the original also was a 21st century >> right that's what I >> the whole format was around 21st century because we're no longer considered I think a 21st century school. >> It's very similar. I just I think we just took out that 21st century verbiage or language. But again, this was worked on by principles um K12 um just because we we want to have that ability that it might not just be for elementary that it could shift into some middle schools. So we kind of left it a little bit that we open the range a little bit. Um so it's similar but
061there are some language deletions I guess is what I would say. And do we have somebody that's applied? Do we have >> We do. We had already posted and we do have an application, but I didn't want to approve the application until we had a clear job description that we could say if you're agreeable to this. Okay. But yes, we have somebody that has >> so sub substantively other than the language going from Century 21 and it moving to encompassing the possibility of expanding up are any of the duties that the prior coordinator is was doing that would be different if this was accepted? >> I'm going to look at Josh only because and the prior coordinator was part of this conversation. It was Josh. It was Karen. It was David. Bill and I. >>
062I think it's going to look very similar to the job that was done prior. >> Okay. >> It's just we're matching it now. >> Miller was saying it opens up the discussion. So, it's not just an elementary. >> I just want to make sure because I mean it's the program has been running solidly and smoothly and I want to make sure that this shift doesn't shove some of those staff >> away from being eligible from doing the good work that they've been doing. nothing is going to change programmatically. >> And that was the gist of my question, Laura, is to make sure some of that specific language had been taken out of there. So, that's great. >> All set. >> Do we have to vote on it? >> Yeah. I'm waiting. Any other discussion? Anybody
063else? All in favor? RSU20 transportation rules and RSU20 bus driver handbook information. So again, I'm sharing with you I worked with Vern this summer. Um we wanted to have um a set of transportation rules that again worked on every single bus and to make sure that that again that language is very clear and it's the same. It's consistent so drivers are in on all buses are expecting the same thing. And then Vern and I also talked and Shandra was part of this discussion in her first day or two that she joined 20 sat down. She and Vern and I had a great conversation but went over the driver handbook again building expectations for our staff so that everybody understands. So um he has had this um for the last couple months. He's talked about it.
064He shared it with his team asking for their input and things like that. So we think it's at a point right now. It could always be updated um as the staff change, but it gives him something as drivers come in, not just new drivers, but people that come into our organization that have had experiences, but this is what the culture looks like. This is what the expectations look like for drivers in our district. >> I was able to open up the rules at home and I thought they looked fantastic. I was not able to open up the handbook from home, but yeah. Is that one in here? >> It's very adorable. >> Oh, okay. >> It >> You should have it in your packet. >> Okay, that's good. I just wasn't able to look at
065it prior to, but I did see the rules and they are beautiful. >> So, one of the things that you'll notice about the rules is that we again have tried to attach them to policy >> and we thought it was really important again for parents um to understand that the rules and the things that we're asking about. So, we we talked about what the guidelines look like for bus stop pickup and and drop off and then what the rules look like on the bus and how they are connected to our policies. >> Are there any um students that would in our that and I know you can't get specific that um maybe would benefit from a visual aid on the bus of rules like how does that work out? Like I haven't ridden a school
066bus in way too many years. So I'm assuming the bus drivers don't have time to go over the rules all the time. Right. So are there any basic visual aids and I'm looking right at you because you may have more or something that so that >> I know they have the aids on the bus which are fantastic but like I'm just wondering if little verbal reminders for the littles and sometimes the bigs. >> Correct. I know when we were in the district working with the PBIS collaborative that the respect responsibility and safety is posted on the buses and explaining what should be happening under those headings as rules or expectations rather. >> Thank you. I will also share that even though we have these rules that are K12 certainly the way the principles respond to
067them based on the developmental level of the students that they're working with will be really different. And again, once we have this set of rules that belong to the district, the teachers will become more familiar with them. I think certainly kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, having those conversations. And principles, you know, if I'm working with a second grader and instead of just saying you're not allowed to do this that we talk about, you know, there's that that the bus driver might come in and say, I gave a verbal warning to Denise today. I might pull that. I know I'm >> I might Denise and I might have a conversation about what that looks like and sounds like and it's not that Denise is in trouble but this is her f this
068is the first time and she was standing up because she was really excited that she was waving to soand so Ruth that was getting off the bus and she was saying I want to spend the night at your house tomorrow night right I mean but then the driver is saying this is the reason that we do that why do you think a big thing that I've noticed in this district and I remember in a prior district that I worked that food on the bus is a tricky thing that there's, you know, kids snacking and things like that and there some buses it's a yes and some buses it's been a no. So, it's now becoming a very clear it's a no and why. And I think having helping kids to understand it's a choking hazard.
069I mean, if something happened and you inhaled, you go over a bump or you're just being silly and you're laughing and you get popcorn stuck in your throat or whatever it is. Um, it was a good question though that I want to have a conversation with Josh about and and R.J. J, what about athletic trips? Because we know that a lot of kids fuel up on the way to their their games on the bus, right? So, but then again, does that beg the question, is it because it's fewer kids on the bus and we have more supervision that is it is it okay or how are we going to figure that out? So, I guess >> you're also looking at older students generally for athletic events, too. So, >> but older people also choke, >>
070right? No, no, I get that. But >> so, I think that's >> you're more likely to have someone pick up on the fact that someone is >> Yes. So I think the I think there has to be special circumstances for everything and special special but these would be for the daily regular before and after school trips for sure. So this is a draft that you we're not approving today or we are approving. >> I'm not sure where this was. You certainly can approve. I w wasn't sure if it was just for information only if you if you needed to approve where this is a bus driver handbook or do you want to approve? Um I wasn't sure. So >> I don't think we need to. >> Yeah, information only. Just that you were aware of.
071>> I mean it's a handbook based off of policy and procedure that we already have in place in the district. I don't think we need to approve that. >> I So the rules will they go out since the handbooks have like the student handbooks have already gone out. Will these go out separately or just be posted on the website? >> I think a little of both. I think Josh >> Yeah. So Vern shared these rules that are included in that at the very beginning of the year prior to the school starting. And so I know at the high school middle school handbook that has been added explicitly in these rules for both the bus stop and riding the bus. >> Thank you, Josh. Tomorrow night, September 24th, 2025, board meeting, budget meeting, 7 o'clock at
072Sisport District High School Cafetum. And then October 14th is the next school board meeting. Finances at 6 and board meeting at 6:30. Any questions? Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> 7:33. All in favor? Thank you. Can't do anything until 12:05. >> I love this. >> So, are these now to stay