001Good evening. We're starting our public hearing. This public hearing is being conducted on the following article which will be the subject of the referendum vote on April 28th, 2026. Uh, this notice of public hearing was posted in all three town offices as well as electronic signs and the RSU73 website. The article that we'll be discussing tonight is article two. Do you favor authorizing the school board to issue bonds or notes in the name of regional school unit 73 for minor capital projects in the amount not to exceed $880,230 to purchase and install a new boiler for the Spruce Mountain Primary School. We're going to have Wayne come up and just quickly run through what we've done and what the costs are, etc. Good good evening. Um what we've done is we met with the um
002buildings and grounds committee. Uh we discussed that the right thing to do would be um to replace our boilers. Um we've had our boilers now that we have are one's from 2007 and uh the other one is from 2008. Um a few years back, I think two years back now, almost three, uh we replaced two sections of boiler. Um we had Seammens um do our um engineering of course. Uh we met with them and with Dead River. Um we were able to meet uh talk about burying the tanks to save us some money. Um, that would save us instead of having them above ground with two vaporizers for $61,875, we can bury them for 13,100 and that would be a total savings of $48,775. Um, also with going with propane over oil, um, there'd be
003a cost savings for the propane for roughly $20,000 a year um, instead of going with oil. So, that's I don't know if you guys have any questions. I know we've gone through quite a bit of um the the whole thing will be four new boilers. Um rack system um three will be leads uh one will be uh for just in case um s two circulating pumps, hot water holding tank and demo of the chimney. And they'll also do all new repiping. Um, so it's pretty >> Does anybody have any questions for Wayne? >> I was on the building and grounds committee and we met with Seammens and this is definitely not a want, it's a need. >> Yes. Um, we went and toured the old system and some of the challenges are the size of
004the room which is why they had to go with the system they did and we did agree to the underground tanks to save some serious money and I think that's a really >> that's the 48 almost 49,000. definitely a need because they explained to us what would happen if we lost one of those boilers and it would be very >> So I do have the I do have the figures for that as well because obviously in 2023 when we lost the two sections um I was part of that um ongoing survey uh a temporary boiler for 5 months and 2023 is a cost of $150,000. That's not that's hooking it up as well. It's pretty invasive. they would have to uh drill a hole in the side of our building um add the piping into
005the side of our building and um run kerosene cold days we burn roughly 100 gallons a day. So in 20 so in that factor with kerosene prices at $5.80 80s. Um, you know, we're talking $580 a day or $87,000 in five months. So, uh, plus if we don't have boilers, we don't have children in our buildings and, um, that's costly to find them a place to a place to be so to house anybody. So, >> uh, yeah. Thank you, Wayne, so much for your detailed, excellent description of what's going on. Um, and just kind of piggybacking on what Tanya said, this really is a not a want, it's a need. And from what I understand is back a couple years ago when they had to replace those sections, it was kind of hard to find
006those sections. >> Yes, it was. Um, we had we had met with Seammens at that point and they was telling us at that point it was going to be that's why we looked at temporary boilers. It was going to be 5 months out. That's what I'm trying to get at is there's no there's no putting a band-aid on this. We've already been putting a band-aid on this. >> And you know, I I have a list here of what just this winter season that we've put into these into the system. Um on Saturday, February 8th, uh our number two lead boiler went uh that's the our lead boiler. Um I don't know, you know, in history, we've talked about we're building in grounds and I I believe we touched on it a little bit here. is
007we have there's two boilers in in this in the boiler room. There's a lead boiler which is a little bit larger and then there's a a secondary boiler um which is smaller. So if the lead boiler goes out but the second boiler will stay running it's not enough to heat the building. It will it'll keep it warm enough for the building not to freeze but not for the students to be in the building. Um, so on that night, the lead boiler went down because the transformer burnt out. So we went over at 10 o'clock, met with then finally, uh, Seammens came in around midnight. Um, we took the transformer off the small boiler to put onto the lead boiler so we could keep going. Um, and then yes, that was we didn't get that new
008transformer for the second boiler until Wednesday. Um, and then we had the worst case scenario, we had um the pump that pumps the oil to the boilers that went in the middle of the night. Luckily, it was a warmer night. So, when we went in, we got a call that the boilers are down. Went in, found that the the fuel pumps gone. So, luckily, we could service that within two hours. Got the boilers back up and running again. So, it's just it's an ongoing cycle. It's they at the point where yes, it's it's going to be detrimental that we won't have won't be able to bring kids in those days. So, >> thank you. Any other questions? Thank you, Wayne. >> Thank you. >> That is the end of our hearing on the boiler. Please
009stand for the pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Laura, you all set with attendance? >> Okay. Um, I will entertain a motion to approve the school board minutes from March 12th, 2026. >> Second. >> Any additions, subtractions? All those in favor? Hi. >> All those opposed. >> Any abstensions? >> Two. Two abstensions. >> Jody. >> And Jody. Yep. >> Okay. The Spruce Mountain Robotics team. >> Good evening. Um so >> sorry >> better. >> Thank you. Um so I came back I came last year about this time um with the same request to be able to attend some out of state competitions and um it's a good time to kind of you
010know let the board know about all the things that Blue Crew's been up to over the past year. I left some papers at your seats there. There's a list of pretty much everything the team's done in the last year. Uh but just a couple highlights. Um, we've continued outreach efforts all over western Maine. We hosted the main uh Lego League Championships here at Spruce Mountain High School back in February. Um, we actually created a we entered the safety animation competition that first does. Um, and Max Wulette, who's a Spruce Mountain alumnist who went to the main school of art of Main School of Art and Design, actually came in and worked with the kids and brought in all of his equipment and taught the kids how to do handdrawn animation, which was really cool. um
011we um entered that in in that competition and at our the pine tree event we won the sustainability award um a couple weeks ago and finished sixth uh after qualifying with the robot. Um so the the team's been doing really really well. Um we also started for the first time um a unified program in RSU73. Um unified sports are for uh kids that have special needs working with general education students together. They have unified basketball botchi. Um I actually went to a unified uh conference on Tuesday with um Chris Dooka um and Sean Jagar, two of our special ed teachers um and we're trying to look at how do we make these programs work. They have grant money available. We're going to be looking to write a grant next fall um and see if we
012can expand those things. And the group from Spruce Mountain was, you know, special needs kids working with our robotics kids. they won the outstanding team award um at the competition. So the for a first year team, they really uh understood how that program is supposed to work. Um and then finally, the team did all of these things um under um some some difficult circumstances. Uh last spring, we learned that um they were reorganizing Foster Tech and we didn't have a space um and that was kind of an existential threat. Um but we've actually turned it into an opportunity. We're now over at UMF um and we're trying to develop collaborations with the university over there um offering things for education majors and science majors uh computer programming people and we're trying to make those connections
013and we've just really started on that journey. So, uh that's kind of an update on the team and I will I will let Mason make the the request. So, uh, the robotics team is requesting permission to attend the UVM district event at the University of Vermont, April 2nd through the 4th, um, 2026. And then pending qualification, the New England District Championships, uh, April 15th through the 18th, 2026 at the NE, uh, Springfield, Mass, uh, field grounds, uh, fairgrounds over there. So I will accept a motion regarding the out of state of robotics. >> Discussion. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? Motion carries. >> Thank you very much. >> No public comments. Okay. Uh Mason I have nothing today. >> I I've got nothing. >> You've got nothing. Okay. >> Okay.
014>> Uh other board comments. >> I know Chris Target's not here tonight, but the um production that they put on for Shrek was amazing. It was very funny. Um very well done. and all the actors and actresses did a amazing job. >> I second that. Pho stealing my thunder there, Holly. >> No. Uh the the Shrek production was absolutely wonderful. Um I brought u the some children to it. My niece, nephew, my son, of course, and my nephew who's fairly young. He was absolutely convinced that Princess Fiona turned into an ogre. He was absolutely convinced of it. Um and then after when we went to greet them, he was like, "They're not the same person." He was so floored. It was adorable. Um so they did a wonderful job with that. Um I also want
015to give a huge shout out to our blue crew uh for all of the things that they have accomplished. So, um, we already have a list right in front of us of everything that they've done and we know about the awards and it's absolutely phenomenal what our school can do and what our teams do outside of it. Um, it it's absolutely fantastic what these STEM programs and the importance of science is absolutely fantastic and I think they deserve a round of applause for everything they've done. Other board comments. Okay, it's gone. >> Good evening. I attended the foster tech board meeting with uh board member Andrew Sylvester. Um Mr. Sylvester voted to approve the foster tech budget for next year. The foster tech budget is up 7% but remember we do not pay a dime
016towards the foster tech budget. So that works out great for us. It's great programming up there. Uh also attended breakfast with Crystal and the town managers from Livermore Falls and Jay where we shared our proposed budget numbers. Uh attended a policy meeting where we agreed to bring two policies forward for first readings tonight. Also, they attended the workshop day rendevous atf last Friday with our staff. There were over 1,800 educators participating in on that day. It was fantastic. Um met with Chris Bodwin and Crystal Flag about the extension of the ease grant which deals with mental health. um federal government had shut it off and now they've money is starting to drip back in um because it's supposed to go a whole other year past this year till December 31st. It was originally supposed to
017go to December 31st of 2027 and that still could happen because like I said the money is starting to drip back in that to continue that grant. So hopefully that will go forward. And even though this isn't a surprise to this gentleman here, I want to point out that the Foster Tech CTE student of the year, Mason Labonte. Mason is an incredible student, an individual who works hard to accomplish his goals. He is responsible, professional, and mature beyond his years. Mason is involved in school activities in his community. He participates in drama, student council, is a member of the Spruce Mountain School Board, the robotics team, uh, FBLA, Family Business, Future Business Leaders of America, and a Lego League mentor. In the business academy that he takes, he's become a Microsoft specializ specialist certified in
018Microsoft Word and will be working towards certification in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel for the remainder of the school year. Mason is currently serving as president of our future business leaders of America chapter and also president of the state of Maine FBA. He oversees all state chapters by managing state level interactions with local chapters, planning FBLA events and leading the state officer board during monthly meetings. So proud of you, Mason. Incredible job. Foster Tech Student of the Year. Great job. Congratulations, Mason. Any questions for Scott? >> I was just wondering, I know you said you had breakfast with the town managers from Jay and Lar Falls. What happened? What What's up with the Livermore? >> She couldn't make it that day. >> Okay. But normally she's there. >> Normally we're all there together, but she
019wasn't able to make it. >> Okay. Just making sure. >> Put Put that on the TV. Where is it? Right. >> Any other questions for Scott? Okay. Dy, >> good evening. Turn it on. There we go. All right, Mason, what do you do in your spare time? >> My goodness. Wow, what a great accomplishment. Great job. Um, happy spring, everybody. Current enrollment at the primary school is 320 students. PreK is 51. Kindergarten is 104. First grade is 82. Second grade is 83. Um, for some academic progress, I know I said I was going to share out about some NEOA scores. Um, I think I shared out about math, but we hadn't completed our reading assessment yet the last time I um, so I'm just going to kind of go over both for as a whole
020in reading. As a whole school, we're in the 54th percentile and in a math 55. But, um, our kindergarten groups pretty solid this year. They're doing great. Kindergarten was in the 68th percentile for reading and 62nd for math. So, we get we got some solid kids coming up through. I just want to share some information, too. Um, really great reading is our phonics program and um, Mrs. Buldock, our literacy coach interventionist, shared some information because I get information from like I'm on the ELA committee so I hear things happening at the primary school and how it filters into the elementary school and know they're and see the growth that they're making. So, I just want to share with you with it. Um, since adopting this program in seven years, um, the grade levels have been
021using this program to teach phonics over and over, and it really speaks to how when you implement a new program, doing it with fidelity, you're going to see that growth. Once the teachers become comfortable with it, they know it, and can implement it in an effective, engaging manner, the students are going to thrive. And for the first time, fourth grade will not need this program next year. All students have made grade level growth, which means they don't have to purchase it for fourth grade. Saves us a little bit of money. Um, and in third grade, we only have um one child that's emerging. So again, they're going to be able to focus on content that is at grade level, and they have yet to do that because of how the levels that they've come in
022on. So this program is amazing. I know when we adopted the ELA curriculum, they said, "Do not get rid of really great reading." So, um, we definitely did not do that. Um, and they love that. So, huge, um, success there. Um, this year we also shifted title to, you know, be more in line with the definition, closing the gap, right? Getting those kids that might just be below grade level up to grade level so they're making those gains and successes. Um, and so far we have doubled the number of students that are at grade level compared to last year. Last year they were working with students that were well below, meaning those students were entitled all year long and now they have kids coming and going, you know, constantly rotating through um and making that
023growth. So um it's shown a huge improvement with those students. Um Mrs. Baldick did want me to say that she's reporting out next board meeting on our ELA program. So if you have any questions, just send an email to me so that we can get those ahead of time and she can have those answers there at the next meeting if you want. So questions for Diy >> I just have a comment and I can't tell I I'm on the represent the board on the English language arts committee and when uh Miss Baldick brought that news there was like a cheer all around. Um, we hear a lot of things from the public that don't understand what we do and how hard our teachers work to get the job done. This is one of those times
024where we need to have front page. >> This is big >> that no kids >> in grade four next year need any phonics that are rest of our kids >> are not need they're not below the standard. >> This is fantastic. We're doing a great job and our teachers are doing a great job with that. And as I listen to them talk about the new uh English language arts curriculum that we've put in. They've made great progress at the first year. No, they're not going to get it all done in the first year. Next year they're going to finish up. They have x number of units to do. There's a lot of work for them to do on the side with those units. But what a great job they've done and the kids are loving
025the hands-on books. Um, it's it's really going well and I just want people out there to know these kids are improving. This is when we can do this at this level. No, it's not a standardized test. This is how they're functioning and that's what's more important. >> Um, and I'm so proud of our staff and our kids for working hard. >> Yeah. >> Kudos. Yes. >> Kudos. >> Other questions for Dassi. >> Thank you. You're welcome, Chris. >> All right. Um, I want to start off by sharing some really great news about our really great reading program. Oh, wait. >> All right. Apparently, I won't be sharing that, but um I was very involved in it. Um I paid for the curriculum and then I got out of the way so they could do their
026thing and allowed them to. Um but it is very it is like Elaine said, it's very significant because if you talk to any uh reading specialists, literacy experts, they say that that your school is on level if the kids do not need phonics by the time they get to fourth grade. third grade should be the last year they have to have phonics instruction. Um, and so it's just a huge step for us to be actually in that boat where where nobody beyond third grade is going to need uh phonics. So, so we're definitely keeping the program. Um, uh, some other um, great uh, PD news. Uh, last Friday we had a great day at UMF. Um, there was actually 14 districts there. um from around this area, about 2,000 educators, um some great um sessions
027that people got to go to. Um and um we actually had several presenters from our district. Um including Tanya Peralt, who's a kindergarten teacher. Um she did some exper experiential learning. Um you know, bringing some activity into uh the classroom. Um Amy Ryder, a district librarian, you know, talked about some best new reads for the for the elementary levels. Um Michelle Hall, high school math teacher. Believe it or not, interactive learning in math at the high school level. So even at the high school level, kids need to have some interaction with with math and and things like that instead of just learning it from a book. Uh, and then Rob Taylor, who's just here, Rob Taylor and Ken Baker, um, high school science teachers, um, did did some, um, teaching forestry, aquatics, wildlife, and soils
028presentations. Um, so we were we were well well represented there, um, from our educators also sharing their knowledge with with other districts. And we will have I'll have some really good news about our math um skills that are improving. But well, I wasn't able to get I want to have make sure I have the actual details. Um but we're with the um star math and the freckle math we're using. We're showing really good growth at the elementary school and and math skills. Um, but I just need to get from Nathan Harden, um, who's really helping out with that program there. Um, some exact information on the growth they've made and I'll be sharing that next time. >> Questions for Chris, >> right? >> I know in the past, like ages ago in the dark ages,
029we did a countywide professional development day at MF. And I know when you get educators together from all over the place, we learn more from one another than we ever do from well, not always, but speakers and whatever professionals that come in. >> Um, we learn so much from one another. Having that many speakers from RSU73 staff is outstanding. >> Yeah. and hopefully we can do this maybe in a maybe every five years instead of every 15 or something like that. It's a wonderful way to show and share what we're doing. I'd also like to know >> compared to the school around the schools around us, how many can say the same thing about their phonics kids, are they at that same level? >> Yeah. >> I'm going to throw our staff right out there
030and say that they've got it over all the rest. Yeah. And um yeah and and pretty much all the sessions are are done by other fa our faculty in the districts that are attending. Um and it's yeah and they do they just learn from each other and there's a lot of great uh knowledge and and very knowledgeable staff that share um and then they're talking the WMEC is talking about doing it every any uh every maybe three years. of the questions for Chris. Thank you. >> Thanks, >> Wayne. >> Hi again. >> Hello again. I didn't I didn't know if he was tired of hearing from me. Um I'll I'll keep it short. Okay. Um just uh we're starting into spring sports of course. So uh with our current with our new bleachers out there,
031we had to set up the batting cage differently. So we got that all set up for sports. Uh field preps coming up. Uh we thought we was going to be a little earlier on the fields with uh with no snow, but we were wrong again for the 8 in that came in, which is, you know, it's March. So, um, but I've been talking with sports fields getting that ready to go. Um, right now we still have, uh, one open position here at the high school nights. I haven't got any applications yet for that. I'm hoping that we'll find somebody soon. Um, we got some great staff members that have step up to uh, help out with that. Um, of course, I'm just hoping that they don't get burnt out from it. um April vacation trainings
032for staff. I've been approached by um a couple of our vendors. Uh they come in to do uh free training. Um they do restroom training, um floor care training, anything that anything that we can think of. Um so I'm setting up some trainings for them. Um and just soon they have a lot of vacations coming up for the staff members. Uh so there'll be a lot of fill-ins that I'm going to have to look for in that sense. So, it's about all I have. >> Questions for Wayne. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you, >> Robin. >> Good evening. Happy spring. Um, I wanted to provide an update on student enrollment. At the January 22nd board meeting, I reported that in adult ed, we had 153 actively enrolled adult learners in academic programming. As of
033today, we have 176 actively enrolled students in academic programming. It's an increase of 23 students over the last two months. Um, that doesn't include our workforce training students. That doesn't include our digital literacy students. So, we have 18 students currently enrolled in workforce training programs. Um, but you'll see another increase in that. We have CNA and phbotomy starting next month. Um, I did not pull the numbers for digital literacy, but I did speak with Tyler, our instructor, last week. And for the month of March, he had seen 68 students already. And remember, he's traveling all over the county. It's a countywide grant that we have. Um, so he's going from Rangely all the way down to Liverour, but sees a lot of students in a month, which is great. Um, our CNA class will begin
034on April 1st in phabbotomy on April 6th. Um, both instructors are new to our program, but each has significant experience in the medical field and teaching. One having taught phabbotomy for nonprofit agencies and adult ed centers in the Lewis and Auburn area. The other was previously a clinical instructor for the main college of health professionals. And lastly, our video shoot for adult ed um went very well last month. One commercial will highlight the medical assisting program and the other clip focuses on a particular student. Um she came to us, earned her high school credential, started a family, and now she's in our medical assisting program. Um and when the final cut is available, I'll share it with the board. questions for Robin. And that's phabbotomy, not labbotomy. >> Did I say labbotomy? Wishful thinking for
035my own. I'm just kidding. >> Thank you, Robin. >> Thank you. >> Norma, >> hello. So, I went to a two-day uh Department of Education Transportation Safety conference a couple weeks ago. Learned a lot. It was probably one of the best conferences I've attended. Um the information was overwhelming and a lot to take in. Next Saturday, April 4th, we have 10 high school students signed up so far to go to the Women's Literacy Union House in Auburn for their annual free prom dress giveaway. Um, we have two employees from the district that invited to on their own time to take the girls to drive them down. And the local Anvets Post 33 ladies auxiliary has offered to pay for each of the girls lunches after they go get their dresses. And then we have four
036more permission slips that haven't been turned in yet. And so they have till noon time April 1st to do that. So we might even have 14 girls going. Um this morning I attended the Mckini Vento regional meeting in Lewon. We spoke about a lot of different resources and funding issues. Learned about some new information policies. And right now our transportation totals as of this morning was Mckin Vento students being transported from another town to and from school. There's a total of 10 students. We have three McKini Vento students whose parents get reimbursement. If we don't have staff to get them either in the morning or afternoon, sometimes both. The other school district is responsible for paying 50% of that transportation out of I believe it's title one. I get it confused. Five special transportation vans
037with a total of 11 out of district students. Two special transportation local vans with a total of 14 students within our district and three special transportation buses with a total of 43 students. These buses include wheelchair accessibility and the Harris Health students. That's all I got for you. questions for Norma. >> Oh, Michelle, >> I'm currently trying to prom dress shop with one of mine >> and I wanted to thank you because there's a lot of effort that goes into it's a special thing for the kids and >> it's an expensive thing as well. Mhm. >> Um just even in my own personal budget. And so being able to include kiddos and thinking of them and people taking time to sort of honor that special moment, it speaks volumes. They'll never forget that. So you
038have a lot on your plate. You guys do. But I wanted to say thank you for doing that. >> You're welcome. And I I want to mention too, Paul and I get with Paula Killer with this every year and um I send her the information and she goes and introduces it to the high school. So I can't take all the credit. So thank you. >> Thank you, Norma. >> Sharon, is that on? Yeah. Okay. So, um, when I did some training here a couple weeks ago, um, the state had talked to me about, uh, becoming a C school, and that means community eligibility provision. We are currently, uh, special provisions. And what that means is that if more than 25% of our students are on the direct lift list, we qualify. Um that number used
039to be at 50% and um they dropped it down to 25. So the state is saying that we really should do this. Um the money would mostly come from the federal government instead of the state and by doing this we have no we'll send out no applications and our students will eat free for the next four years. So this this is a good thing. Uh also we decided to move forward with the uh cafeteria project here at the high school. New furniture and decor. Um this was already budgeted for in this year. Um and um so we have the money for it and um we've kind of held off just to make sure that we have the money and we do. We're going to move forward with that. So >> and just a reminder that's
040no local money. >> Yes. You want me to say it louder? No local money. >> Questions for Sharon. >> LA. >> I know that the changes that took place at the primary school. If you haven't been in the primary school to see the cafeteria, it's outstanding. >> It's beautiful. The kids love it. It's so engaging. >> And the fact that our kids are going to get free food >> for the next I'm very excited. >> It's just incredible because people don't sometimes understand a kid with an empty belly just >> it's not learning not happen. I think a lot of our kids would not be able to eat. This is a very good thing. >> I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Yep. You're welcome. >> Um just to echo what Elaine was saying, the next
041four years the free meals for the kids that is amazing. It is such a huge help, especially in our community. Um, the work you're doing is so critical to the learning experience. Um, kids when they're sitting in the classroom, if their stomachs are empty, they're focused on that. They're not focused on what's on the board. They're not focused on their lessons. They're focused on, oh, I'm hungry right now. >> I'm hungry. Y >> So to have the next four years where they can get free meals is ah stellar. I'm so excited. >> Yeah. And not only that, I don't know if anybody else saw on our website today, >> but we saw pictures of the meals. And these aren't just any meals. These are phenomenally done. Like, you deserve a kudos just on that meal
042alone. Add on top of that, it's not costing anybody anything to have these good, nutritious meals. >> It looked beautiful. It did. And it tasted great. I already said thank you um Sharon but you know when you have a middle school kid they don't talk very much um but when they do and they talk about the new things that are happening at the middle school which is a try it before you eat it um to make sure that they like it um I think that's a great philosophy um and Sharon and I talked about that a little bit and just making sure that kids do like it and that they're not going hungry because they got something new. Um, so I appreciate the fact that you're trying new things but yet letting the kids try
043it before they take it. Um, because that was brought home from an eighth grader. So it must be pretty important in the schools and I thank you for that. >> Yes. Yes. That's one thing I I discovered that um making new things, we think it's great. We know it tastes good, but if a student comes through, they don't want to try it because if they try it and they don't like it, then they don't get they're hungry. They don't get another meal. Not that I wouldn't probably give them another meal, but you know, they think, well, if I don't like it, I'm not going to have anything to eat. So, if we offer a sample, let them try it. um gives them a chance to try something new instead of the regular chicken patty. So,
044I know it's hard breaking into a new system the middle of the year as you did. Have you uh found everybody with the staff and everything willing to help you out? And I know you've talked about the new recipes and everything. Is everything going along all all that well and everything? Everybody trying to help you out and >> everybody has been fantastic. >> That's good to hear. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, Sharon. >> You're welcome. >> Jenna, >> good evening. So Rob spoke about the staff exploring unified uh sports and programming. So I won't do that. And then Scott took my thunder about Mason. So Mason, I will just say to you that I am forever and always proud of you. Uh you have worked so hard and it has been so fun watching you
045grow. So last Friday we attended a full day of training at UMF which other people have also spoke about. I personally attended retaining and supporting our education workforce, collaborative safety planning, connection for prevention and addressing fatigue and educators and caregivers. I uh learned a lot and hope hope to implement a few things next year. I we definitely want to do some surveys about needs with our edte and our special ed teachers. uh squeeze in some time to go and cover classrooms for them so they can have a break and get some extra prep time and stuff like that. Um I do want to give a special shout out tonight to Joe Toner. He is the gym teacher at the elementary school and he has since he arrived in our district consistently thought outside the box
046and ensured that all of our students are involved and don't miss out on activities uh due to circumstances beyond their control. So the effort he puts into making sure students with special needs have access to the same opportunities as their peers does not go unnoticed. And it is so fun to watch kiddos in wheelchairs play hockey and to do all of those other things. And um we even have students who are learning how to play and learning how to do sports. So they have to be in a completely special educationbased uh gym class. and he is teaching those kids those skills, but he's also pulling them out for other gym classes so they get used to being around their general ed peers. And uh to see a gym teacher do that, it's amazing. I honestly
047have nothing but good things to say about all of our gym teachers for real. But tonight, it's about Joe. Um so on to 504 numbers. There are 48 students at the high school with 504 plans. In February there were 50. There are zero referrals at the high school. Uh and but I do have one packet out right now. At the middle school, there were 24 students with 504 plans and in February there were 23 and there is currently one referral at the middle school out, one packet out. At the elementary school, there are currently 24 students with 504 plans. In February, there were 24. There's zero referral packets out. Um, I'm sorry. There are zero referrals in Q, but there is one coming in shortly from a parent and as of today, there are 12
048students at the primary school with 504 plans. In February, there were 12 and I currently have one in the referral process and two more uh packets coming in in the near future. It is wild to me because in February we had 109 students. In March, we had a 108. Uh but during that time I had 10 students move either in and out of district or move from an IEP uh to an IEP or move from an IEP to a 504. So it it's just wild for me to look at that number knowing how much movement there really was. But that's that's where we're at. >> Questions for Jenna? >> Thank you. Okay, I don't have anything other than I was part of the policy committee which we are coming up on now. I will accept
049a motion regarding the first reading of policy BBA board powers and responsibilities. >> Second >> discussion. I did >> uh the only change in this policy would be the addition in the first paragraph of uh this policy that says the board shall have general charge of all public schools of this unit and shall exercise such other responsibilities specifically provided by law main department of education regulations and we've added and main school board association handbooks specifically section two, roles, functions, and duties of school boards and school board members. It's an excellent read. Um we it was presented to the committee. I would ask all our board members or anybody running for school board to look it up online free um section two. Uh it really has a clear explanation other more than the legal ease of
050the actual law. um and is is really a great guide. So, we've added that in. I appreciate the committee and I hope you will pass that. Any other questions? All those in favor? >> All those opposed? Motion carries. I will accept a motion for the first reading of policy EBBD, temperature standards for schools. Second >> discussion. >> Yeah, it's this is now law. We state law. We have to have uh a policy on temperature standards in schools. Um I'll be honest, I ky this from RSU9 because it already passed. Um yeah, it's it's it's it gives you a range of temperatures that you you're trying to hit. We still will have the temperature set at 70, which is what we're supposed to. But in some of these buildings, you could have the temperature set at
05170. And this room over here is 67 and this room over here is 75. Um, what it is is you just have to come up with some mitigating ideas to help with that. If it's if it's a little bit hot, then you have to be willing to open windows. If you have an air conditioner, use that air conditioner, etc. or if your classroom is a little bit cold in the winter time, we need to be flexible to allow the kids to wear sweaters or possibly a jacket during that time. Um, so we're just following state law by putting these standards into the school. >> Any other questions about that? Um, I I think the key in this reading is um between a minimum of 66 degrees and a maximum of 84 degrees on average. I
052think that average is going to really help with that. Um, because everybody knows that a room with lots of windows isn't going to have the same temperature as a room that has no windows. So, I think that on average covers a lot of bases for us. All those in favor. >> All those opposed? Motion carries. Okay. We have our uh referendum meeting next Thursday the 2nd and the regular board meeting April 9th. Um the validation vote on the 28th of April. And with that, I will accept a motion to adjurnn. >> Second.