001Stand for the pledge of Laura, are you all set with uh attendance? Okay. I would accept a motion to approve the school board member school board minutes from September 11th school board meeting. Second, >> any emissions, additions. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? Motion carries. I'd entertain a motion to enter to into executive session to discuss personnel matter pursuant to 1 MRSA 4056A. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> All those opposed? We have We're back in session. We have one adjustment to the agenda. There'll be no 16.2 uh Scott's evaluation tonight. Uh Michelle Brian Good evening. Um, I wanted to thank the board chair for inviting me to speak tonight. I'm here um as the president of the association and so I obviously represent um a very broad spectrum of perspectives
002um and the the issues that I'll be bringing up tonight have come from all of those various perspectives um across the association. And I think one important thing to just make sure um that I really stress is that for us we have to be very focused on what the specific language of the policy says. Um you know I've been attending board meetings and I even had the opportunity to attend the policy committee meeting on Monday. So I've heard a lot of discussion and I feel like I do have a pretty good idea of of what the intentions are. Um, and I I'm guessing that in some cases what the language could potentially make possible doesn't always maybe match what your intentions are. Um, and so I do want to recognize that they, you know, that
003they're not one and the same in all cases. Um, and so I'm just going to go through the the points that were um most often voiced as a concern by our members. So the first one has to do with um the clause in the proposed revision that says recognizes that the school will recognize only two sexes, biological male and biological female. So again, if we're just talking about the language itself and not necessarily the intentions, um, one of the things that some of our members are really concerned about is how that has the potential to impact what students are learning in their life sciences, health and parenting, um, and AP US history class. Um, for instance, in the life sciences and the health and parenting classes, one of the things that our students do learn
004about are the various chromosomal combinations um that determine a person's sex, including male, female, and interex combinations and all of the associated physical and developmental attributes that go with those chromosomeal combinations. And so some of the staff members have raised concerns that with the language as it's written, um it places them in a difficult situation where if they continue to make sure that our students have a good backing in science as they proceed on to college and maybe even professions in the sciences, um it will place them in a position where they could be disciplined um for violating the language as it currently is. Um and same thing with the AP US history curriculum because that is determined by the college board. It's not determined locally. Um the curriculum requires for the first time period
005in the curriculum framework that a comparison between European culture and identity as compared to indigenous people's culture and identity. Um and the various differences in their understandings of lots of different things including gender. Um and so again, it's just a an issue where as the language is currently written, it it provides a difficult situation for teachers. um and their students having access to the information that is um part of the curriculum. Um next up is the the language regarding um providing spaces for students based on biological sex. Um one of the things that we got a lot of feedback on from all of the buildings is that there are in every single building several single occupancy bathrooms that are not assigned to a particular gender. And so again, if we're just going by how the
006language is written, um it it makes it sound as though all of those single occupancy bathrooms would also have to be assigned to a particular gender. And so in situations where like the prek or kindergarten classrooms have, you know, their own classroom bathroom, which right now any student of either sex can use one at a time. Um or same thing the nurses bathrooms. Um, and even like our our largest and and best equipped um handicap accessible bathroom here at the high school, um, the handicap accessible bathroom that's in the life skills program, all of those are single occupancy bathrooms. So, if they were to be assigned to a specific biological sex, then that would obviously make the daily goings on for students, especially some of our um students who need the handicap accessible bathrooms, that
007would make things a lot more difficult for them. Um, all right, continuing on. When it comes to the potential impact on sports, um, we have several staff members that either coach or currently are related to some of our student athletes. And one of their concerns regarding sports is that the policy governs our school and our teams, but it it can't govern what other schools and other teams decide to do. Um, and so there is the potential if we are playing other schools that have trans athletes on their teams or trans athletes competing, um, and those schools are choosing to follow the current MPA guidelines, we basically would have the choice to either follow our policy and not play against them, which would require a forfeit. And according to the current MPA rules, if a team
008forfeits, it means that in the next year, they're no longer allowed to compete at the varsity level. They are only allowed to compete at the JV level. Um, and so some of our coaches in particular are really worried that that could be pretty devastating um for our student athletes. Um, we did have some members reach out to say that they completely understand like why this might be something um that the board considers important. Um but from their point of view, they feel like there are more pressing needs for the district right now. Some specific things that they mentioned um as policies that they believe are a more pressing need include having um cell phone policies and policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools in and outside the classroom um because that is having a
009big impact right now on on uh on student work. Um and then finally, just the ongoing concern about um you know, the potential for legal fees depending on what sorts of challenges could be brought forth while the federal government's court system is working through um the various disagreements between the executive order and main state law. >> Any questions for Michelle? >> Thank you. Public comments. Uh, each person will have three minutes. Um, please address all your comments to me. Alan Grel How's that? >> Okay. My name is Ellen Grunblat and I'm a resident of Jay. I've observe these meetings rather carefully over the last five months and I have seen board members respond positively to efforts by school administrators and teachers to create a sense of community in all the schools. We cannot underestimate how
010important that sense of community is. As a physician to college students and then as a counselor, I have seen up close the struggles of teens who feel isolated and misunderstood, including young people who are exploring differences in gender and sexuality. Such body issues are especially powerful. It is so easy to feel shame for how one looks or presents oneself to the world. Shame breeds defensiveness and anger, sometimes aimed outward into aggression or violence, often turned inward to paralyzing anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideiation. All levels of community bear responsibility for mitigating shame and supporting our teens and emerging young adults. Last meeting, we heard eloquent testimony from students and their parents about an inclusive, positive, nurturing, extracurricular athletic activity. One that brought out the best in students. Parents were rightly appreciative. As a parent, I remember
011well how how community norms could reinforce or undermine the important life lessons I wanted my kids to embrace. Adolescence is a time of exploration. teens navigate a tidal wave of thoughts and feelings and experiences. We should support their journeys as exploration rather than pigeon holing them into identities that they might simply be trying on. This policy does exactly that to kids uh who are experimenting with gender roles and presentations. This rigidity serves no one except people who are trying to make political hay to create false dichotoies and stoke outrage out of our students rights to personal growth and change. The principles and other school personnel who have presented here have spotlighted programs that create space for individual development, programs that embody faith in the process of exploration. Your questions to these school officials reveal your
012respect for what they are doing and your willingness to attempt to understand student needs. Please don't allow yourselves to be distracted by culture wars and political power brokers. The community needs a school that welcomes and nurtures all students. Put your energies and policies towards making this school that kind of place. Thank you. Linda Dean, good evening. My name is Linda Dean and I live in Liverour. On June 26, this board voted 8 to3 with two members absent to direct the superintendent to amend all district policies to align with Title 9 as reaffirmed by executive order 14,201, recognizing only the two sexes, male and female. The public records released under the Freedom of Access Act prove this vote violated main law district policy and was orchestrated by outside lobbyists. The record proves the board violated main
013law title 26 MRSA965 and RSU73 policy BGBR. The record proves a title 9 resolution was written and promoted by parents rights and education, then adopted nearly verbatim by this board. It also proves neutral legal advice was deliberately avoided. And the record proves the superintendent, staff, and public gave explicit explicit warnings that were disregarded. This was not a lawful or independent policy process. It was an outside group dictating RSU73 policy through board members willing to carry their resolution into law. This vote should be rescended. Our school board's time and energy should be spent on issues that actually improve education. reducing absenteeism, addressing bullying, supporting student mental health and behavioral needs, and raising test scores. Other districts are making progress with these challenges. We should be looking at their models and investing in what works for kids,
014not creating legal risk and division. Please put students first and get this board back to the real work of helping every child succeed. Thank you. William Brad >> board comments. >> They don't have any. >> No, I already asked. Andrew I had the privilege of last Friday of attending the Foster Tech Advisory Board meeting with Scott and the other representatives on the Foster Tech board, the principles and community representatives. It was my first meeting there. I was very impressed. There were a lot of pro there like I believe like 24 programs that the school offers at this point in time. It's getting more and more competitive each year and the deciding factor in many cases is one or there's two grades is one and two is attendance and I'm glad to see that our administrators
015are working more on attendance and should be because that's been the deciding factor for many kids either getting in or not getting in the programs and it's also a factor when they get out of school and going to work. People expect you to show up. They expect you to do your job and they expect you to learn. And I hope that our school is still continuing in that direction because uh it prepares the kids for foster tech which prepares them for the world. Thank you. >> Other board comments. >> Superintendent report. >> Good evening. Okay. Good evening. We had a policy meeting where we discussed AC. That's all. Chris Chris doesn't want me to speak. >> Can you hear me now? >> Okay. We had a policy meeting where we discussed AC/DC, which you'll be
016voting on tonight. And we also discussed policies on service animals, therapy dogs, and animals in schools, which we'll be bringing to the whole board at the next meeting. I got an opportunity to read to Mrs. Fry's first grade classroom over the last two weeks. Totally enjoyed that. Uh I attended the Drummond Woodsome annual legislative update. Some of these updates will need to be brought to the policy committee this year to update or to add to our policies. I also attended the foster tech committee with uh Mr. Sylvester. One of the things they discussed is they're going to be building a maple syrup sap house and they're going to combine outdoor leadership, forestry, and culinary arts together to do that. Um, and I was also very happy to hear that Spruce has 115 juniors and seniors
017that attend Foster Tech. So that's 51% of our juniors and senior population. questions for Scott. >> Okay, Robin, good evening. I want to start with a CDL update for you. I met with program managers from the main development foundation today to discuss the status of our CDL grant and where we stand with a contract timeline. Um, we received confirmation that we'll have the contract in hand for us to sign on October 1st. So, we're looking forward to starting the process to ramp up marketing and hiring for this workforce training opportunity. I recently connected with Jason Jud. He's the executive director of Educate Maine and he unveiled the new national benchmarks for credential attainment and how Maine is stacking up with previous initiatives of having 60% of Mayers earn a credential of value by 2025. Right
018now, the state is analyzing data from 2023 that shows that 56.6% of adults between the ages of 16 and 20 uh excuse me, 18 and 64 have earned a credential after completing high school or its equivalent. A credential of value could be like an HVAC program, massage therapy, uh CDL, CNA, associates, bachelors, and beyond. Um, so it's trending positively that Maine will reach that 60% benchmark by 2025 as that will roll in and be analyzed by 2027. The new national goal is 70% of adults to earn a credential of value that's also tied to higher wages. So they're kind of pulling in the employers to come to the table. Um, Educate Maine is looking at how to set parameters for Maine and has asked us to partner with them to host an education symposium specifically
019in the Jay Livermore Falls area to highlight the barriers that might be preventing people from engaging in hiring or higher in continuing education. So, we're in the beginning stages of planning that. Um, and I'll share more details as it becomes available, but I'd really love to have schoolboard members, administrators, teachers attend this and um, talk about barriers that are in this community that might prevent people from going on to higher education. So, I'll keep you posted on that. Um, but we are looking at an early November date for hosting the symposium. And lastly, we have interviewed for a part-time admin assistant. We've connected with a number of wonderful applicants and I'm happy to welcome Lily Black to our team as she'll start within the next month. And that's it. Questions for Robin? >> Thank you.
020>> No, that's not here. Okay, Laura. Hi, good evening. Um, I'm going to start with letting you know that we have some new equipment arrived today over to the middle school. We welcome um new salad bars that are similar to our salad bars that we have here which will enhance our ability to offer fresh healthy option to the students. Um yesterday um it was my pleasure to host over to the primary school um the main dairy council to celebrate National School Milk Day. The event featured a taste testing of low-fat strawberry milk where students participated in voting um whether they really whether they liked it or they didn't like it. This initiative is part of Oaker's marketing research to address the demands for flavored milk in Maine and the Maine dairy council will compile the
021results and communicate them at Oak back to Oakus during their meeting next month. This was a great success. They came and they gave kids pencils and stickers and it was very engaging to see the students um enjoying and participating. I would say of the roughly 270 students that sampled the milk, um we had less than 20 that said no thank you. So it was a huge success. Um we've also been able to bring that milk into the middle school and the high school as well. And for anybody that um has to ask wants to ask that question, all of the milk does meet the new standards for low sugar um and the new formula. So that's really um good. Um, third thing I have on my list tonight is um we have a hydroponics program
022going on here in the high school. Um, and we've started to harvest some of the herbs off that um, system and that's been really fun. Um, to um, the high school has started incorporating some of those items, the herbs specifically into their menu this week. Yesterday, the high school served up a Chipotle chicken bowl featuring black beans, rice, corn, and fresh cilantro. Today, students enjoyed a nice chicken and rice soup seasoned with fresh thyme, parsley, and basil. Um, we've been doing uh more and more scratch cooking as we've kicked off the new school year. Uh the middle school has been focusing on some scratch cooking and this week they offered um some delicious blueberry muffins and a yogurtbased um banana split which was wellreceived by the students. So that was kind of fun to see
023that. Um we're proud to be highlighting and using some local products on our menu. So far this year, we've been using um local apples, peaches, and u maple syrup um and incorporating those items into not only our salad bars, but our menus as well. The elementary school today um did a taste test featuring a maple churro uh chickpea um to really try to engage the students and see what they thought of that item. So, that was kind of fun. Another initiative that we're trying here at the high school is a try it Tuesday that we've launched. Um this pro this we are encouraging students to explore new foods. Um this week the students were offered a dill pickle dip with a whole grain pretzel bite. Um we asked the students to participate in a survey
024to gather feedback and increase our engagement with our students. um it's a it's a great way to introduce new flavors to them and to kind of get their input too on um things that we're offering. So, in summary, this month has been extremely busy and fulfilling and exciting. We've been developing new recipes and initiatives across all of the schools in the districts from celebrating, like I said, the national um milk day with the with the students, the hydroponics, local products, and our menus. and we're off and running. And uh I would like to report we're full staff, but we're not right now. So, everybody's working really hard. And I would like to take a moment to thank all the staff for all their extra efforts because they're doing a great job. So, thank you for
025your support. Do you have any extra? Scott hasn't had supper yet. None of us have. Questions for Lara? >> Michelle? Some of the greatest feedback comes from the kids and I have a few of them at the district and they hit on everything you discussed. They love the fresh herbs. They were extremely excited about the dairy uh the milk and um my son told me I now need to make these chickpeas that were a huge hit. >> Um but all that aside, I find that very interesting and very encouraging to you because they're coming home and I'm like, "Oh, how did your day? tell me about whatever. And they're highlighting the and and one of my my high school daughters said they're really trying a lot of new things and it's it tastes great. So
026>> that's awesome feedback. Thank you. And we're looking for a long-term substitute so I can share those ideas with you to take home. So >> hi about sugar. I was just wondering how's that going >> 2027 and 2028. And I was just wondering where are we at and how's it going? So we're we're adjusting um uh the adjustments are phased in over a period of time. Um it's sugar and sodium basically are our big things and uh we're very fortunate that manufacturers are being very proactive. Some products are actually um being discontinued because they cannot formulate them to meet the standards. So we are going to lose some products but for the most part uh this year we're seeing our products are in compliance ahead of time. So uh there's a lot going on with
027uh changes and you know like by American I can only buy 10% of um my products or my um budget can has to be from foreign domestic. So we have to track every item and if we think about all of our products and where they come from, you know, there's a lot going on in the department. So >> we're doing the very best that we can to stay ahead of the game. >> Sure. >> And to to meet the standards proactively and beforehand and to phase out those things that we know are not meeting. So, if I, for example, if I, and I'm just going to say this, but if I had a a breakfast item that I knew was not, I would be phasing that out this year. So, it's not going to be
028a sudden hit. We'll just slowly phase that out. >> Okay. And so, and so we're looking at um uh like limiting added, you know, products that have added sugars. >> That that's something that you're >> I'm sure you're on top of it. So, thank you. >> Thank you. I try to be >> other questions for Lara. >> Thank you. >> Chris. All right. Um, good evening. Laura did talk to us at ad team today about the strawberry milk that they had and I was somewhat disappointed that they were not offered uh the wonderful Oakhurst coffee milk. Um so I did I did put a short 45minute presentation together that I'd like to share with the board if that's all right. Not tonight. Not tonight. Okay. Um it would give our kids more energy anyways. Um
029so on uh the curriculum side of things um now that we've gotten through the whirlwind of the beginning of the school year um starting to get the committees going. Met with the PD committee um and meeting again next week to to straighten out the October 10th workshop and then um met with the ELA committee. Um we had a good meeting um kind of looking at some different things this year especially where the primary and the elementary are going to need um some real support in in rolling out the new um into reading program. Um so they're they're getting a workshop on the 10th from the company. Um, and then we're actually setting up uh grade level meetings that we're going to try to work like hopefully it'll work out to about two-hour meetings with with
030each grade level. Um, at least once per trimester, if not more. Um, and then at those meetings, it'll be myself, uh, the teachers, all the grade level teachers for that grade, um, the principles, and then the reading specialists, um, to to go over the program, see where they're at, and then see talk about next steps to help them, um, um, through the process of of learning the program. Um, so we're currently working on um figuring out some unique ways to to cover it with subs and things like that because um usually it'll it'll be about um five to six subs we'll need to cover um to cover to have the teachers be able to meet and and do that. So um so the the group as a whole is not going to meet quite as
031much. the high school and the middle school are going to work together on some things and then we're going to get back together after we meet with uh the grade levels and and talk um about next steps there as a as a district. Uh and then on the tech side, I think you probably all received um the district folder now that has a lot of the documents and forms and things like that that we use in the district that teachers and and others need access to on a regular basis um to help them throughout the day. trying to make it a little simpler for them um to to access those documents and be able to to get to them um and uh and have that available. Um it would Jenn came up with it um
032the idea, but she really shouldn't get any credit because then she handed it over to me and so put me basically said I'm in charge of it. So um so I really should get all the credit. questions for Chris. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, >> Wayne. >> Good evening. Um, just a few updates. Um, I spoke with uh Bailey's. Uh, truck chassis has been delivered. Uh we're just waiting for the body and the plow to be put onto it. Um body slated for midocctober plow they plan on putting on while they're waiting for that to be done. So hopefully by the end of October we'll have that. Um I went through with elevator inspectors and the boiler inspector and sprinkler inspectors the last two weeks. Um everything's great there. Um I've got all those submitted
033to the state and um a lot of the uh inspections are put into the elevators now. That should be all done in um building committee superintendent myself will sit down with arm engineering on the roof project. uh possibly um that'll be on October 10th to get an idea of what you know what they're thinking what we'll need for the roof. Um we'll be running electricity out in the gym for the bleachers within the next couple weeks getting ready for that. That's still last I knew slated for uh late October, early November. Um currently in tennis courts we've noticed hopefully that um they were jackhammering out there some ledge and um getting getting the uh pilasters all set for the lights. Those are all done. They've done some grading. Um got some culverts in for drainage.
034I spoke to him yesterday. Um the fence company will be in to set post um Monday and then they will do their final grade and tiring will start commencing then and the uh probably hopefully the spring we'll we'll play start playing some tennis on there. So hopefully um currently I have one position open at the high school nights. I'm using a long-term sub at this point in time. So that's the only opening at this point in time that we have between Norma and myself actually. So we're doing doing pretty good this year. So but if you know anybody that's that's looking for for that position like we could definitely use it before before uh basketball season starts. So but that that's all I have for tonight. >> Questions for Wayne. Do you require do they
035need to drive bus as well as custodial? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, here they have to be both custodian, but like like we say, you know, if you come in um Norma Norma has the she's the trainer. She can train them. And that's what we're doing right now. We have four four of them right now that we've hired that came in. They don't have their bus license, but they have six months to get it. Um she works with them. They go through the training. Um we set up the cones out here. They um do the whole do the whole thing and once they get their prevent they're out on the road and uh she's she's dealing with one right now that's going out for his going to be going for his license here
036shortly. So yeah. Yeah. So it's a great opportunity for for our district having having her here helping out doing that stuff. So, so makes it hopefully easier to find someone. So, >> other questions for Wayne. >> Thank you, >> Jenna. Good evening. The special services office is back into the swing of things and we are busy. Um, I've already held 22 504 meetings since the start of school, and I know Sherry has attended even more IEP meetings than that. Um, we've been trying to spend time in each building. Our current effort is to figure out the needs of our staff and students, whether it be equipment, extra staff, support, or training. Um, I would like to extend a special thank you to Tina Riley uh for donating a wheelchair ramp to be used in the
037middle school. um you have saved us a great deal of money and uh provided our students in wheelchairs with a more uh inclusive experience. So, thank you. Thank you for that. Um Sherry and I are setting up some late arrival dates to train new and current staff. Um one area of weakness we've found is that teachers um have a new hire training which our edtes are not a part of. And um I would like to incorporate something similar in the future for our edteexs. Um Sherry and I would be able to provide some insight, training, and expectations prior to the first staff in service day. We would certainly have to budget for it, but I think it's doable, especially if it's a half day training or a couple hour training. And um I believe it
038will help our new edte feel more comfortable. It'll free up time for our special ed teachers who spend extra time training the edte. and ultimately provide a better and smoother experience for our students. And I think Michelle can probably speak to the fact that it is very hard to start the new year with students and having to train new staff that may have never been in education in their life. And right now, that's what we're experiencing. A lot of the edte we're hiring, they have never been in education and they want to learn, but we need to provide them with the opportunity to learn. So, um, right now we're very grateful for those late arrival Wednesdays because we already have some dates planned to work with those staff. Um, we still have, I think, about
039six edtech positions open. We have not made really any progress on that. Um, and I know I have shared with you with you guys before that um, Sherry and I feel comfortable with the amount of edteex that we have in the budget. Um, but I know our staff are feeling the shortage of those six, you know, texts. So, I just wanted to be clear with that and that's nothing you guys can do. Uh, but other than just continue to share the word. Um, so on to the 504 numbers. Um, at the high school we have 44 students with 504 plans. Last month there were 42 and we have one referral in the pro in process right now. At the middle school, there are currently 20 students with 504 plans, and last month there were 18,
040and we have another referral at the middle school. At the elementary school, there are 21 students with 504 plans, and last month there were 19. Um, we have one referral in process and two incoming referrals that I just received emails about today. And at the primary, there are currently nine. At um the primary school with 504 plans, and last month, there were seven. So, in August we had 86 total. Now we have 94. Um, in August we had five in the referral process and now we have three. And this might only make sense to Michelle. Um, but one of the one of the things that I think staff are finding to be helpful is that we have kids that are testing out of special services and no longer require direct instruction, but they could still
041benefit from accommodations. So, we have a lot of students that are transitioning from an IEP to a 504 plan and then off from that as well. So, that's kind of one area where we saw a need. So, we're trying to do that extra work to make to make it better for the students and staff. So, that's where we're at. I know that it's incredibly hard to find a special service edex. Um, where are we advertising besides, uh, serving schools? >> So, um, serving schools. I know the RSU73 page puts the postings out. Um, we contact, um, friends in other districts. We, you know what I mean? We, um, a lot of it is word of mouth. We put it out to people and just say, "Hey, if you know anyone, please have them apply." And
042that's really the way we've been getting the majority of the people applying. It really hasn't been through serving schools. It's been through, hey, someone told me you needed a position filled and I'm interested. So, that's what we're hearing right now. So, we just got to keep talking about it and keep sharing post that, hey, we still need six people. Questions for Jenna? Michelle, >> thank you for be being um student supportive with regard to uh allowing them to continue when applicable uh to receive to branch from an IEP to a 504 I think is hugely helpful not only for students but also for teachers. >> Yes, I think so. >> Um I did have another question but I it did elude me now. So great. >> Oh, uh, regarding the training, I think it's particularly
043helpful because if they're hearing it from the source of what optimal what you guys would like to see, it becomes less personal and it also becomes less arbitrary or dependent on the individual teacher. I think it's helpful to have coherent communication um because they may be hearing different things from different staff and different programs >> and we all know the law changes all the time and there are updates that are made and um Sherry and I would know the most because we attend the most meetings in every single building of everyone. So we're just privy to that. So one of the things we're doing is we take a Wednesday in each building so that every edte gets the same thing the same information or the teacher gets the same information from us. So um and
044we you know we have BCBAs and other stuff that we're going to work on teaching behavioral strategies and all this other stuff too. So >> thank you Jenna. Thanks. Okay. So I really have too much other than to say I attended the policy meeting and the finance meeting this week as well as a few other meetings. Um policy we're going to do a first reading on uh ACDC coordination of federal and state law. Um, I will entertain a motion to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to one MRSA. I'm sorry. Yeah. No, my bad. Um, I will entertain a motion uh to pass the first reading of policy ACDC, coordination of federal and state law. >> Discussion. Could I request that we have this read aloud? Do you want me to
045read it? I'll happily read it. >> Uh this is the proposed policy uh code ACDC. It reads as follows. Coordination of federal and state law. It is the policy of the RSU73 board to follow all state and federal laws applicable to schools based upon executive orders issued by the president of the United States and statements made by the United States Attorney General. The board understands that title nine of the education amendments of 1972 requires that schools recognize only two sexes, biological male and biological female. The board further understands that Title 9 requires the RSU to provide athletic opportunities and private spaces for students separated by biological sex. The board is committed to bringing the RSU into compliance with Title 9 as interpreted by the President of the United States while complying with the main human
046rights act to the extent it does not conflict with federal law and to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students. Discussion Um, every time I've I we've had this conversation at this table. >> Is this better? >> It's not working. >> Oh, I've got the same same problem Scott's got. share. Very nice. Except they excuse me. How about now? >> Excellent. Every time we've had this conversation about this policy, which has been being batted around for a bit now, I have asked um the proponents whether how how to reconcile this and I have not gotten a clear answer. And at the policy meeting, I asked, is the problem that the school board does not understand how our legal system works? that Congress makes laws, that the courts interpret them, and that the executive
047branch executes, faithfully executes those laws as interpreted by the courts, or is it that they do not care? And I haven't gotten an answer on that. And I'm I'm I'm I'm really concerned that we're getting set up for um a really expensive problem. This policy violates the main main human rights act. It was interpreted by the main Supreme Court. The school district in Orino maybe 10 years ago ended up paying $75,000 plus considerable court costs to settle um to settle a discrimination case against a transgender student. And just recently a school district in Gloucester, Virginia was levied a $1.3 million fine. I don't know even the members of our community who agree with the board majority um on the issue of transgender students uh playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity if
048they really want to pony up that kind of money for this experiment. Because what's happening right now is the main human rights act has been interpreted by the Supreme Court of this state as meaning what we what it means and we're going against that. And when we do that, we're setting ourselves up to be the guinea pigs that take that court case and get to pay for all of it. And I don't I don't know that our community wants that. The other thing that I wanted to just read is uh from section six of the main school board association's handbook which should be our guide for how we make policy. It says serving on a school board is not an assignment for a rough tough high-handed individual who wants to act immediately independent of others.
049Therefore, you as an individual will participate with others in policymaking. You have to persuade, compromise, balance, and harmonize points of view. If you're develop if you are to develop wise policies for your school system, be aware that all actions of your board must adhere to law. The board must act in accordance with the statutes, obey court decisions, follow federal and state guidelines, and comply with contracts. Policym is necessarily a slow and deliberate policy. You don't ram through policies. You grow and nurture them in your private life and on your job. Perhaps you can hire and fire on the spot. Make decisions without conferring or consulting anyone. Change your mind with elacrity. Take risks with your excuse me and take risks with your money or your reputation. Service at the board of education table is nothing
050like that. It is public service. It is labor for and on behalf of children and youth and adults who want to use education as one means for reaching their goals. I sat at this table and I asked the members of the policy committee, have you spoken with transgender students who would be affected in and their allies who would be affected by this policy? And nobody said yes. The question I got was have you was actually it was have you talked with the proponents and well that seems to kind of that it it it doesn't recognize the fact that it's the proponents that are bringing this to the table. So, yes, of course, we've heard from them. We haven't heard from transgender students. Um, and and I don't think that I don't think that if I
051were a transgender student, the way this is worded and with the discussions that have gone on about it, I would absolutely not come to this table and talk about it either. Um, I have some real concerns that we're we're missing some valuable input that way. The big thing that I really want from this board is I want to know do you or do you not understand that executive orders do not have the force of law that right now as we speak the Department of Justice is suing the state of Maine to do exactly what you're trying to do and what you're doing is jumping in ahead of the court and taking us down that road with no court support. our school attorney has told us not to pursue this and the board voted to do
052it anyway. So, they provided us with a draft. And by the way, the second sentence in this draft is not a sentence. Um, which is just an aside, but I want to know, do you understand that? Do you understand what you're setting this community up for? Is that your goal to be out there in the front so that we can be the ones making the headlines and paying the bills so that everybody else can follow behind? Have you considered that it might be wiser and might be a better policy to wait and see what the courts do instead of jumping the gun? of the board comments. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I was at the policy meeting. I'm the chair of the policy meeting. Um I don't recall asking us if we had asked
053transgenders about um this policy >> the meeting before the policy meeting >> when it was right here. I don't remember you saying it there either. >> I'm sorry. >> I'll I guess I'll watch the video. What I do understand is um we have an obligation to our students, our female students, and we have an obligation to have safe places for them. Um this is based on mainly based on sports. Um and this has been part of the law since 1972. Um, we have had the attorneys look at this and they are the ones that came up with the wording for this. Um, and I feel very confident that we're doing the right thing. Our attorneys are there to protect us and help us through this. And I feel that it's up to us to protect
054our girl athletes and keep their spaces private the way they should be. >> Scott and I have reached out to the transgender community and uh offered them an opportunity to speak uh with a few of us or the entire board and they have declined. None of that answers any of my questions. The the law clearly has been interpreted by the courts in the way that you're pushing. It has they have they have they have clearly said transgender students have the right to live according to their gender identity and so yes title nine has been a thing but it has never this hasn't been an issue this is an evolving discussion and personally I feel like we really need to have a much more nuanced and involved discussion in this because it's a really difficult conversation.
055This this is this is not something that that I think um should be batted around like a football. And I feel like it kind of is. I I don't think the answer that I just got addresses the actual issue that I framed, which is, do you understand that it is not the role of a school board to coordinate state and federal law? That's just not our job. That is what courts do and it's in the court right now. and they will make that determination. I'm I'm just feeling like that whole thing is being kind of sidetracked. I mean, you're right. The the the attorneys did draft the original draft. We've we've amended it some, but they did draw that make that initial um wording, but before they did that, they told us not to do
056this. and that seems to have slipped the mind of the people who are are pushing for it. I'm really concerned about um what happens with our sports programs. You think you want to protect girls, but if we were really concerned about about protecting our student athletes, we might consider what it what position it's going to put us in with the main principles association. I mean, I've written out I' I've printed out for you if you're interested exactly what their policy says on transgender students. And if we if we choose to forfeit games, what does that do to our students? I mean, I just feel like those other stakeholders who don't who don't agree with you are not being involved in a discussion. You answered none of what I brought up. I am I'm just curious.
057Have we reached out to the MPA? Um, I know there's guidance from them, but have we reached out to the MPA to see uh what what this would do to our uh athletes um and our teams uh in reality if if the board were to adopt this policy. I spoke with the MPA and they said at the moment they're following what it says in the main human rights act, but they would not be going after our teams for what we decide to do. Um, however, if we decide not to play a team that has a transgender athlete on it, we would have to forfeit that game. And um so my my question again comes to how are we doing this in practice as far as is that our AD's responsibility to to check with that
058team if they have a transgender athlete? Is that up to our coaches? How how do do you plan how whose responsibility is that? >> I would assume it would be the athletic director has to check with the other teams. We've been told in the past when we were going to compete against other schools that had transgender athletes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I'm just seeking clarification. So what I'm understanding is that our decision does not necessarily weigh on it's like a two uh kind of a separate conversation about choosing to forfeit or not really because we're not we can't control of course other teams and their their makeup and their So if if a team on our school um had a discussion regarding that it seems like it would be separate from this policy at
059hand. It doesn't this policy reading at hand does not play into whether we forfeit or not. >> Correct. If we were faced with a different team and whatever they're doing, >> not from what I'm reading in the policy, it doesn't say anything about what other teams do. We cannot control what other teams do, >> right? And so therefore, us choosing to forfeit is is separate from the policy rating. >> It's a separate case or issuer. Yes. Okay. You've heard me before and you know how I feel, but I have to go there again. And 98% of what I'm going to say this evening is based on fact. 2% will be based on my beliefs and values and opinion. It's a fact. As of this date, there is an ongoing court case between the federal DOJ
060and the state of Maine about whether an executive order overrules the laws of a state. This case is in its earliest stages discovery which isn't not scheduled to be completed until the middle of December. A fact the contracted legal counsel for our district as well as outside legal counsel sought by this board both agree this issue will likely go to the US Supreme Court before a final ruling is rendered. Until that time, we're legally correct by following our present policy, which recognizes Maine state law. It's a fact that the proposed policy before this board will place us in direct violation of Maine law. If this proposed policy is adopted and one student is denied participation in a sport because of the wording in this proposed policy, this district and its taxpayers will be subject to
061legal and financial consequences. Our insurance that protects us from the financial responsibility will not cover these costs as this policy is a violation of main law. The burden at that point will be placed on the taxpayers. Fact the propo who oh where was I? Proposed yeah every director on this board swore an oath when of when they took office to represent this school district. That oath as noted in M MRS title 20- A se uh item 1471 says I include name do swear that I will faithfully discharge to the best of my abilities the duties incumbent on me as a regional school unit board director of RSU73 according to the constitution of Maine and the laws of this state. It's a fact. The word oath means according to Miriam Webster dictionary in law an oath
062is a solemn formal declaration or promise to a higher power or to the court that one will tell the truth, perform a duty faithfully or uphold a principle. It creates a binding commitment that can lead to the crime of perjury if knowingly violated. Oaths are given by witnesses in court, by individuals taking public office, or by those seeking citizenship. The part that's my personal belief or my values, my opinion. In order to exercise my oath of office, which requires me to act in accordance with the Constitution of Maine and the laws of this state, I cannot choose to approve a policy that violates Maine law. My personal beliefs and values and conscience do not allow me to knowingly break a law. I made a promise to uphold. This decision is going to be decided by
063the court this whole case and I'll follow my same oath that I took and approve any policy changes that are in accordance with that court decision. When that time comes, I'm hoping that you will choose to uphold your off oath of office as well and to vote to uphold the law of the state of Maine. Any other board comments? Okay, we have a motion on the table to approve the first reading of ACDC, Coordination of Federal and State Law. All those in favor, >> may I request a roll call? >> Certainly. Go ahead. Roll call, Laura, please. >> Yes. >> No. >> Yes. >> No. Yes. >> Motion carries. >> I'd like a motion to enter into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to 1 MRSA 4056A. >> All those in favor?
064Opposed? Okay. >> Uh, we have personnel appointments on your pink sheet and our next meeting is October 9th. I will accept a motion to adjourn. All those in favor. >> Thank you everybody.