001There she is. Okay. >> Sorry about that, folks. >> Wow, that's loud. >> That's too loud. >> Um, >> Laura, are you okay with attendance? >> No one. Nope. Um, I'd like to uh offer a moment of silence uh in honor of 911 for all those people 24 years ago that lost their lives. Thank you. Uh we have a couple of adjustments to the agenda. Um 6.5 the um Spruce Mountain Middle School requests permission for seventh graders to attend Camp Kiev and we will not be doing 16.1 the superintendent's evaluation. Um I'll explain that a little later. Um I'd like approval for the school board minutes from August 21st school board meeting. Any emissions? >> All those in favor? >> All those opposed. >> Did you Sarah abstained? >> One abstension. >> Yeah. Uh, communications.
002Spruce Mountain High School outdoor field trip. Good evening. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak tonight. Um, at the last meeting, we had discussed the outdoor club and I had told you that I had been in in contact with the main Hudson Trails program. Um we have uh signed up for a trip that will take place on September 27th and 28th at the Flagstaff hut which is um basically on the eastern end of uh Flagstaff Lake. Um we currently have roughly 20 students signed up. Um where we can take up to 45. We would have the lodge all by ourselves. Um, thanks to the generous donations of a couple of of companies, and I apologize I don't have those right in front of me. I believe Rayor, uh, Andrew Goen Savings Bank, and
003a third one. Uh, what was it? >> Yeah, I believe I believe so. Um, so I apologize for that. Um, we're going to go in on Saturday morning. where to leave school. Uh in the morning we're going to go we're going to park at the trail head on Longf Falls Dam Road. Um we'll hike in. It's going to be an outdoor experience. So if anybody has ever seen the huts or know about the huts, they are basically glamping at its finest in the middle of nowhere. Um it's a a large log cabin. They have a commercial kitchen. Um they have bunk houses. They have um composting toilets. Everything's run on solar power. So, we'll go in, we'll um get ourselves into bunks. They'll give us a tour of the facility so the kids can learn
004about the the processes that are taking place um within their facility and how they run it. And then we're going to do things like wilderness first aid and orientering map and compass um shelter building, fire building should the fire danger go down a little bit and it's safe for us to do so. Um and then um we'll talk about trip planning and so it'll all be kind of surrounding outdoor um education. Um and then they'll have some free time. They have some canoes there. They can fish. There are several trails that we'll take them hiking on. Right now we have four chaperones. Myself, Mr. Dooka, who's the outdoor club adviser, um Mr. House, and um Miss Norris, who's one of the teachers here. They're both teachers here at the high school. Um, so, uh, we'll
005stay there overnight. We'll get up in the morning. We'll culminate with a an activity. We usually like to do like a poker run where the kids have to use their map and compass skills and their wilderness first aid skills and go to a certain point based on a compass bearing. Um, perform a task when they're there and then have a card, a set of cards. So, they take a card out and try to create the best poker hand. Um and then when they get done, um that group will get some sort of a a prize. Um we'll end up cleaning um the facility and then we will hike back out and be back here sometime early afternoon, probably between 12:00 1:00 on Sunday the 28th. So >> questions for Mark. >> Tina, how far do
006you have to hike in? It's well the Flagstaff hut is the really good one because it's not really a hike. It's a walk. Um it's kind of a little bit like this. It's an old logging road. Um it's about a mile and a half so it's not too bad at all. And we'll we'll carry in all of our gear that they're going to be taking in and also we'll carry in all the food because we're cooking for ourselves that weekend. >> Other questions for Mark? I will entertain a motion to allow the outdoor club to go on their field trip. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> All those opposed? Motion carries. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. uh review of the bid for the 2006 GMC 25000 with dump
007body. >> Good evening. How is everyone? >> Good. Um we um only received one bid for the uh 2006 GMC 2500 dump truck. Well, it's a dump has a dump insert with a plow. Um, I believe everyone I hopefully got the one and only bid of $722. So, I'm asking the school board to accept the bid so we can have that taken care of tonight. >> Questions for Wayne? >> That's more than you thought you'd get. >> Yes, a lot more than I thought that I would get. Yeah, we that that was the uh so obviously when when we have something here at the school, we we use it until it's it's done till the end. So it will will not pass inspection. It's been we use it around the grounds here because it can't
008go on on any roads or anything, but it's it's time. It's it's going to fall apart. So I'm surprised it's I'm surprised the tires are still on it. It is asis, where is no warranty guarantee. They have five days to haul it off from the property. So, >> I will entertain a motion to accept the $722 bid. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> All those opposed? Motion carries. >> Thank you all. Have a great night. Uh, presentation by Chris Boddwin and Karen Wesen. >> Wessen. the pamphlet that you were all given uh she created. So I I'll probably go I'll go over that a little bit. So I I guess what uh prompted uh this this evening, Mr. Albert, Mr. Florida asked me to present tonight on uh course offerings or uh
009that that we have here at the high school with a with a concern I guess of uh whether our students were meeting prerequisites at specifically Central Maine Community College or community colleges in general or just colleges or whether they're getting into Central Main Community College. Uh, I just want you to know that I've been here seven years and I've had a ve we've had a very very good relationship with Central Main Community College that whole seven years I've been here and I know it is it was established way before that. Uh, I'm on a firstname basis with Rosie Morrow who's our embark and also admissions uh officer at Central Main Community College. She and I communicate several times a year. Um, we've never had an issue with students going into Central Maine Community College if
010or any of the community colleges in Maine. If you have a transcript with a graduation date on it, you have your all your immunizations up to date and you don't have a criminal record, you can go to a community college in Maine. So, they have a 100% acceptance rate if you fulfill those requirements from my understanding. So I believe where some of the confusion might have come in is that if there are nursing students, if you specifically want to be a nursing student, you would enter Central Main Community College. Again, if you graduate, we've never I've never had anyone not be accepted to a community college. You would enter the health professions oneyear certificate. when you enter that certificate, you meet the prerequisites to be ready to go into the nursing program. So, the nursing
011program at I think anywhere, and Central Main Community College is no exception, is very competitive. So, they have 400 applicants a year for their nursing program. Uh they had 60 seats in the fall and 50 seats in the spring. So therefore, you have a lot of students that applied at CM and probably other nursing schools that don't get in. That's not because of anything we didn't do. It's because those students have to be prepared to go in. There's a lot of non-traditional students that have experience in other courses that apply for those nursing jobs. So, you're you're looked at equally across the board. But as far as entering our students into any community college in Maine, that's not an issue. Like we had 15 enter last year. We had 23 enter this year. Uh just
012for kicks, we had 26 students enter a four-year college in 2024 and we had 30 students enter college a four-year college in 2025. So, I think we've got a 51% uh enrollment rate in college after graduation in 24 and a 66% in 20 in 25. So, Mrs. Wasin and I, Karen Wasin, we work really, really, really hard starting their junior year. We have junior interviews. What do you want to do? We talk to them. We're we're getting ready once things settle down with AD drop and all the courses that are going on here. We talk to these kids about financial aid. I'll be setting up a financial aid night. Uh what do you want to do? We help with the application process. We get them on the common app. We do all sorts of things
013to get these kids ready as specifically as far as the courses that we have here. If there's students that want to go to end engineering, we really we really promote them to do calculus, to do the high level maths. um if there's someone wants to go into nursing, we have them do uh Mr. Baker's anatomy and physiology class so that they're prepared for anatomy and physiology one with a lab when they go to health professions and an anatomy and physiology 2 with a lab when they go into the health professions. Um I think there was also maybe a little confusion or a question around uh concurrent enrollments. So what a concurrent enro enrollment class is is that so we have a we would have a high school teacher that would teach a class that they've
014signed up with with CMCC or UMF or UMA or O or Oro and uh teach that class kind of for the college. So the student enrolled for the full year like in college level physics with Rob Taylor. He's teaching that here at school but also teaching that for the kids at um for for so when they get done their one year they will get three credits from for physics. So the same thing goes for Karen Wasakin teaches a two credit uh college enrollment class like getting ready for college. That's through the University of Maine Oro. Those students when they're done will get two credits. Uh Kim Bryant teaches a computer science principles course through the University of Maine Augusta. They'll get three credits at the end of the year. And then there's there's one other
015course that's uh that Rob actually environmental science Rob Taylor through. So that's worth three college credits. But if there's if we have anything in our power and a student says, "I want to be a nurse. I want to be an engineer. I want to be a mechanic." Whatever it is, we're we're trying to set those students up as best as we can. And we're having these conversations with kids all the time, even as early as sophomore year when we have the, you know, ASVAB group that comes in here. They, we have all our sophomore students do the ASVAB test. It's a college and career readiness test or uh assessment battery as they call it. And those students uh those tests do not go to the military as sophomores. They're too young for that. If they
016want to go into the military, they take the ASVAB again. But the the mil the the ASVAB group has set up a a program that those students can have for two years. It's free of charge to us and they can look and and kind of peruse that. It looks at different universities, different career tracks. So, we offer that. We offer the PSAT, the SAT for sophomores and juniors, the the NMSQT, the National Merit Scholarship uh qualifying test. So, we have all these opportunities that we try to push kids and and I'm kind of talking about things on this pamphlet here as we're going through. So, if you're following along, I'm not following the pamphlet, but uh so the we have these college the college courses. So, a student uh uh that graduated uh that's going
017to graduate uh like in June, it's kind of 30 credits, 30 college credits they could have gotten uh in high school. And that's open basically we start advertising that their sophomore year. So, if a student is highly motivated, and we had one two years ago that graduated from here for with 30 college credits, they can get their first year done. Uh that's no longer the case, unfortunately, after the class of 2027. The free courses are done uh after 18 credits. So, they can get six free, they could still get six free classes. So, uh, there there's lots of opportunities for kids to do things like that. I also want to say that even though, you know, nursing school is very competitive, going back to nursing and and that it can be hard, uh, we do
018have a student right now that graduated in 2024 who's in the CMCC nursing program. We have had graduates from the CMCC nursing program in the last 5 years. And also this community is so generous in the state of Maine folks um that really you could go to a four-year University of Maine school right now with and if you get the Worthington scholarship, the John Shabbat scholarship, which are both good for four years, and the Tritown medical scholarship if you're interested in nursing, you or PMed or biology, you can almost get through college with little to no debt. My daughter is a testament to that. She's a senior right now. She took advantage of all three of those, all four years of college. And yeah, she does have a full-time job in the summer and a
019part-time in the in the winter to help pay her rent and stuff, but she has definitely gone tuition free because of of this stuff, which was premed. And you can get a nursing degree. Uh once you're in the nursing program at a four-year school, you're in, right? They're going to do your prerexs. They're going to get you into your nursing degree as long as you pass everything and do what you're supposed to do. So, uh I don't know. Did I cover everything on the pamphlet >> or >> questions for Chris? >> Yes. Any questions? Yeah. >> Thank you, Chris, for going over this. Yeah. >> Um just two questions that I have. Um because these are students, have have you ever explored having a student parent meeting so that you know as guidance counselors you're
020telling our students that are 15, 16, and 17 about their future. And yeah, I can >> be almost sure most of that does not come home. >> Um which could have caused some of this confusion. >> Sure. um with the question >> at hand. Yeah. So, >> is that something I mean, it's just I guess it's a question and a comment together. >> Um, >> yeah, >> that it would be certainly helpful, I'm sure, for many parents to hear what you're saying right now as it is for me. Um, even I've never seen this pamphlet and I have a senior so that's sort of concerning. But, um, so that would be one thing. And then the other thing is um do we offer as a school district incentives for teachers to do dual enrollment? Because
021I do know that at other schools there's a lot more dual enrollment classes for kids to take like those English 101s that sort of push them a little bit forward. >> Okay. >> Do we know? >> I don't believe there's incentives. No. >> Or because they want to >> I can explain that. It's not part of our contract, but it is voluntary for teachers to um come and be a part of that. So, we do, you know, let people know that there's options for this. Yeah. >> Um but it's totally up to the teacher because it's not part of our contract. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So, something maybe to consider for future contracts. >> It does actually take a lot more work for that teacher. >> Oh, I bet. >> You know, so there
022are some teachers and there are some teachers that want to get into it. Yeah, understand. >> Yeah. And uh as far as your first comment, um we we have had the fast night. We we have had those informative evenings before. Uh probably should get into a routine of that to be quite honest and we can offer that again. Um so yeah, for whatever reason, I think it was probably the COVID shift and all of that stuff. So probably since then I remember early on we did have when I was here first year or so but then co happened and >> so probably got out of the habit but you know yeah and you you don't know what you don't know that's true uh but I would invite anybody to please ask questions I mean we're
023we're here you know 3540 hours a week so you you could call at any time and if if you get information that doesn't sound right I would ask you to please you know ask questions, you know, give us a call to find out. Like if something sounds off, I would say, you know, please, you know, ask cuz we we do have this stuff. Yeah, we do tell the kids, but yeah, you're right. Stuff doesn't get home all the time. Absolutely. Yeah. >> And just a comment, I mean, I truly asked the question um last meeting. It was nothing that I was trying to, you know, go behind the scenes or anything. I consider board meetings a time to ask questions and that's why I asked the question because it had been going out in the
024community. So, I appreciate you bringing all this information to us. I bet if anybody watches this YouTube, they'll learn something. And I would just encourage more parents to know about what is available for students because college is expensive and if they can get something in high school if they're already on that track that really will lessen the burden. >> So it probably be help to even right to advertise communicate the the early college courses, you know, we do tell the students and right we could do it we can always do a better job at that. Yeah, absolutely. Any other questions? >> Chris. >> Oh, Eva. >> Chris, I just wanted to formally thank you guys because I think um I went through the process not too long ago. Um, scholarship wise, I've talked with a
025lot of other um, nursing students and just classmates on my campus, and I think Spruce Mountain does a really good job um, sending out information about scholarships, just pushing out the information. Whatever the students do with that information is really up to them, but I think you guys do a good job about it and it brings a lot of opportunities to the students. So, I just wanted to thank you personally. >> Yeah. Oh, well, thank you. Thank you. I think another thing that uh just from this I think that's helpful that I just learned I think is that we can we can add parents onto these emails because we pepper the kids with scholarship stuff all the time. So, I think we'll try to work with it and we'll be peppering you too. How about
026that? Okay. What's that? >> Oh, hi. >> Hi there. >> I have a comment then a couple questions. The first comment is I'm very glad you have the >> uh armed service vocational aptitude battery test because I >> took that 50 years ago and I realized there was a great gap in the knowledge I had that required me to focus in the world and uh it was a great boost for students to find out what skills they did have that could continue on. Uh the questions I got and I don't expect answers now because this you know if you can give me something roughly off the top of your head um what percentage of students do you expect to have training beyond high school and of those that do go beyond do you know the
027completion rate of those that get out there and have we prepared them properly and I don't expect an answer now but >> yeah we >> could get that information back to us possibly. >> Yeah we can try. Yeah, I mean we we've got the the ones that go on to training like and what if they actually like complete it. That's what you're wondering. It's a good question. Yeah. And we don't always have a way to track the kids. I mean, a lot of it's anecdotal honestly. Like we hear about a lot and uh but we we could try to get some anecdotal data probably. >> Yeah. >> It's just more curiosity than anything. I don't need the hard numbers, but just >> Well, yeah, we can always >> Are we preparing the kids and are
028they successful once they leave here? >> I think that's what parents and the students are looking for. Have we got a shot at being competitive and can we make something of it once we leave? >> Yeah, absolutely. Anyone else? >> Other questions for Chris? >> Thank you. Spruce Mountain Middle School uh requests permission for the seventh graders to attend Camp Kiev. >> Good evening. Um so I'm here officially to ask for the students to be able to attend Camp Kiev October 14th uh to the 16th for two nights and three days. This is our believe our fifth year going to Kiev. It started as a as a one-day program and then uh we were they were gracious enough to let us stay a night and do two days and now uh for the last three
029years we uh this will be our third year we've uh been able to work with them on some funding and get the camp for uh two uh for two nights and three days and the the kids get to work on a lot of do reflect process and apply type of situations. Um they work on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision- making uh all while while they're there. Plus, they get to have a great food and be outside and um a lot of actual physical activities and teamwork activities that they that they get to do. So, >> questions for Chris. >> 87 I think in the seventh grade this year. Yep. Um that and that'd be our smallest class that we've brought so far. >> Elaine, >> Chris, if you could move closer
030to the microphone. I've heard a lot of comments from people trying to watch our movie our meetings after that. Either the microphones are not turned on or we're not close enough to hear them. I'm a big mouth. People are going to hear me, but if everybody would be conscious of that, the public wants to be informed. Um, I just want to say the Kiev program, it's amazing. It's been around since my kids were in high school. They both learned leadership skills that were so important >> uh at that level and they did it in middle school and in high school. Um, it's a fabulous program. So, any kids that get to go to this, and I would 100% support this for everybody. It's wonderful. Thank you. I I wish we could do it for the
031full week, but but the amount of money >> the staff that that >> Yeah. And the staff has well because I know it's a big commitment, but the kids get a ton out of it >> and I have not seen a kid come back not happy. You know, they've love it and have had fun and even the ones that are like, I don't want to go. Now they're coming back like, oh my god, I want to go back. That was that was it was great time. So >> other questions for Chris? Thank you. I would entertain a motion to allow the seventh graders to attend camp Kiev October 14th to October 16th. >> Discussion. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed. Motion passes. >> Thank you, >> Elaine. uh public comment.
032Uh you will be allowed three minutes. I ask you to please address your comments directly to me. And we're going to start with Linda Dean. Good evening. My name is Linda Dean and I'm from Livermore. As I've stated in previous meetings, I'm deeply concerned about the proposed policy ACDC coordinating federal and state law and the influence of preents rights in education. PRI is not a local community-based effort. It's an outside organization funded by right-wing billionaire interests. No one in our towns was asking for this. It is being pushed on us and unfortunately too many members of this board have been coerced into treating it as if it came from our community. I've also heard claims that President Trump's executive order no on two sexes is law and override state laws. That is simply not true.
033Under Article One of the United States Constitution, only Congress can make laws. A presidential executive order is not a law. An executive order is guidance to federal agency. It cannot write state statutes, erase local policies, or overrule constitutional protections. Here in Maine, the Maine Human Rights Act is a law, and it explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. That is the law that governs our schools, not a presidential directive from Washington DC. And if an executive order conflicts with existing law, it is up to the court, not the president, to decide if it stands. This board has a duty to follow the law. When you were sworn in, you took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of this state. That oath is to the people of RSU73, not to
034outside political groups and not to billionaires trying to impose their agenda. Ignoring Maine law in favor of misinformation or outside pressure, is a betrayal of that oath. And let's be clear, passing a policy that conflicts with main law like the Human Rights Act, will not only put vulnerable students at risk, it could also expose this district to lawsuits. That means taxpayer money wasted on legal battles instead of going into classrooms where it belongs. As the policy committee takes this up, I urge them to recommend that it not move forward. Reject it now before it advances any further and keep our schools focused on education, not politics. Thank you, >> Erica Greenleaf. >> Hi. Um, as some of you guys may know, um, I have a row of high school wrestlers and some younger that are
035here behind us. Um, recently a decision was made to hire a high school wrestling coach that was different than our middle school coach and the one who originally brought wrestling to this community, to this school. Um, and we are here to have a discussion with the board as to make things right. And we know that you guys are not the ones that hired, but we just want to make it clear that our community um is looking for I'm not going to call it a wrong, but we're looking to write something that deserves that right. Um so Mike Danforth has been a wrestling coach here in our community for um close to 10 years now. Um and we have strongly bonded as a family. We came here on February 8th, 2024 and sat in front of
036the board, myself, Mike, and others included, to bring this sport to this school to where we succeeded and we got our med middle school wrestling team. This year, it comes to the high school for the very first year. I believe that coach Mike Danforth deserves the position as head coach on that team, as do our family behind us. Um, super nervous. This makes me emotional because that's what wrestling does to me. I help coach our wrestling team. Yes, we just removed ourselves from the area youth sports name. Um, but we also created a Spruce youth wrestling team to continue the Spruce name from early on into middle and high school. Um, and basically I could keep talking forever about this, but we have a family behind us who are ready to do that. And I'm
037here to say as an assistant and a volunteer because I don't mind not getting paid for helping these kids because this is just what we do. Um that Mike Danforth deserves this position and I'd love to see this writed. And I'm going to quote myself and this is it from our article last year when this was posted after our February 8th board meeting. um that it is a family and once you are a part of it, you never lose that for the rest of your life and that will be made clear tonight. Thank you, >> Megan Lis. I apologize if I'm not saying that right. >> You said it right. >> Good evening um members of the board. My name is Megan Lischnes and I'm a community member living in Jay. Um I'm here to
038speak on the behalf of Coach Mike Danforth. Um Coach Danforth is the foundation of our wrestling program. He has built it from the ground up at AYS and has instilled essential values such as confidence, um leadership, and teamwork in our kids. His dedication has strengthened our middle school program and he successfully coached these um athletes including our um my own son uh last season. He is the best choice to lead them into high school wrestling. Our wrestlers and their families clearly recognize that coach Danforth has developed relationships and trust that this uh community and program needs. He invests countless hours not only into training but also into mentoring our kids, teaching them discipline and resilience. I want to highlight a recent experience. A few weeks ago, the football coach um I believe his name is
039Coach Smith was recruiting wrestlers and made a discouraging remark to my son who has excelled in wrestling and won three state uh titles under coach Danfor's guidance. When my son said that he was a better wrestler than a football player, the coach told him in high school, uh, it's >> Megan. >> Oh, sorry. I'm going to stop you. I I don't want you to disparage the name of anybody. >> I I was just if you want to speak on on Mr. Danforth, you're welcome to, but >> Okay. All right. Um well, we've seen Coach Danfor's commitment um from the very beginning despite facing personal challenges. He has remained dedicated to our kids and this program. Um and it would just be it would be unjust to allow someone else to take his place. Now, additionally,
040um I want to bring your attention that many of us parents took the initiative to write to the athletic director, Mr. Keller, requesting that coach Danforth be hired for this position. Uh, unfortunately, we did not receive any response before the decision was made to hire Coach Smith. Uh, this lack of communication has left us feeling frustrated and unheard. Uh, we kindly ask the board to recognize Coach Danforth's dedication and allow him to continue leading the wrestling program he has built. Thank you. Cassandra Reed. Writing's a little rough, huh? Um, I'm here today not just as a concerned parent, but as a member of the community that has watched something special grow from the ground up, only to see it potentially dismissed in a way that feels unjust, disheartening, and deeply respectful, disrespectful. Mike Danforth has
041been the driving force behind the wrestling program in Jay. For years, he has brought his passion to the youth of this community. Starting from scratch to build a program rooted in discipline, perseverance, and confidence. He didn't wait for resources to be handed to him. He found mats, secured practice spaces, coached without fanfare, and rearranged his life to create opportunities for our children. The idea of a school sanctioned team was his vision and he worked tirelessly to lay the foundation. First with AYS, then organizing a middle school team as a stepping stone to the high school program. But Mike's role has never just been about wrestling. He invests in these students as people. He checks in on their schoolwork, their home lives, their mental health. He builds them up when life is hard and holds them
042accountable when they fall short. Not just to make them better athletes, but better human beings. He teaches them that who they are off the mat matters just as much as who they are on it. I've seen this impact firsthand with my own daughter. Being part of this program has done wonders to build her confidence. She found her voice, gained the courage to put herself out there, and discovered a strength in herself that extends far beyond the wrestling mat. These are lessons and opportunities she would not have had without Mike's dedication and guidance. These athletes are more than just teammates. They're a family. And Mike is undeniably their leader, their mentor, and the heart of what has become a cornerstone of youth athletics. And Jay, to suddenly remove him from the equation, to rob him of
043the opportunity to coach these kids on their high school team, the team that he envisioned and built, and to give them give that role to someone else without the transparency or regard for his years of service is unacceptable. It sends a demoralizing message to the students, to the parents, and to anyone who values dedication in grassroots community building. Worse still, it tells these young athletes that their trust can be broken and that the man who has shown up for them year after year is somehow replaceable. Passing this team off to another coach is not just a questionable administrative decision. It's a betrayal. It's akin to stealing credit for someone else's creation, erasing the work of the person who built something from nothing, and handing off to someone who did not earn it. We urge the
044board to reconsider this decision and to name Mike as head coach of the high school wrestling team. He is not just the most qualified candidate, he is the only candidate. He earned this position through years of selfless work, leadership, and genuine care for our children. Thank you, >> Jessica Keane. >> Hi, I'm Jess Keane from Liverour. I am here to request that the school board revoke the decision on the newly hired individual for the Spruce Mountain High School wrestling coach position and instead hire the well-qualified Michael Danforth who has been the current wrestling coach for this community and district. >> When my family moved to this area three years ago, we signed up for the AYs wrestling program. Very quickly, my son felt a strong attachment with this group and learned more about sportsmanship, team
045building, camaraderie, and a true sense of belonging. While with this wrestling team, this is not easily taught. And it has everything to do with the way Mr. Danforth coaches his team. He teaches them to do their best, have strong sportsmanship, and look out for each other on top of teaching them strong and ethical wrestling moves. Watching the wrestling team over these last few years, the team has created a name for themselves in the wrestling community by getting more established, more involved, more teammates, and now recently getting introduced into the school district. All thanks to Mr. Danfor's vigorous efforts. This wrestling group is not only a tight-knit team, but they are also a family. Mr. Danfor has inspired these youths to be their best and to be there for each other, whether it be on the
046mat, in school, or in the community. Apart from wrestling, when my son decided to play soccer for the middle school last year, he did not join because of a love for the sport, but because Mr. Danforth was going to be the coach. It is also at the point that my daughter, who has never been on a team with Mr. Danforth, thoroughly enjoys seeing coach Mike and will draw pictures for him or chat with him. He is loved by many students, whether they have been on his team or not. I have personally seen him be a confidant for any of the kids having a bad day or even struggling with life situations, my son included. He has been a muchneeded role model and positive influence for many of them, including the at risk kids. His coaching
047style and personality keeps kids wanting to continue sports with them, which is truly important for being a great coach. Since hearing the news, my son has been having a difficult time and has even considered quitting sports if he cannot have coach Mike as his coach. However, Coach Mike has also taught him to never give up. So, he will persevere. Someone would have loved to be here in support of Mr. Danforth, but wanted to support his soccer team for the first game, the soccer team that is coached by Mr. Danforth himself. I ask that you consider what I have said and consider the amount of support letters the athletic director received on behalf of Mr. Danforth. I asked how many support letters were provided for this other individual. How many times has this other individual brought
048his wrestling team to states? How many times has this other individual instilled sheer confidence individually into each player on and off the mat or field? I also ask, have you considered the impact of the kids on this wrestling team on removing the coach that they have had since day one, especially as their sport gets even more competitive and challenging for high school level sports? >> Thank you. Sorry. Thank you, >> Zoe Fington. [Music] Hello. Um, good evening everyone. My name is Zoe and I live in Jay and I'm here because I deeply care about the future of my brother's wrestling career. Coach Michael isn't just a coach. He's the reason the wrestling team even exists. He built this program from the ground up, investing his time, heart, and energy into every single athlete. He does
049he didn't just teach wrestling. He taught discipline, teamwork, and confidence that carried them beyond the mat. While the athletic director may have many responsibilities, no one knows this program or these kids like Coach Michael does. He has experienced the passion and the trust of the athletes and families who seen first and what he's built. If we want our wrestling team to grow, succeed, and truly thrive, we need a leader who has already proven the dedication. The leader is Coach Michael. I strongly urge you to consider bringing him back, not just for the team, but the future for our athletes. And one last thing I'd like to add to the athletic director, I want you to know it isn't about him, but everything about our athletes. Thank you for your time. Aya Tippet Hello, my name
050is Aya Tibbitz and I haven't had Mike as a coach for very long, but I've had many positive experiences with him. In the short time that we had a middle school team for, there was 30 some odd teams in our division and we placed 11 within the state. I came back in February, two weeks, well, in my eighth grade year, two weeks into the wrestling season. I didn't even know Spruce had a team until multiple people came up to me asking me to join. I walked into the room and I saw Mike. He was different from most of my coaches. Probably a lot better if I had to say so. >> Thank you. I went to Mountain Valley before this. I'm sorry. I'm really nervous. Um, I went to Mountain Valley before this and to
051them I was just another body on the mat. But to coach Mike, everything mattered because we were his athletes. He never saw a kid as a bad kid. Just a kid who has done bad things. No matter what you did, he was on your side. I'm not going to say a name, but there was one kid who did not have an amazing home life, messing around in school, but Mike was always there for him and always said he had his back. I have also royally messed up and have and have he has never held it against me. He knew we were just tra kids trying to figure out life. Without Mike, I still if without Mike, I would not want to wrestle anymore and I'd be so much worse off. Mike has taught us more
052than just wrestling, but confidence, perseverance, and dedication. He's always there to pick us up when we need it. Again, I'm sorry. I'm really nervous, but um thank you. >> Thank you. >> It's okay, right? It's okay. >> Thank you guys. You're good. [Applause] Gage Hughes. >> Hi. Um, I'm just here to say that I think that everybody here would love and want Coach Mike to come back because he has raised us from when we were down, not just from wrestling, but from just our lives. And he's not just a coach, he's also a father to all of us. That's all I want to say. David Henry. I started wrestling um last year and when I walked in I thought that there was no way I was going to win or anything. Coach Mike um changed
053that and I won nine out of 20 of my matches. [Music] You're good. Sit. Okay. [Applause] I know this isn't easy, but we're not we're not uh the enemy. We we're here to listen to whatever you have to say. So, please try to feel comfortable with with us. We want to hear what you have to say. Okay. Stephen Moore. Hello. My name is Stephen Moore. Um, son of Megan Lioness. And I've started wrestling a couple years ago. And actually, before I did, I was very shy. And I wouldn't be the person I am right now without Coach Mike. He's taught me confidence. He's taught me to be respectful to others. And he's taught me many more that I can't think of right now. He and you can see how he affected our team by how
054they cry when he's because he's not our coach. Everyone's called him coach Mike because he is our coach to us. He's been our coach since middle school since last year. the kid who went I a he us and it's hard for me to speak right now because it's just hard to think that there'll be another coach instead of him. Everyone that's had him and is going to go if this coach ends up getting the position they're going to think it's not the same because it won't be. He's our coach and we're all students and isn't the team for students? So the students opinion should matter. We've decid Mike. He has to. It's not about the other coach and if he's bad or anything. It's that we know our coach and how he's a good coach.
055He's helped me through things, not just wrestling. He helped me when I did soccer. He helped me outside of even sports. And he's helped plenty of others. I bet you they can tell you a similar story. So, please just think about having Coach Mike as our coach. [Applause] Arabella Hazen. I started wrestling last year during 8th grade and I never thought that I would continue the sport with it being a physical contact sport, but Coach Mike has changed that completely and um [Music] I probably wouldn't be doing wrestling this year if he would not be the coach because it would be way too different learning how another coach would coach. And I just want to say how he has changed our lives for the better. If you were failing a class, grades came first. And
056he would always ha have us work on our work first. And once we had finished all that we were missing, then we would continue practicing. And wrestling has been so fun ever since. And I would love to continue the sport if coach Mike would be the coach for the high school. [Applause] Alina Porer. Uh, I'm Alina Porer and I started wrestling last year and we didn't have a team here at the school, but um I was overjoyed to hear when there was a team that started at this school that I could join. And I'm happy to see that there was a coach that had a bond with all of my uh teammates and classmates. And it just breaks my heart to see that we are going to lose him and like the bond we had
057with him. I don't know. [Applause] >> Michael Danforth, >> I have a question. I have another parent that signed in late. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Good evening everybody. I feel like they've all spoken. Can you guys hear me? I got a big mouth. I apologize if I'm too loud. Let me know. I'll back up. They've spoken. You can see it. You can hear it. And I hope that you can feel it. The most important part of all of this is the family that we have built. Built. We built that. Mike built that. He brought out the trust that these kids did not have prior to stepping on those mats. Going out there oneon-one on the mat there oneon-one. It's all on them. But you have that man right there who's on the corner of
058Matt Matt from the second that they step on until the second step off. It doesn't matter if it's a win or a lose. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. I say that to say this. I have known Mike for 20 plus years. I have three sons. All three of them has wrestled for Mike. My oldest is now 30. I called him last night to tell him what was going on. He has written an email and sent it to all of you. Um there are a lot of children, all three of mine included, who didn't have anything else. Didn't have anyone else. Mike was there. He was the big brother. He was that father figure. Not because we asked him to, but because he just automatically filled that spot that those kids need with the girls
059as well. He just was that big profound being. He's safety. A lot of kids don't have that. Again, I speak of my own. They've got me. I'm really not all that mean. I'm not all that tough. However, we've all been kids. I don't know how many of you guys played sports, were on a team, but I had a coach. I had a lot of coaches. I played a lot of sports, but I had one coach that had me no matter what. No matter what I did, and I wasn't the best student because I was loud and I like to have fun and this that and the other. And school was not I didn't care about my grades until this coach said to me, "You do have this. You've got this. You don't have to be
060like everybody else. Do you?" I say that to say this. Mike has all of these students, all of these wrestlers, and he knows them on their level. Could you imagine having all of these? I have six kids. That's a lot. He's got all of these guys and girls, and he knows them all on a personal level. Again, he's done this without asking for money, without asking for a pat on the back, without asking for anything other than let me continue to build what I have already built. Let me continue. And I ask all of you all to think about your own experiences as a student, as an athlete when you were of this age, how important it was. All of you who have had children, same thing. I ask you to consider that when making
061a decision. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Hello everyone. I am Coach Michael Danforth. Hopefully you heard my family speak. I am going to pass this folder around. It has some good information in it about my qualifications and about all the extra classes I take. Um, I'm going to pass it around. I'm not going to lie, this has been a very emotional week. I was told on the way back from my father's husbing job. Um, and last year when I came or two years ago now and I asked for the middle school spot and I expressed the vision of this program, uh, a former athletic director here had my back, Craig Collins. I do not feel I have the support of the current staff. I have given everything to
062this program. I want to thank my wife for letting me do that, Katie Danforth. I want to thank my student athletes because that's what they are. They're not just athletes. I make sure they are students first. And I know you can't do the hiring process or maybe you can. I don't know. Is I was given a 15 20 minute interview before my soccer practice and I have a soccer player here that came to support me after his game. They told me to skip it, to come here and stick up for the high ground, to stick up for myself, to not be bullied. So that's why I'm here. I wasn't going to do this. They made me. I I was licking my wounds. But I'm here. And I'm asking for one thing, a reinter with two
063members of the board and the other people that interviewed me so that I can have a fair shot. I don't know if you can do it. I don't know if you want to do it, but I made a community of wrestlers and I tried to bring it into this community of Jay and Livermore Falls. Will you stand with me and support this reinterview process? I am I am saddened that it had to come to this. So, I don't know how I will get an answer. I don't know if you are able to give me an answer today. um is all I know is recruitment was going on before the interview process was done. So I want to thank my athletes, my student athletes, the board, the chair. I will say this, if I if this
064goes bad, I will resign as the middle school wrestling coach and soccer coach because if the community won't stand with me, I need to stand for myself. Thank you. >> Thank you. Aaron Payne. Hi. Can you hear me? Okay. I am a resident of Jay and I am a mother, a grandmother, a friend and a relative of people in Jay Livermore in Lmore Falls. My hearts my heart is with every heart, every citizen in our towns. And I talked with Tanya just before. I didn't know if what I want to say would have would be of any future value. I do want to talk about I am happy the changes that are happening um in our curriculum and I am a conservative and uh I believe in the changes that are happening and I give
065an example of my own experience. Um, as a tween, we didn't even call it that back then. I'm 61. And as my body began to change, I felt uncomfortable in it. I didn't tell anybody, just for a while. And I have read everything on both sides of the aisle and the issues. My body was changing and I wasn't familiar with it. And I wasn't familiar with my awakening awareness of sexuality. And I can tell you that I have grown to love being a woman. I loved being a girl. And had anyone told me at that time that I was in the wrong body, it would have freaked me out. And I am a Christian and I would have believed in God anyway because he's there and and I have two friends who have children who
066are trans and I'm good with that. And I have a close friend who thinks her granddaughter may announce that she's trans as she grows. I'm okay with that, too. And I have friends and relatives who are gay, and I'm okay with them. And I will respect how people want to be addressed. But I do believe the curriculum of the DEI was indoctrinative. And I found out last summer that my great great niece was taught homosexuality in kindergarten last year. And I read an article when my youngest son was he's 26 now. He was 20 he was six weeks old. and it was by a medical doctor and he said to introduce homosexuality to teenagers because their brain >> I'm sorry. >> Is it done? >> That's your time. >> Okay. All right. Well, I am
067happy that the changes are being made. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Alan Graham. Good evening, Ellen Grunblat, president of Jay. Thank you again for the opportunity to speak tonight. I would like to address the draft policy ACDC coordination of federal and state law. It is laudable for the board to follow, as it is quoted in the policy, to follow all state and federal laws applicable to schools. Indeed, the board is mandated to do so. However, there is a misunderstanding regarding the significance of an executive order, which even if it comes from the president of the United States, is not a law. Laws are enacted by Congress and implemented by the executive branch of government. There is no federal law establishing recognition of only two sexes. Main law and the main human rights act
068remain the statutes that the school board is obligated to follow. The fallacy that executive orders are somehow equivalent to law has been promoted to the board by a national organization parents rights and education which is bringing a political ideology to school boards across the country. PRI also stands for banning books, whitewashing American history, controlling school curricula, distorting student health and sexuality issues, and discriminating against students who don't fit into narrowly defined prescribed social roles. In spite of its title, it undermines parental rights, hoping to impose its distorted, quasi religious views on all parents. Its national agenda is backed by big money and smalltown school boards are its target. I urge this board to refuse to be a target. To rethink this policy, to reestablish school norms that protect individual expression as guaranteed by the first
069amendment. Policies that truly value student growth, development, and independent exploration. policies that support teachers and administrators to do their jobs equitably and well and to commit to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students regardless of their sexual and I would add gender identity. Thank you. >> Board comments. I understand our students have a report for us today. I'll try not to be. >> The 2025 through 2026 school year is now underway and classes are in full session. The high school held a back to school assembly to begin the year and student council has been planning this year's homecoming theme which will be candy land. Homecoming spirit days are scheduled for next week and the homecoming dance will be on September 20th. Fall sports have begun and our student athletes have already seen early
070early success across multiple teams. >> Uh the the girls soccer team won their first game against Lisbon on September 4th with a score of 8 to2. Uh boys soccer uh secured a victory uh with their home opener against Mountain Valley um two to one and then our uh football team uh defeated Bucksport on September 5th with a score of 38-8. >> Mason sorry about that. Yeah, I know. I'm >> Can you put the microphone closing? >> Yeah, I'm Yeah. Um and then uh field hockey um won against Telstar also on September 5th nine to zero. >> Yep. >> The student body is glad to be back in school both in the classroom and on the field and we are looking forward to a good school year. >> Thank you. Other board comments. Holly, >> I
071would just like to reflect on 911 for a minute. Um, and some other things. 24 years ago today, our nation was hit with pure evil, the Twin Towers, the Pentagon in a field in Pennsylvania. Heroes were made that day and heroes died that day. Parents never came home that night and spouses never saw their partners again. It was truly a sad day in our history. Most of us remember where we were on that horrific day. I was at work at Hammond Lumber in Fairfield. We had a small TV in the upstairs office and we took turns watching the news reports. We were in shock. We were sad for our country. Who would hate us that much? 24 years later, the day before the 9/11 anniversary, I'm at work and I receive a call from my
072husband. Charlie Kirk has been shot. I gasped in disbelief. My coworker sees a news report on her phone. We look on Facebook for information and we pray he survives. We get text messages from friends and family. We try to concentrate the best we can for the rest of the workday. As I am getting ready to leave, I look at my phone. A text from my husband. He didn't make it. Love, Dan. Today has been a somber day. Wondering if justice will be served. Keeping his family and and friends in our prayers. Why did this happen? Where does this evil come from? So many questions that may never be answered. One thing I do know, we can all do better. Let's work together to bring change to our communities and our country. True change comes from
073hard work, commitments, honesty, truth, faith, and unity. We can do this if we work together. Other board comments. Elaine, I want to agree with Holly. This is a a day that we all know where we were at the moment that we heard. Um, I had a child who was within a mile of the Pentagon. her building shook and we couldn't hear from her until two o'clock in the afternoon and it was a nightmare. What's happening in our country in the past year especially has been just absolutely frightening. Violence is never the answer to anything. It solves nothing. I have absolute total disgust for the actions that have been taken in a violent way against people on both sides. We lost a representative and her husband in Minnesota, shot dead in their own home by a
074man who was dressed as a police officer. Two other representatives were shot and injured. He had a list of 70 people to shoot. We had a governor in Pennsylvania. We've had multiple on both sides of the aisle. It's time for us to stand together against violence, against hate messaging, and against bullying. This is the crux of this problem because we cannot seem to have a conversation without taking sides and then bullying or threatening. I am sick and tired of it. I've even gotten to the point where I don't want to come to a board meeting because of the behaviors and what I've heard. We need to take responsibility. We need to show respect and we need to stop this by standing together whether we agree on certain issues or not. It's time for leadership and
075it's got to start right here in our own communities. I don't mean to be preaching. I'm not. But it's time for each of us to look in the mirror and say, "What are we responsible for?" And then to take action. Don't put up with it from somebody else. call it out truthfully and kindly. But we cannot do this anymore. The hate, the bullying, the threats. We are such a poor example for our students and our children. It's time for change. Each one of you, as well as me, we all need to be a part of the healing. And it has to stop with not standing up and not putting up with that kind of behavior from anyone. Thank you. >> Other board comments. >> Ditto. Any other board comments? Michelle, >> I don't know what
076the proper procedure or if there is one to reflect on some of the public comments tonight with regard to the wrestling position. Um, but I would like to learn more and I would appreciate this conversation to continue in its rightful context. >> I'd like to just um make a comment about Michael Danfor's character. My three of my grandchildren wrestle for coach Mike. It's generally been pointed out to the board that for board members to make specific comments about particular employees at a board meeting puts the board in a very difficult situation and I would ask the chair to consider whether this is an appropriate line of conversation. We're gonna have to have an executive session to discuss further. >> I would ask the chair to review BEDH. Scott and I are going to discuss an
077executive session um for the next board meeting um while we um take a look at some of the factors that have gone into the decision. Superintendent's report. Good evening. I met with Seammens and our facility director Wayne Neil and building and grounds board members Emory and Dillo to discuss the process and the reasoning of looking into getting new boilers furnace for the primary school next year. Uh we'll be bringing information back to the board for you guys to take a look at. Uh actually Seammens will come at some point in time and give a presentation and then it'll be discussed again at budget time. uh met with Crystal Flag and the members of Ron Smith's audit team who will be starting the FY25 audit starting this coming week. I attended and chaired our Western Maine
078Administrators Consortium's regional research meeting where we approved administrator's final plan for their reertification. Also attended a breakfast meeting with Crystal Flag and the town managers of Jay and Livermore Falls. I met with Norma and Wayne along with Shiloh Lefrena, Joe Sage, Corylair, and Steve Bennett as well as two representatives of the main DOT to discuss what the considerations need to be when it comes to the possible construction of a roundabout on Bean's Corner. What it means that DOT is getting information on that, but they wanted to reach out to us because what does it mean for busing? What does it mean for ambulance? What does it mean for police to move around that? They have not made a decision whether that's 100% happening or not. It's three-year survey on that, but they wanted to bring
079it to our attention early enough so we can have the discussion and have input. I also attended the monthly meeting of the Western Maine superintendent where one of the main topics of discussion was special education, especially the shortage of qualified staff as well as the yearly rising costs of special education. Lastly, I also attended the Western Main Steering Committee on Reertification, discussed new members on the committee, and made sure administrators are on the correct timeline for all of their reertifications. questions for Scott. Thank you, Sherry Parker. Good evening. So, we are starting the 202526 school year with 334 students in special education. This is 23 students fewer than a year ago. Although the numbers are divided a bit differently than I anticipated, somehow we ended up with the exact number that we had anticipated. So
080that was kind of strange. But we currently have 13 open referrals. Nine of those began in the spring of last year and were paused over the summer months and then resumed um in September. The primary school currently has 61 students in special education. This is down three from a year ago. Um, the elementary school has 81 students, which is down seven. The middle school has 73 students with IEPs, which is down 14. And the high school currently has 119, which is an addition of one. So, we have that big bubble of of kids that qualified during COVID and they have now reached the high school. So, at one point, we were over a hundred students at the middle school and over a 100 students at the high school. So that bubble is is moving out.
081Um we continue to have 12 students out of district and special purpose schools for day treatment programming. We have a one student did move out of district. We have one student who was discharged and we're pursuing a new program for him. Um we have another student who we anticipate will be discharged soon and we will need to find another another program for him as well. Neither student was discharged because of their progress, but other concerns. So, that's why we're not bringing them back to our buildings. We need to find other day treatment programs with more intensive um therapeutic settings. While these students are awaiting placement, we will provide tutoring services to main academic progress as much as possible, but always keeping in mind the safety of the student as well as the staff member. Uh
082our current open positions, we are really good compared to the other districts. Um we have one edtech one opening at the primary school which is currently filled um by a long-term sub for the third year in a row. Um it's the same sub, but she doesn't want to hire on as a full-time employee. She wants to have the flexibility of substitute schedule. Um, we have one edtech 2 at the elementary school that is open. This currently is being filled by a long-term sub while she gets all her documentation together for edtech authorization. We have one edtech 2 opening at the middle school. This is there's an afternoon long-term sub in there at this time. And then the biggest hurt is at the high school. We have three edtech 1 openings and no one on the
083sublist is interested in being in there during the day even. Um it's two of them are in the life skills classroom and it it can be some pretty intense um care in there. Um on October 6, Scott and I will be meeting with the main DOE consultant re regarding the transition of services for children ages three and four from CDS to public schools. We anticipate providing services to foury olds in our district at the beginning of next school year by being in the third year of a 4-year transition period. This will allow us to pick up the four year olds next year and then the three year olds in the final year of this transition. If we wait until year four, we would need to do it all at once. The laws are different for
084three year olds and four year olds, which are different from five and above. So being able to phase in the services is going to be very helpful. Uh although there will be additional funding from this state for these age groups, please keep in mind that public school special education and related services will be providing services to students ages 3 to 22 in accordance with federal regulations under IDEIDA at the beginning of the 2627 school year. Finally, I would like to thank Wayne and his crew for all the work they did moving equipment for the special education department over the summer. Stretching tables, therapy swings, the wheelchair swing for the playground, bathroom grab bars, replacing half doors with full do full doors, and I don't even think I could name the rest if I tried. But
085they kept it all straight and got it done before our students returned. Our students appreciate the hard work just as much as the staff. Qu Mich Michelle, >> just for a point of context, Sherry, can you um share with us again when they increased the age to 22? I believe it was 21 for quite a while and it was recently bumped to 22 within the past five years. >> So, IDA was always written for up to age 22. >> Okay. In Maine, as well as some other states, they held special education students to aging out at age 20, just like all general education students. >> I want to say it was in 2021, there was a ruling in Delaware that students, general ed students after age 20, have access to adult ed. Adult ed does
086not have special education services, but they're under the same funding as public schools. So therefore, up to age 22 has to have access to special education services. >> And this change therefore adds to the numbers and the percentage in the district. >> Correct. >> Which is important to keep just for people for a point of context, correct? To keep in mind, and we're adding to that more. >> The percentage number because we're picking up these other age groups is increasing, >> right? um through our numbers because of that big bubble, our percentage has gone down, but it will continue to increase because we're picking up two more age groups. >> I think it's important for us to keep that in mind um when we look at national average or state average that that bell just
087went off in my head that we also added on the other end of it to increase the age, which does factor into >> correct. And for those students who are earning regular credits towards a a high school diploma, that as long as they complete their credits, then they would graduate with everybody else. They're not staying until 22. The focus um is more on those that need transition to adult services. So, when a student turns 18 and um we're looking at their transition plan to adult services, DHS adult services is part of that team at that point. It does not mean that they will stay until age 22, but they will stay until they meet their transition goals. Um we do I anticipate uh five of the students currently in our uh high school will continue
088on until 22. Other questions for Sherry? Thank you. >> Thank you, Patrick. Good evening. So, I have quite a list. I may cut it short. Um, let's start off with the building in Wayne. If you didn't see the elementary, I've been there 14 years. It was probably the best it has ever looked. I've never seen it shine the way it was this year. Especially when we had open house and we had all the families come in. I had I can't even tell you how many comments about how good the building looked. Um how happy the staff looked, you know, how excited the kids were to be back in. So, that was good. So, I I need to thank Wayne. Wayne does things before I even ask him, which is nice. Um, I mean, he took
089care was taking care of issues on the playground this year as far as like, you know, every year it's a wood chip. Got to make sure the wood chips are there so when the kids bounce on the ground, it doesn't hurt as much. Like all of these things were done. I didn't even have to ask him. Um, the other change that when when Wayne was hired, I was like, "Please, for the love of everything good in the world, can we have drop off and pickup go the same direction?" So, we do have that now. It comes from school bus road in the morning. they drop in the afternoon they pick coming through school bus road. So we are no longer backed out onto Route 4 which was a huge safety issue which the whole point
090was to move parents from the front to the back to move the buses and parents away from each other for safety and then so we're finally where I want to be. So that's been an excellent thing. Um I want to thank the board for approving the dean of students. Matt has been a huge help taking care of the things that I don't necessarily need to take care of. There's seeing things as a principal and administrative wise that I have to deal with. I have to take care of. Nobody else can do it. But there are things from checking in with teachers, checking in with kids, um managing playground. He does all of the playground behaviors, duties, all of that. What has freed me to do the lunchroom? So, I've been able to go into lunchroom
091every day and monitor lunch with the staff. You know, he's um helping me with some of our procedures and expectations that we have to try to tweak them, make them better, make them work better for the kids, number one, and the staff. Number two, um you know, he's helped with maintenance requests, things that he sees on the playground that are safety issues for not just our regular ed kids, but our kids who are in wheelchairs or, you know, kids just in general. Um he sees overseas bus dismissal in the front while I do parent pickup in the back which has been a great relief. Um you know he he has helped on things I didn't even think about he that he would help me on. Um so I do appreciate um the fact that you
092guys put that into the budget. Uh one of the things that we do at the beginning of every year is we have PBIS which is positive behaviors interventions and supports. Um, what that means is just a fancy way of we teach expectations. We teach the kids how we want them to walk in the hallway, how we want them to line up for lunch, how we want them to dump their tray. We teach them all the expectations because we know as parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles, they will figure out a procedure that works for them and it's not always the safest and the cleanest and the the right way to do things. So, you know, we've done expectations hallway, lunch, recess, bathroom, classroom. You know, our our focus this month is being respectful. Um, we're also
093doing shout outs. So, when kids are caught doing things well and they're not asked, we give them shout outs. Then at the end of the week, Mrs. Stone comes out and reads out our kids who are drawn because we do drawings for the kids to come down. Um, so it's been a good start uh to the school year. Um, the other thing that's coming up is last year, um, Phoebe Pike, who was on the board, has done a free book fair starting last year. I don't know where she gets these books. I'm really not sure, but she gets I'm not talking like a couple hundred books. I'm talking thousands of books. Last year, I believe kids average between five and seven books. We had 300 kids in the building. So, we're looking at doing the
094free book fair again um probably early October, mid October. What we did last year is we put them outside and the kids come come during recess. They got a bag and they could pick books. They could pick books for themselves. They could pick pick books for siblings, cousins, I don't care. Put books in kids' hands. I don't see how that could go wrong. Um so she's volunteered to to do that again this year. Um I had a meeting the elementary school has been considered a tier three school which is uh continuous school improvement. I talked to our mentor who um told me that the state, which I'm still a little bit of a shock because I never get my way. Um when you're a tier three school, usually you have to identify three areas. In
095the past, we've worked and we've got out of like attendance was ours um for a while. We've gotten good with our truency procedures and attendance procedures. So, that's no longer reading. They've told us that we have made enough growth in the last two to three years with reading. We're no longer viewed as a school that needs improvement in reading. Not saying that we are not going to focus on that. We are 100% going to focus on that. But what we need to do is we need to thank the teachers. We need to take thank our title teachers, especially Julie Baldick, Kelly Gilbert, and Jan Kirkland who are our title staff. And all the teachers, they are killing themselves to do what's best for kids. and to hear that from our um state mentor was outstanding.
096Um they're also allowing the elementary this year to focus on two goals instead of three. Um so this year we're going to focus on behavior and math. Um we need to bring math up and behaviors down. Um so that's where we stand there. uh school attendance. I think when I last saw you in the spring it was 300 and as of today we're at 286. >> Questions for Patrick Joe. >> So I'm thinking back to the first time you spoke last year. >> Oh god, you're going to make me think. >> And um you had mentioned that behaviors were a real issue so early on in the school year. I'm not hearing that. Is that because it's going good so far or are we too early to know about the suspension information from your school
097pertaining to last year? >> I don't want to jinx myself. >> Okay. Um it's feels different and the feedback I've gotten from several staff is a the biggest areas that we have issues are the playground, the classroom, and the lunchroom. So having the consistency of having Matt on the playground every day, so he is out there every day. Every kid knows if they have an issue, they can go to him because he's the face they see every day. And not saying that they don't go to the other duty teachers, but Matt also knows dayto day what happened yesterday to today to to tomorrow, you know. So that consistency, having me in the in the lunchroom with consistency, um I think that's made a difference because the kids are seeing us every day in those times.
098I mean, the classroom's always going to be a challenge. Um but with having Matt as the Dina students, that's going to free up our RTI room, Liz and Kim and Rebecca. um in Virginia to work with the teachers, working with those kids who struggle in the classroom for whatever their challenge may be. So, it's taken a load off of that room, but also had the consistency of having us in those spaces. So, I'm hoping that that will make a difference. I think that the um commitment at the primary school as well to PBIS and the consistency is a huge issue as well. If we're all doing the same thing, >> y >> it's all it's going to be a better result. But you're right, consistency on the playground, consistency in the cafeteria, that's huge. That's
099a huge piece. And being able to be there is Yeah. I think you you hit the nail on the head is is this third grade class when we do do certain things or we say certain things they get the >> they may not remember it exactly word for word but they're like hey I've heard this before we've had to do this before oh they have us line up oh when the lights are off we listen so that we can follow directions you know it's it's not new it's not something that they haven't heard >> so Darcy and I had that this that conversation today was like this third grade class is amazing like they are doing what we asked them to do we're doing shut you know those things they knew it >> yes >>
100they knew it so >> my question on how we we've just implemented and I want to thank the board for supporting the budget at that level so we could implement a language arts program this year that is picked and is now going K through or prek through five um thank you for that for supporting that money and how's it going >> I know it's first year. I know we're all stepping in and now we're taking on a new goal in math. >> My teacher my teacher past is getting stressed. I'm I'm hyperventilating for them because they've got a whole new program in reading >> and now we're throwing math in. Just a concern. >> So, the way we started the elementary school since I've been there, you got the two days, you got the four
101days, you got the five days. Those first set of days are all get to know your kids, set up your expectations, set up your routine, set up your procedures. Um, we don't do a lot of academics. We may do some, you know, you know, some practice things, you know, to get their their brains going. Um, but we don't start academics until Monday really. Um, the reading program was supposed to start for us officially next year. We're just dipping our toe in it. We're We're going to go slow. And like I told them today, you know, they've got next week and they've got the next Wednesday. I want them to look at the program, go slow. We're looking at reading and vocabulary. You know, if they want to look at other areas, they can. I don't
102expect them to. I want them to go at a pace that the kids are successful because it is a new program with new, you know, there's it's just different. It's different. But the teachers also need to be successful because if they're not successful, the kids aren't successful. So, at the elementary, we're going to go slow. You know, I want them to go slow, you know, learn the program, do what they need to do. Julie, Kelly, and Jan offer, they go in, they work with the teachers. They went in with the teachers this week and helped them with their template of the different parts of the program. Uh it's not a race. I don't I'm not trying to be first. I just want them to be able to do it at a pace that works for
103them and their kids. >> That's I appreciate that, but I also looking at math as your new goal and not this affects classroom teachers the most because they're doing it all. >> This isn't specialists or whatever. We're also focusing on the math. I get it. We need to. We just don't want to kill our staff. >> No, I don't want to kill them either. >> I know. That's a wise thing on your part, >> you know. So, we started last year because the middle school uses star assessment and freckle. All right. So, we had Nate and Emma go up there. Julie Thornton helped them. They basically piloted it with some of the third and fourth grade kids um in fifth grade just to see how it worked and how we can do it. We're same
104thing. We're going to go slow. You know, you got the STAR assessment. It's going to tell us where these kids gaps are. So, when they are pulled our title math, teachers can focus on those areas, but it's also a good tool for the teachers to know where those gaps are, you know, if you're teaching like I taught fifth grade. Yeah, I can't teach fifth grade really if they have a whole bunch of gaps at second, third, and fourth, you know. So, it it helps you. It gives you reports that are useful. Same thing I told him with that. We're just going to go slow. Go slow because I mean we're not going to fix this overnight. I mean it took us years to get where we are with reading and you know we do have
105a new program and Matt it's going to take us a while. So slow >> other questions. Michelle >> I wanted to say thank you for our daily encounter. >> I feel like I should get paid or something you know. Uh uh I drop off uh I do parent drop off every day and Mr. Sinclair has been out there every day and I have kind of joked and I was like hey are we going to keep meeting like this every day >> only the next three years >> right and he was like maybe and I'm like got it. So, um, but I wanted to say thank you because those brief encounters can give you a lot of information, um, about about your student body, um, about what's going, you know, what's going on. And also, just
106the PBS PBIS extends beyond the student. It it really extends into the adult. And uh so I think you can pick up an awful lot of information um just with those brief and friendly encounters and that you're out there and saying hello to each child's adult uh drop off. I greatly appreciate that. >> And well, the thing that benefits me is I get to meet people I don't know. And you guys know I like to talk, so I talk to anybody about everything. But the thing that it really benefits is is I see kids getting out of cars that don't want to be at school, not happy. Something happened. they're upset and that allows me to go and say, "Hey, you know, if I need to go to the social worker, hey, we may need
107to, you know, see what's going on with this kid or I've walked kids into the building that didn't want to go and got them breakfast and walking to class." Um, it allows me to, you know, go to the classroom teacher. It's just good information for me. And it's good to get out there and talk to the parents because you none of you are shy about telling me what's up. None of them in that line. They're always like asking me questions or telling me things. I'm like, "That's a good point. went ahead and thought about that. So, I think it's a two-way street. It's good for you guys to see me, and it's good for me to see you and the kids. So, don't get me in trouble. Don't get me in trouble. You still got
108the Penn State sticker. I knew it. >> Other questions for Patrick? >> Thank you, >> Dassi. Good evening. Our current enrollment right now is 317 students and I do have one in the registration process. Last year's attendance at the start of the school year was around 93%. I had a lot of kids that were kind of lost in the shuffle and needed to kind of find out where they were. This year we're uh we're at 97. So huge improvement. Our goal each day is 95% and we have been killing it. It's our kids have been here. Yesterday we had 10 kids out of 317 that were absent. So we're doing a really good job. We have a lot of good incentives. The attendance committees put in place. We do shoutouts. So um yeah, our attendance
109is really good right now. Um fall testing is in full swing and we'll start NEAS next week and I can share some hopefully some data highlights at the next board meeting for that. Um, but I really wanted to um kind of highlight my teachers. They did a lot of work over the summer um for professional development and I want to just make sure I give some time for them because it's really important. They're bringing a lot of new learning to our staff. Whenever they go to a conference, they come back and present. So, it's not just an isolated learning for them. They spread that across the staff. Um um we are part of the math for Maine initiative. So it's a three-year initiative. We're in year two. So I as well as um four other
110teachers and an edtech went to the state of Maine training for that. Um and then they came back and we're a whole year of just math fun. It's really fun and engaging activities for the students. Bringing families into learning about math, how to make math fun at home, in the car rides, you know, all over the place. So that's a really good one. our PBIS tier two uh tier one team has joined the state of Maine cohort. Um and this team is really jazzed about the new learning that they've received um and how to move our school forward in creating a positive school learning environment. It always melts my heart when I hear somebody say, "I wish I had this training years ago." Like you just, you know, that it's meaningful for them. It's never
111good when you're sitting in a training going, I already knew this. Like how do I move forward with this? So it was just really good to hear. Um part of the training is ensuring that we have all stakeholders involved in implementing PBIS. And that means bringing in community members, parents, and having student voice represented on the team. We're still working on getting that student voice, but we are lucky to have a parent and community member join without hesitation. Thank you. Um and we thank them for their commitment to our school. Four kindergarten teachers attended every teacher a leader conference at Kobe College, which they paid for themselves. um that I and I found out after the fact, but great for them. They attended many different sessions led by teachers on various topics such as outdoor
112learning, SEAL, student engagement, and our very own Tanya Perau was a presenter at this sharing her um learning on exper experiential learning. and we hopefully next year we'll have a lot more staff attend and maybe even present to other schools across the state to showcase all the good things that are happening at Spruce Mountain. Um they also brought back a book and it's interesting that you guys mentioned how can we be better because we're going to do a book study on the be 1% better in our schools and I've already got all kinds of notes. I'm curious as to which teachers are going to get up during lunch and sing karaoke, but I have a pretty fun group. So, um, but yes, we are excited to bring that to our leadership team and to our
113staff of all the different ideas on how to just just be even just 1% better and putting little things into our school that will be fun and engaging for staff and students. Um, all teachers that worked on all of these, like I said, presented at the opening day workshop days. On another note, I had 10 teachers participate in the Elevate Your Classroom webinars over the summer from um, nationally renowned authors and media influencers with topics such as the science of reading, classroom management, content area instruction, ELA, math, learning with play, SEAL, and Steam. And in total, they participated in 73 webinars. A lot of learning happened over the summer. Um, this year we have a newly formed leadership team that'll focus on reviewing the comprehensive needs assessment, planning PLC time, staff meeting topics, and making
114decisions schoolwide that's in the best interest of students. The team is composed of one teacher from each grade level, special education, social skills, RTI teacher, social worker, and interventionist. So, all stakeholders are again at that table. Um, we do have our family involvement committee planning the fall festival again this year. It was a huge hit. So that'll be on October 28th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Um we've had so for school safety we've had a couple of fire drills. They're going smoothly and then Anthony and I are going to work on coordinating our lockdown drills to practice. Um we are going to implement what's called a working lockdown this year which means like if something's happening in the hallway, teachers just lock in, they continue learning. It just means don't send any kids out into
115the hallway until the coast is clear kind of a walk down um to get that in place. Um, and then for community engagement initiatives, we are doing a bi-weekly newsletter um that'll go out and it's from all the teams in the building to showcase all the good things that are happening, tips for parents from the even the OT department and the speech department just to connect with the community a little bit more. Um, and then today at the staff meeting, my ad hoc committees reported out, so it didn't get put into my board notes, but I just wanted to highlight our outdoor learning committee is applying for another grant for winter gear, and they're getting ready for our composting and have six raised beds to start planting in spring. And they're also working on getting
116our nature trail cleaned up for wheelchair accessibility. And the team got all the rain gear cleaned up and hung up as well. and our attendance committee is continuing to work on incentives from last year to improve and celebrate attendance. So that's all questions for Darcy. >> I heard you mention community and parent involvement five times. I'm thrilled. I think that is so important. The more we can get the parents involved and the community involved, the better. Y >> So I'm glad to hear that. >> Thank you. Other questions for Jazzy? >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> TJ, >> good morning everyone. Oh, good evening. Sorry, I've been been here since the morning. Um, I'm going to pull that away because I am loud. So, I want to go through the enrollment for the high
117school. We are at 436. This is the biggest we've been. um since I'm going to say 2017, I think it was. Um that's the biggest that we've been. Um and and that's that influx of that eighth grade crew and last year's freshman, which are now sophomores. It's a big bubble. Uh the the thing that we are starting next week, and I know we talk about homecoming, but next week is our uh main three-year exams and our new. We're starting math. uh we do ours inside the classroom with the teachers that they actually have for their uh either math or reading. Uh we found that it has definitely boosted our skills, our our reporting and uh what our outcome is for assessment. Uh that has been doing much better. The o the end of the NEA
118is October 24th. That's our window. So it takes a little bit. We won't have all them done until right around that time. uh because we have kids that come in and out and we got to test them as they come in. So, uh our attendance uh this year has been a little bit better. Not where I want it. We are working on that with one of our ad hoc committees. Um they are working on some things from last year and I'll go over some of the ad hoc committees for the high school. So, currently we have the student culture committee. Uh we have the uh MTSS which is our response to intervention committee for ad hoc. Uh we have graduation diploma requirements. Uh this uh this group of teachers are going to look at the
119uh number of credits. What are the uh areas that need more uh time spent on? and then we will bring it to the school board um after we get that work done this year so that you guys can take a look at it. Uh currently uh the high school is at 25 credits. Um we are the highest in I would dare say the nearest 100 miles of credit that people need. Most teach most schools are at 23 around 23 22. um and we want to just make sure that we're offering the best that we can for our students. So, they are looking at that this year and you will hear more about that. Um staff culture, we have one that we're doing for that. It's uh how we get staff involved in our activities that
120we're doing for our school. Uh currently the homecoming is coming and ours uh we're going to do a parade or a a float that is uh men in black. We're going to see if we can bring Frank in. I know somebody wanted to either buy a dog today. So we had somebody wanting to buy a dog, a pug. So we'll see where that goes. um behavior our uh behavior uh group that we're having for ad hoc uh they are looking at what are the trends what are the areas that we need to move differently in um and how we can better educate our students as they are uh dealing with consequence behavior those types of things in the high school. So, uh, that's where we're headed for our ad hoc committees. Pretty encouraged. Staff are
121pretty, uh, into this. So, we should have more information to share with you later on. Um, I want to thank, uh, uh, the custodial staff this summer. They helped us uh, so much. Me and Mark, we uh, they helped us get the gym all ready. I I I beg you before you leave tonight, go in, take a look at the gym. The uh amount of work that was done in there is uh pretty amazing. We had students and staff that created the mural that is on the wall. Uh if you haven't seen that, just take a trip through as you're leaving. Um just make sure you go and take a look at it. Our open house that we have and and I want to thank our our student body first of all uh the student
122representatives that we have right now uh giving their uh what the next steps are in homecoming. Pretty pumped about the homecoming. Always am. I hope that you guys and I really love to see our our school board at the Thursday night uh pep rally that we do down at the football field. Um it's always fun to see kids act goofy and that's what they do. They act goofy and it's fun. Uh kids have a good time with it. So, and maybe uh next year we might do a board um a board float. So, you guys got to step up, right? Um, the uh I had my notes. My phone just closed on me. Sorry about that, guys. Um, the barbecue. I don't know if I explained to you what we had at the last barbecue
123um for the open house. We had uh burgers, hot dogs, uh grilled cheese. Um every single staff member was in here uh getting set up ready for our our students and their families to come in. Uh I estimated we fed around 250 people. So um that's a pretty big night for us. Uh we haven't had that since before COVID. Uh so understand there was uh also really cool thing uh Mrs. Keller, who is our uh school social worker, uh prepared a uh community resource fair in the gymnasium and there was prizes that were given out and we had local community uh uh sto uh employees, employers that were providing gifts. Uh we had helmets, we had uh skateboards, we had all these things these kids could come in if they went through and did their
124walkthrough of the community resources which just an awesome night. Um and I also wanted to bring back there was one other group that uh Mr. Keller did not uh uh share who helped fund the trip into the woods and that was Mainland. Um, so Bob Barry at Mainland is a huge supporter of Spruce Mountain High School and I just want to thank him uh for what he does for us, too. And fire drills. So, we are doing fire drills in the in the high school and and we we nail it. Like we're we're out of this building. We figured out Mark and I figured out uh 1 minute and 30 seconds every single kid was out of this building. So, and that's wheelchairs. That's um students that were in in a bathroom like they they're
125all out like it's a pretty big deal when you get 436 kids leaving this building all at once and it only takes us 5 minutes to do the whole thing. So we go through we have a process our teachers know exactly how to do it. Students know we go around look for a red red uh card or or a green card. Um and that's how we make it and it goes quick. So, uh, less time outside and we're back in the classroom very quick. Lockdown drills are going. Um, these are always a stressful time for kids. Um, they see these lockdowns and then they see all these horrible things that are happening in the community. We just had another school shooting um this past week. Uh, it it is one of those things that uh
126we are always always thinking about and working on. Um, every single morning uh myself or Mr. teller uh shut and make sure all the outside doors are locked every single morning. There's and kids notice they're like, "Mr. PL, I I checked this one." And they hit it, you know, they want to make sure. So, the kids are getting involved in this. Um and that's that's part of being a safe school. So, um you know, vigilance and being prepared. So, that's what we hope and that's what we have. That's it. >> Questions for TJ. Thank you guys. Oh, done. >> I do have a comment though. >> Yes, sir. >> And it covers a very important situation. I just need you to know that um cooking hot dogs and hamburgers is not >> It's not a
127barbecue. You told >> it's a cookout. >> Yes. So, we had a a cookout next year. You want to come and do something? >> I will. >> Awesome. We'll make it happen. Thank you. >> See you guys. >> Chris All right, good evening. Um, right now the middle school we have an enrollment of 278. Our daily attendance right now for the year is at 95% which is a really good number. Uh, fall sports have begun. We currently have 27 students on the boys soccer team, 19 on the girls soccer team, 13 on the field hockey team, and 24 on the co cross country. uh that's 30% of our student body participating in the extracurricular activities and that doesn't include the kids that are playing AAYS. So that's that's a very large number of students u
128playing sports and getting outside. Uh students took the star assessment last week to place them in the freckle program that was start helping fill in some academic gaps. Uh the main throughear assessment for the fall, we'll be taking that October 7th and 9th. Uh obviously I talked about the leadership school at Camp Kiev. We'll be October 14th to 16th. Uh we're going to be holding a parent uh parent informational meeting this year on Tuesday, September 16th from 5 to 6 to get the parents to come in, explain more of the program, uh show them some uh videos and some pictures of past experiences and help them fill out some of the paperwork or navigate through any of it that they have uh trouble with. Um during the September 17th relief staff will be participating in
129professional development around AI and how to use it effectively in the classroom. Uh as the school we've practiced fire drills and lockdown drills. We've been doing them in conjunction with the high school. Uh we have more practicing uh coming up over the next few weeks. Staff have already started planning our Veterans Day assembly in partnership with the VFW. We're hoping to bring in some veterans from the main veterans home. They also have started organizing the annual craft fair. Uh now that the sun is going down a little earlier and the light nights are getting a little chillier, we're selling our Phoenix blankets. Uh hopefully you guys can uh pick one up at a football game or you can always order directly from the middle school. And that's all I have for today. >> Jody, >>
130I know last year you would come up and tell us about like different presenters or speakers that you had. Is that something you're planning on again? >> I'm hoping I'm hoping to um what we're trying one to find hard to find. Yeah. And then two, the financial um situation with some of them are it can get kind of costly. Some of those people want $2,500 to come in and speak. >> Um and when we don't have that much budgeted or allocated for it, we got to be kind of selective. We I try to find um people to volunteer. Um Okay. But yeah, we're working on it >> regularly. >> I heard really great things from the kids on some of the presenters that you brought in and highly would encourage >> and if anybody and
131if anybody knows anybody that I more than open to suggestions. >> Okay. >> So, >> thanks. >> Yeah, >> Michelle. >> Just as um a can you help clarify um two questions regarding freckle. Does it replace Alex is my first question. Mhm. Yes. >> Okay. And the subjects that it addresses, I'm assuming to like an RTI sort of individualized intervention. Like what subject areas does that cover? >> Both ELA and math. >> Okay. With reading and grammar, do you know or >> dur during the ELA? Yes. It's got reading and grammar in there. >> Okay. Yeah. Thank you. >> Yep. You're welcome. >> Okay. Mine are not that serious. Number one, I understand that you have some wheels that you used after school one day to chase a student down over the hill and save
132him from possibly getting run over. So, I want to thank you for that. You've got some good speed, I hear. >> Secondly, I thank you for enforcing the dress code. I've been hearing that you have been doing that and I thank you for that. >> Welcome. >> And I wouldn't say wheels. I think I was stuck in first gear and low range, but nobody does see that type of stuff. So, yeah, >> Holly, >> I along with Jodie um do like your presentations and do you do or have you done anything for 911 presentations at the middle school level? >> No, I've never done anything with it. Um, I know like next year obviously next year would probably be the bigger year as far as it be the 25th anniversary. >> Um, and that that
133would be something that probably take a lot of planning >> at the beginning of this year for next or throughout this year for next year. >> Yeah. >> Something that we'll talk about, but we do a lot with the veterans. That's one of our big >> We did a lot with veterans. So, yeah, maybe we can talk about the 911 presentation. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. As I walked in tonight, I talked with the janitor and he said he was um having conversations with kids and they they weren't aware of what 911 was >> because they're they're too young to remember and that that seems sad to me. So, it's important that, you know, we teach them, >> you know, what what's happened. Yep. >> Absolutely. >> Other questions for Chris? >>
134Thank you. >> You're welcome. Okay. So, now I have to apologize to all of you who did your superintendent evaluations. My bad. I didn't realize there was an actual evaluation attached to the policy. So, I'm going to have to ask you to redo. They're all they're in your packets and they're it's a little bit easier than the one I sent you originally. So, I apologize. >> Please don't take it out on me. Thank you for that. >> Um, if you could get them either to Laura or to myself by a week from tomorrow. Um, please don't try to scan them because I can't print them. They don't they don't come out. They come out blank. >> What? the paper the paper on paper, please. Um I tried printing out ones that people sent me and
135it it didn't come out. So technology is what it is. But um and if you could either put it in an envelope with your name or put your name on it, it would be helpful to know whose I have and whose I don't. So if you don't want to sign it, you don't have to, but put it in an envelope with your name so I know whose I have. >> They'll be shredded because Scott, the one that Scott submitted for a self evaluation was different. That's how I knew that something was wrong. So we went I he said there's one actually attached to the policy. So that's when I went back. So Andrew >> or my office is in the Dollar General building. I'm there um every day but Tuesday. So either way, uh, the
136buildings and grounds committee met on September 3rd. Does anybody want to report out on that? >> Scott, you did a little bit, but do you want to >> Yeah, a little bit because we haven't had a a buildings and grounds full committee yet to to elect a chair for this year. Yeah, it was it was all about uh Seamans coming in and uh talking about the boilers boilerfurnace over at the primary school. Um we've gotten to a point where we're in definite need of that. Um like I said, they'll come in and they'll they'll present again to the whole group, all of you, um and tell us exactly what we need and what direction that we're heading in. Um, infrastructure is important. We we don't we've just seen in the last couple years what's happened
137at a couple other school districts in the state and you don't want to be losing a boiler during the middle of the year because then you're closing down that school for that winter. So, uh, trying to keep up on it. It's also a good time because we know there is um some money coming off the debt service that we have we've had for the last 20ome years. So, this is a the timing is actually fairly good on this. So, uh we'll be discussing that again and then we'll also be having more buildings and grounds meetings to discuss the possibility of a roof. But we'll be looking in the pricing and stuff on that. But that'll all come to you guys at budget time and we'll also if you guys decide on it that we're going
138to move forward, it'll also go out to the taxpayers to vote on both of those things. Um I I don't believe in just doing it in another way. saying, "Oh, we'll just come up with the money." It's like, no. I I think the town's people need to actually vote for know what they're voting for when it comes to construction on school. So, >> questions for Scott. Uh, the policy committee will meet September 22nd in the superintendent's office at 5:30. Uh, you have a pink sheet with the personnel information on it. uh early release on Wednesday, September 17th, and the next board meeting is September 25th. I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. All those in favor?