001Good evening. In the name of the state of Maine, you are hereby required to notify the voters of each of the municipalities within the regional school unit, namely the towns of Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls, that a regional school unit budget meeting will be held at Spruce Mountain High School, 33 Community Drive, JMA at 6 PM on April 10th, 2025 for the purpose of determining the budget meeting articles for the 2025 2026 fiscal here set forth below article 1A to elect a moderator. Do I have a nomination for a moderator? I do. Clint, do I have a second? Second. Do we have any other nominations for moderators? Okay, it is closed. I do swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States. Do swear that I will support the Constitution of the United
002States and of this state and of this state so long as I shall to be a citizen thereof. So long as I shall continue to be a citizen thereof. So help me God. So help me God. I do swear I do swear that I will discharge to the best of my abilities that I will discharge to the best of my abilities the duties incumbent upon me as moderator the duties incumbent upon me as moderator of this meeting according to the constitution and laws of the state of this meeting according to the constitution and laws of this state. So help me God. So help me God. All right, here we go. I need to go swear in the ballot, clerk. So, short break, everybody. Get your hand ready. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Yikes. Did that
003blast you right out of the place? Keep me posted if it's too loud. Okay, we're about to get underway here, but before we get underway, we've already been called to order. It is possible that you may have questions that need to be answered by an administrator who is not um a citizen of the district. In order to do that, we need the uh will of the people to allow anyone who is a non-citizen to speak. And so I'm going to read off a list of the people who are not citizens but are administrators in the district who we may be calling on for information. And first I'll ask if we can do that by unanimous consent. If not, we can do it by a vote. So the list of folks we may need to hear
004from tonight are Scott Albert, Chris Hollingsworth, Mark Keller, Laura Merrill, Robin Raymond, Darcy Shank, Patricia Sinclair, and Christopher Target. Um, by unanimous uh consent, can we allow those people to speak when called upon if we need to hear from them? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We'll get started. So, the the way this works, and by the way, welcome. And it's great to see so many people in the room. Seems like we got a wide gap in the front here. So, if we need more chairs or if anybody wants to come on down to get closer, you know, it's like church. Nobody wants to be in the front pews. Um, so the way this works is I read off the I read the warrant as it's written. I look for a motion to get
005started then and a second and then we will have discussion and debate on the floor. Um, anything anybody that wants to say something about the article that's about to be or has questions or or wants to comment. Um, I will ask you to because there's so many people here tonight, we want to give people a chance to talk if they want to talk. So, I'll ask you to keep your uh your comments circumspect um and circumscribed so that we you know we can get through this tonight. So, without further ado, article one as written to see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for regular instruction. The school board recommends 9,812,212.32. Is there a motion? I make a motion that I'd like to cut it by. Okay, hang on a minute.
006I I somebody moved it over here. I didn't hear a second. So, I can't get to you till I hear a second. Say, what's that? Okay. So, she withdrew her motion which was not yet seconded. Do you withdraw your motion which is not yet seconded? Okay. Go ahead. I'd like to make a motion that we cut that line by $100,000. So, as I understand, you are saying that you are moving 9,712,212.32. Is that correct? Correct. Is there a second to that motion of a second to that motion? Comments, questions? Someone want to explain what's happening here? Yes. The reason we looking to cut a 100,000 is we had put in the budget 13% for Anthem Health Insurance. We were lucky enough to have it come back as 9%. So, we're able to make a $100,000
007cut and still keep the health insurance that we need to have. Comments, questions? Sir, RS6 from the days of RS36. Check. Check. There you go. Here we are. All right. Anyway, long story short, I'm from Livermore Falls. I'm from the days of RSU. Somehow we got uh voted into becoming RSU 73. I did a little little uh internet search on the school rating now for RSU73 and that comes from maine.gov usnews.com and great schools. Our rating is three stars out of 10. That's what we're getting for our money. Okay. within our school budget, 70% of that budget goes to wages and benefits. Okay? So that's what we're paying for. Okay? Now, if you go back to 2012 when we became RSU73, the budget was 1,44,776. The proposed budget for 2006, numbers that I got from
008my town office is 2,795. 365. That's a 99.99% increase. RSU hasn't saved anybody anything. So I would recommend everybody here to vote no until you guys get your bud budgeting under control. This is a other comments or questions. Are you ready for the vote? Okay, sir. The the the motion on the floor is to reduce that line by $100,000. And I'm going to read that one more time before you vote. So, the motion that's on the floor is to raise uh the the uh to authorize for regular instruction 9,712,000 $712,212.32. That's a motion on the floor. Yes. as it it that as that plays its way down through the numbers, it would be reflected as $100,000 less in the in the summary article. Someone's keeping track of all that as we get to that. Okay,
009those in favor of the motion, please raise your cards and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article two to see what t sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for special education. The school board recommends 5 million754,5420. Is there a motion? I have a motion. I got a second comments, questions, discussion. Like that little pause there. We're just kind of waiting to see. didn't want to be accused of cutting off debate. All right, those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article three to see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for career and technical education. The school board recommends zero dollars. Is there a motion? And then we'll ask for some explanation. We got a motion. We got a second. uh explanation.
010That's because our students go to foster tech and the state pays for that. So we don't raise any money locally for CTE programs and the reason the article appears that way is because this structure is statemandated structure. So that's why it appears that way on your on your uh warrant. Uh any comments, questions about that? Those in favor of the motion and those opposed? And the motion carries. Article four to see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized uh no that's not authorized to expend for other instruction and the school board recommends 642,6410. Is there a motion of a motion? There a second questions comments sir. What is in other that is athletics, sports trips, academic stipens like drama, chorus, band and field trips? Welcome. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, those
011in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article five to see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for student and staff support. The school board recommends $2,24,42.32. Is there a motion? Got a motion. Is there a second? Comments or questions? Those in favor of the motion? Those opposed? And the motion carries. Article six. To see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for system administration, the school board recommends $723,594.75. Is there a motion? I have a motion. I have a second. Comments or questions? Those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article seven. To see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for school administration, the school board recommends 1,415,920.79. Is there a
012motion? Have a motion. Have a second. Comments or questions? Seeing none, those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article 8 to see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for transportation and buses. The school board recommends 1,785,4469. Is there a motion? I have a motion. I have a second. Comments or questions? Seeing none, those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article nine to see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for facilities maintenance. The school board recommends 3,1,442.73. Is there a motion? Have a motion? I have a second. Comments or questions? Those in favor of the motion? And those opposed? And the motion carries. Article 10 to see what sum the regional school unit will
013be authorized to expend for debt service and other commitments. The school board recommends $626,640. Is there a motion? I have a motion. Second comments or questions about this? Those in sir? Sure. Yes. That's the debt service. It has not got up since last year. Two of the biggest things that we had a phase one from Seammens who put in new lighting throughout the district probably eight years ago, nine years ago now. Uh new furnaces in both the high school and the middle school. Uh new furnace at the elementary school. Uh new ceiling tiles remodeled the whole gym area. We also have on there for debt service. Uh the dome that's getting ready to come off fairly soon. And then when they redid the roof on this building um about 20 years ago now that's got
014like one more year left on the debt service. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, those in favor of the motion and those opposed and the motion carries. Article 11 to see what sum the regional school unit will be authorized to expend for all other expenditures. The school board recommends $100,000. Is there a motion? I have a motion and a second. Comments or questions about this? Seeing none, those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. All right. Before I read this next one, I need to clarify. Is this is this article article 12 changed as a function of what happened? Crystal, that hasn't changed. Correct. No, it's changed. Okay. Article 13 will change. Okay. All right. This is a lengthy article. Um, and I am going to read the whole
015thing. So to see what sum the regional school unit will appropriate for the total cost of funding public education from pre kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the essential programs and services funding act and to see what sum the regional school unit will raise and assess as each municipality's contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre pre kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the essential programs and services funding act in accordance with main revised statutes title 20- section 15688. These are the breakdowns uh listed below. The total appropriated by municipality for the town of Jay 9,247,628.89. The amount raised from the or assessed from uh to the municipality for the town of Jay is $2,161,433.33. For the town of Liverour, the amount appropriated is $3,370,838.35. And for the town of
016Liverour, the amount assessed is $1,600,945. For the town of Livermore Falls, the amount appropriated is 7,542,49.19. For the town of Livermore Falls, the amount assessed is $1,369,958.33, making a total appropriated of 20,160,51643 and total amount raised from the three communities 5,132,200 uh 3366. And the explanation for this is that the regional school unit's contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre kindergarten through grade 12 as described in the essential programs and services funding act is the amount of money determined by state law to be the minimum amount amount the regional school unit must raise and assess in order to re receive full state amount of state subsidy dollars. Is there a motion? There's a motion. I've got a second comments or questions about this hearing. None. Those in favor of the motion
017and those opposed. And the motion carries pursuant to state law. This next one requires a written ballot. So I think does everybody did do you get written written ballots when you signed in? How does how's that going to work? Ballot clerks. Okay. So, so they'll come back there and get them. Okay. All right. So, I'm going to read the article. I'm going to ask for a motion in a second and then everybody's going to have to vote in the town that you're in. So, it'll take a few minutes uh to see what sum the regional school unit will uh raise and appropriate in additional local funds. And so, this number is the one that's changed. and it's $4,578,684.51. You'll note the difference there is the $100,000 that was reduced at the beginning, which exceeds the
018state's essential programs and services allocation model by uh $4,578,68451 as required to fund the budget recommended by the school board. The school board recommends the amount of 4,578,6 actually recommended a different amount, but that's the amount that plugs in here, which exceeds the state's essential programs and services allocation model by 4,578,68451. The school board gives the following reasons for exceeding the state's essential programs and services funding model. These funds are necessary to provide for the costs that are not fully funded by the state. Make sure we got all of it. There's an explanation and that is that the additional fund local funds are those raised locally over and above the regional school unit's local contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre pre kindergarten to grade 12 as described once again in
019the essential programs and services funding act and local amounts raised for the annual payment on non-state funded debt service that will help achieve the regional school unit budget for for educational programs. Is there a motion? I have a motion. Do we have a second? I have a second. So, I'm going to open this for the for discussion. Y Okay. Okay. So, we have a little glitch, but we'll we'll work through the glitch. Just let me describe that. And when you go back through, you got to give your name to the ballot clerk of the town you're in, and then they'll hand you the they'll hand you the ballot on which you'll write yes or no, yay or nay. Um, but first, I want to see if if anyone has questions or any discussion, sir. Oh,
020hang on just a minute. What's that? No, because we they've got to keep that card so I can count their votes so I can see their votes. These funds will be raised by the local taxpayers. Thank you. Y could just tear Yeah, that that that that I think that's a really good idea. So, so what we're going to do is have you tear off the end of your card and and vote on the back of that. If you got one of those cards, we know you're a citizen of the community in which you signed in. So, tear off a piece of that. Yay is to approve. Nay is against. So, go back through, drop it in the voting box. sorted out. Has we're about to close the ballot as everyone voted who is eligible to
021vote and wants to vote. Okay, let's come back to order folks. The re the written the result of the written ballot for article 13 is 124 yes no. The article passes article 14. Oh, this is article 14. Oh, sorry. Not yet. Yeah. Article 14 to see what sum the regional school unit will authorize the school board to expend for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 from the regional school unit's contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act. Local funds for non-state funded school construction debt service. Additional local funds for school purposes under the main revised statute, title 20-a, section 15690, unexpended balances, tuition receipt, state sub subsidy, and other receipts for the
022support of schools. And the school board recommends 25,965,915.90. And that's not right. I I need Let's try that one more time. $25,965,915.90. Is there a motion? As a motion. Is there a second? There's a second. Comments or questions? Yes. 100,000 decrease. Y further comments or questions? That will be a$1 million increase when the schools combined if you were supposed to save us money as RSU73. That's a$1 million. Other comments or questions? Way in the back. Yes. So, so the this is the this is the total number and because it was reduced $100,000 it's $25,965. No, that's that right. That's not right. Somebody check the math here. Okay. All right. We got it. The math is right. $25,965,915.90. That was the number that's on your page. Less than $100,000 that was deducted from the first article.
023Sorry. Are we Are we clear on that now? All right. You ready for the vote? Those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. All right. The next one's going to be a written ballot again. So, let me alert the ballot clerks to um empty out the ballot box and preserve that in an envelope. The ones that are in there now, before people start going back, we're going to do the same thing we did again. We've already defaced the cards. We might as well keep right on going. So, article 15. In addition to the amounts raised and appropriated in the preceding warrant articles, shall the regional school unit raise and appropriate $43,437.76 in additional local f funds to pay the first of four annual payments to lease finance a $160,000 project
024to replace the basketball bleachers at Spruce Mountain High School. And shall the amounts approved in the preceding where in the preceding operating budget expenditure articles as applicable additional local funds article and budgetary summary article be increased by $43,437.76. This amount exceeds the state essential uh programs and services allocation by uh,400 43,437.76 as required to fund the budget recommended by the school board. The school board recommends the 43,43437.76 which exceeds the state's essentials programs and services allocation model by $43,437.76. This feels like a radio ad. The school board gives the following reasons for exceeding the state's essential program and services funding model. In the judgment of the school board, the existing bleachers need to be replaced. Is there a motion? I've got a motion. Is there a second? I have a second. Comments or questions about
025this, sir? Local funds? Taxes. Correct. Yes. My understanding is the bleaches will not pass inspection any longer. They don't make that type and they cannot get replacement parts. Yes. Um I'm a part of the building and grounds committee and this was brought up specifically from myself. Um because there is a hazard to the bleachers that we have right now. I've seen many people um almost get hurt trying to get up and down the bleachers because they are not ADA compliant um that in in in addition to what Dawn said is that if something breaks they are not able to be fixed um and so therefore u just providing that additional information. Okay, other comments or questions? Yes. The the question was how many bids did we get and the answer was we got multiple the
026highest. Okay, other comments or questions? Comment down here. So, I just wanted to comment about how important this is for our disabled community. Um, we are not ADA compliant and these bleachers would bring us closer to that and allow more of our disabled community to attend events here. So, I think it's incredibly important that we vote in favor of this. Other comments? Okay. So, once again, this is a written vote. So, write your yes or no. Deposited in the box in the back. And after we count, we'll be back. Well, we do. That is true. Okay, we'll come back to order. The vote on article 15 is 128 yes and 8 no. Article 16 to see if the regional school unit will raise an appropriate $0 for school nutrition program with authorization to expend any
027additional incidental or miscellaneous receipts in the in the interest and for the well-being of the school nutrition program. Is there a motion? Is there a second comment, question, explanation? The reason it's zero dollars is because we're not asking for any local contribution. Those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article 17 to see if the local school unit will appropriate 559,79942 for adult education and fund the local share by raising $198,000 in transferring 60,000 from the available general fund balances with authorization to expend any additional incidental or miscellaneous receipts in the in the interest and for the well-being of the adult education. program. Is there a motion? I have a motion. I have a second. Comments or questions about this? Hearing and seeing none. Those in favor of the motion?
028Those opposed? And the motion carries. Article 18. In addition to the to amounts approved in the preceding articles, shall the school board be authorized to expend such other sums as may be received from federal or state grants or programs or other sources during the fiscal year for school and other program purposes, provided that such grants, programs, and other sources do not require the expenditure of other funds not previously appropriated. Is there a motion? Motion. Second. comments or questions about this? Those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Article 19. Shall the school board of regional school unit number 73 be authorized to establish a new capital reserve insurance cost fund to fund costs of insurance including unanticipated costs caused by economic volatility and to transfer up to $150,000 from available
029fund balances at the end of 2425 fiscal year to said capital reserve insurance fund and to expend funds from said capital reserve insurance fund as needed during the 2526 6 school year. Is there a motion? I have a motion and I have a second. Any comments, questions, discussion? Oh, sir. Is this uh like liability insurance or employee insurance? This this is for insurance throughout the district. Could be Anthem. Like we said, we were predicting that Anthem could have gone up 14 to 17% this year and it went up nine. by taking this money and it's not asking the taxpayers for more money. It's taking money at the end of the year that we have left over and putting it into account just for insurance costs in the future. Okay, great. Thank you. Other comments or
030questions, sir. How much do you anticipate is going to get carried over? That's a great question. I really don't know how much money is going to get carried over at the end of end of this year. We do know we we're putting into the budget $900,000 from carryover back into keeping the cost down in this budget. We're only allowed they've moved it. It used to be 3% we were allowed to keep. Then they moved it up to nine during COVID. It's back down to 5% that we are allowed to have and keep. Anything over that amount, you have three years to put it back towards bringing your taxes down. Other comments or questions? In those in favor of the motion, please signify. And those opposed. And the motion carries. Article, where am I at? 20.
031Article 20. Shall the school board of regional school unit number 73 be authorized to transfer up to 100,000 from the available fund balances at the end of uh 202425 fiscal year to the capital reserve operations of plant fund. The current balance is $100,000 and to expend funds from said capital reserve fund as needed during the 2526 school year. Is there a motion? I have a motion. I have a second. Comments or questions about this? Yes. Go ahead. If there isn't an available fund balance, you don't put that money in. It says right in the article, available fund balances. So, if there isn't an available fund balance at the end, you wouldn't be able to put that $100,000 in. Other comments or questions? Seeing none, those in favor of the motion, raise your hand. Those opposed,
032raise your hand. And the motion carries. Final article number 21 authorizes transfer among cost centers. Shall the school board be authorized to transfer amounts exceeding 5% of the total appropriation for any cost center to another cost center or among other cost centers for 20 2025 2026 fiscal year. provided that transfers shall not be permitted to increase the authorized total school budget. Is there a motion? I have a motion. I have a second. Comments or questions on this? Seeing none, those in favor of the motion and those opposed. And the motion carries. Ladies and gentlemen, that brings us to all the articles that can come before this budget meeting tonight. It would be appropriate for a motion to adjurnn. Is there a second? I have a second. Those in favor of the motion to adjurnn. Anyone
033opposed? Have a great Have a great night, everyone. The motion carries. Thank you for coming out. We'll be taking a 10-minute recess and then we'll be starting the regular school board meeting. Thank you. United States of America. Good evening everyone. Laura, are we good with attendance? Thank you. Any adjustments to the agenda? All right. I make a motion to approve the school board meeting minutes from March 27th, 2025. And Elaine seconds or firsts. I don't we won't harm Russ. Holly seconds. Any discussion or questions and uh a vote to approve? Everybody in approve in what am I looking for? In favor, say I. And raise your hand. No, no, don't raise your hand. It's going to be one of those nights, folks. Simon says. All opposed. And the motion carries. Anyone else? Any abstain? Anybody
034abstain? Who wasn't here last time? Brian. Wow. Every day is my first day. All right. So, uh, Christopher target communications. Good evening. Um, I'm actually coming up here tonight to ask if we can take the eighth grade middle school students to their annual field trip down in Boston. Um this year we've had the opportunity to be in contact with the Boston Red Sox and they do a STEM day um which is they'll get to participate with scientists from both MADNA and NASA and do multiple activities throughout Fenway Park. Then after all the activities they've done you'll get to watch the Fenway I mean the Boston Red Sox take on the Los Angeles Angels. So I'm asking your permission if we can take coach down um down down to Boston down to Fenway. Um participate in
035all the activities, watch Red Sox game and then come on back all in one day. Um I heard Elaine say this too, but can I come? A lot of people have been asking that one. Yeah, lots of volunteers. Thanks Danielle. Anybody else? I do want to take a quick note to that. The eighth grade, this eighth grade class has raised over $10,000 for this trip and it's been led by a lot of teachers, but Mariah Sergio has been a big part of helping the students raise that. So, I just want to give a big shout out to them for all that. Good. Thank you. All right. I would entertain a motion to authorize the school uh the Spruce Mountain Middle School 8 eighth grade class to the trip to Boston, Massachusetts. Go ahead. Uh I
036would like to have us make I'm making a motion that we approve the request by the eighth grade um for the eighth grade class trip to Boston, Massachusetts. Second. Tina, any discussion? All in favor say I. I. All opposed. And the motion carries. And Mark, can you speak right into the microphone? I will try. Does that help a little bit? Raise it up. We don't want you to bend. I'm not that tall. That's better. Thank you. I'm really glad we still have a a good crowd because this is this is quite an honor that we're about to um give out tonight. Um so back in January I nominated Mason for an award through the National Federation of High Schools. And I'm just going to read this out because I want to make sure I don't
037miss anything. The National Federation of High Schools or NFHS is the national leader in advocate for high school athletics as well as fine and performing arts programs within the 51 member state associations including the Washington DC. They serve 19,500 high schools and more than 12 million young people. The NFHS serves its members by providing leadership for the administration of educationbased high school athletics and activities through the writing of playing rules that emphasize health and safety, educational programs that develop leaders, and administrative support to increase opportunities and promote sponsorship. The National High School Heart of Arts Award was conceptualized by the NFHS in 2014 to honor individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of arts and represent the core mission of education-based activities. The award is given out to one indivi individual from each
038of the eight sections of NFHS. Section one encompasses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The section one winner for 2025 is Spruce Mountain High School student Mason Provo Clark. Yeah. Outstanding. Yeah. Now, I will tell you that when I found out that he won the award, I told Mr. Albert, Mr. Floyd, his mother Christy, and his father Dan, and a couple weeks later, Mason goes, "Hey, what's this?" Because when his name comes up in the news, he gets an email. Wow. So Mason is known for a couple couple of weeks and I've been waiting until the certificate came in. So I am the ultimate regter in that I gave it to him in a student assembly on Tuesday and I'm giving him again tonight. I will read what
039um what it says in the award. Mason is a junior at Spruce Mountain High School, is a distinguished leader and advocate for inclusivity and in STEM and the arts. Despite living with cereopal palsy and a specific learning disability, he excels academically, ranking 12th in his class. Nice. Mason is actively involved in the student council, national honor society, drama, robotics, and has recently been elected the president of the future business leaders of Maine state chapter. His contributions to drama include technical and stage directing roles, helping his team achieve state level recognition. In robotics, Mason has mentored younger students, written successful grant proposals totaling over $6,000, and lobbyed legislator legislators to fund STEM education. His advocacy for accessibility has increased awareness in his school and community, making robotics and theater more inclusive. Mason's resilience and determination to
040overcome physical challenges while making a lasting impact on his school are truly inspirational. He has been appointed as an honorary member of the regional school unit 73 board of uh school board for his exceptional involvement. Mason's leadership extends to the robotics institute of Maine where he has developed and implemented a disability awareness training seminar. His efforts have not only benefited his teammates but also fostered a more inclusive environment. Mason's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a difference proving that physical limitations do not define one's ability to lead and inspire. Congratulations. Thank you, Mason. Thank you. Uh, you should have seen his face when before anybody started clapping and standing. He was he was all smiles and then everybody stood and clapping. It just went stone colds. Then you all sat down.
041Smiles again. It's good. It's good. Next up is public comments. Before we go into public comments, I just want to remind everybody um that we expect you to keep it clean, keep it civil, keep it respectful. Uh you are not to call out individuals by name and you are to address the chair, not any one member of the board. You address the chair and I thank you for uh for for doing that. Uh the first public comment is from uh oh, Jenna Cody. Oh, never seen anybody clap. Can you hear me? Good. Okay, I'm gonna have to speak fast to get in my threeinut time limit. Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. My family has been deeply rooted in Jay Livermore and Livermore Falls for generations. My husband and I are
042both proud graduates of Jay Livermore and Livermore schools. Our two children currently attend the Spruce Mountain School District. I've worked for this district since graduating college in 2009, and I care deeply about our community, school, staff, and most of and most of all, our students. One of our district's key priorities this year has been creating a safe environment for our students. We focused on teaching them to be upstanders, to recognize bullying, to support one another, and to stand up for what is right, even when it's hard. As adults and leaders, we are role models for that behavior. We must demonstrate the courage, integrity, and respect that we expect from our students. When those expectations are not upheld, especially by individuals elected to serve our schools, we have the responsibility to speak up. That is why
043I'm standing here tonight to discuss deeply concerning and inappropriate behaviors by a school board member. After the last board meeting, a school board member made a public post online referring to the staff member who asked a question as a douchebag and liberal hack. They went on to say she could ingest a 10- pound satchel of Richards, which means penis, which is a vulgar and degrading phrase meant to insult and demean. They added, "I hope someone shows this to her." Although they didn't mention her by name, they posted a video of the board meeting, making it obvious as to who they were targeting. this person directed these hateful comments toward. The person they directed these hateful comments towards is a dedicated and respected member of our middle school team. Someone who works every day to break
044the cycle of bullying, teaching students social emotional skills and providing meaningful support to those who need it most. She did not deserve to be publicly humiliated or disrespected for simply participating in a board meeting. After the L last board meeting, I was approached by the same board member for a second time on school grounds. They were visibly agitated, raised their voice, and used profanities. I was told that I may be perfect for the job, but they hate me and they are coming for me and my job. Later on, they made a public Facebook post stating, "Just wanted to say, if you thought this spanking was bad, wait until April 10th. I'm going to go off. There will be no more gaslighting me or other non-farleft liberals. Time to spank them good." They also continued to
045list staff names online, which is a clear violation of the school board's policy and concerning given their access to confidential information. I have many more examples that I would be willing to discuss at a later date. Let me be absolutely clear. This is not civic discourse. This is not passionate disagreement. This is targeted harassment. I respectfully urge this board to take meaningful action. put clear and enfor enforceable consequences in place for violations of board policy, ethical conduct, and behavior that endangers the safe safety and dignity of others. I implore the towns of Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls to consider a process for recall or removal when school board members abuse their power and target the very people they are meant to support. I believe that the school board has the ability to make a difference.
046And although it may not be easy, our staff and students deserve a school community where people feel safe, supported, and free to do their jobs without You did it. Thank you. Thank you very much. Yeah, I know. Michael Danforth. Hello everyone. Hope you can hear me. So last year I came in front of the school board and I asked to start a wrestling program. Uh most of you were on the board, some new faces. I just want to give you guys a quick update, let the community know how we did. Um I had over 20 wrestlers on the team this year. Nice. I also had several wrestlers placed at regionals. I had a regional champion at 195 pounds. I had a second place at 145 pounds, a third place at he's my son, I should
047know, 93 pounds, and I had a wrestler place uh fourth at 117 pounds. I also had one alternate We beat several teams in our region. Um, team to team, head-to-head. We lost to teams like Coney, Oxford Hills by 16 points, 10 team points, which means one or two matches, we were not the bottom of the barrel. We did really well. That's the positive on the mat. uh the positive outside of the mat. The staff can tell you guys I have knuckleheads. Some of them are knuckleheads. They don't like to keep their grades up. They like to, you know, do goofy things in class. That all stopped. Their grades came up. They passed. The problem childs were no longer the problem childs. I had teachers coming into the wrestling room telling me they're doing great. I
048don't care about what happened on the mat. That's what I care about. Um, I'm very proud of them. I'm thankful for you guys for letting it happen. I hope we have a high school program. I think we have the numbers. Um, I just want to say thank you and give you guys an update. Any questions? Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Michael. Tanya Dillo, I'm speaking tonight because I'm sad. Could you speak right into the microphone? I'm sorry. I just want to make sure you heard. Even though as a district we teach conflict resolution to kids. We don't practice it ourselves. There is a perceived divide between some members of the board and the staff and the public and the staff. I truly believe we all want the same things, but we need
049to hear what the other side is saying. Just because some school board members voted against the budget doesn't mean they are against education or specifically teachers. They are on the board because they care and they want to be involved. You have to realize in this economy and how expensive everything is right now, asking for a $1.4 million increase in the budget is overwhelming to a lot of taxpayers. As a board member, that is also your job. You represent the taxpayers. Elderly on a fixed income trying to choose between food and medications. Young families struggling to pay bills after paying too much for a home. And now their taxes are increasing. As a community, we have been very blessed with two paper mills footing a large percent of our taxes. We no longer have that luxury.
050There are places that can be reduced without affecting the students. I want to see the reputation of the district get better. Empower parents to support and be involved in their kids' education. I know teaching is harder than it has ever been, and I commend the ones who do it well. Let's all work together to change things for the better for the sake of the students and the staff. Thank you, [Applause] Chris Bowden. Bodine Of course I do. Of course I do. Don't Don't start the clock yet. Is that good? Is that loud enough? I do. Oh, okay. Here we go. All right. Hi. So, my name's Chris Bodwin. I'm a school counselor here at Spruce. Uh, this is my 21st year here at the Spruce Mountain School District. I'm a 21-year resident of Livermore. I've
051been a clinical social worker for 24 years and as well as a mental health counselor. I also have a part-time business down in Livermore Falls uh for the past 13 years as a mental health counselor. I grew up in these towns. My family's generational mill workers. Uh this is my community. As a professional here at school and in my job as a counselor, I take ethics very seriously. as a Christian, as a school employee, as a social worker, and hopefully just a decent human being. Ethics is a discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad, right and wrong, and the principles that guide human behavior and decision-making. In order to conduct business, we must have disciplined ethics to guide our behavior. All of you take an oath of ethics when you take this take
052on the responsibility of the board. I I believe I came up here today because I feel the voting public needs to know because we do have a vote in a couple weeks what these are. They're right on the website. I just wanted to highlight a few of the ethical principles that you all agreed to as well as for those that are nominated and going up for election for a couple in a couple weeks. cut me off when my time is done. I will remember at all times that as an individual I have no legal authority outside the meetings of the board and that I will conduct my relationship with the school staff, the local citizenry and all media of communications on the basis of this fact and this is directly from the code of ethics
053of the school board of RSU73. I will recognize that my responsibility is not to operate the schools but to see that they are well operated. I will seek to provide education of all children in the community commensurate with their needs and abilities. I will listen to all citizens but will refer all comments or complaints to the proper authorities and will discuss complaints only at a regular meeting after failure of administrative solution. I will support a decision graciously once it has been made by the majority of the board. I will not criticize employees publicly but will make such criticism to the superintendent for investigation and action if necessary. I will make decisions openly after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed. I will not discuss the confidential business of the board in
054my home, on the street or in my office or a place of such discussion being the board meeting. I will confine my board action to policym planning and appraisal leaving the administration of the schools to the superintendent. I will welcome and encourage cooperation and participation by teachers, administrators, and other personnel in developing policies that affect their welfare and that of the children they serve. I will endeavor at all times to see the Thank you, Mr. Baldwin. If we don't have ethics, we have nothing. I hear you. I hear you. Ed Walsh. Well, it seems like there's a general theme here today, isn't there? It seems to be a theme. So, I'm going to kind of build on it. Uh, so, uh, I'm going to start with kind of two things to consider here. Uh, there
055was a board member who continued to verbally attack, demean, and intimidate our teachers and students. For example, referring to our students as men in disguise. This is happening at in uh inside and outside this board meeting. This is unfolding in direct confrontation and on social media, causing people to be fearful. Members of the board, please explain to me how this is allowed to continue and what impact does this have on the safe learning environment that all students deserve. The second issue that is very important to me is a single member of the board contacted the school librarians. It was explained that this was to determine which books had been checked out by our student body. This worries me and I have to admit that most members of the board seemed unaware, even surprised by this
056request. And I hope that you were worried, too. Could the board please explain to me how this is allowed to happen or did the board authorize this request in advance? Members of the board represent our community yet they are allowed they allow its members to bully and intimidate our teachers and children. Going outside the board for individual genders is contrary to the best interests of the community. This is a waste of time and resources for our school employees and it's hurtful to our students. This is the role modeling that's being offered to our students. This is a recipe for disaster and a time where we need to build our community relationships. Who then do we blame when our children grow up and leave? Who then becomes the new community leaders? To avoid further embarrassment, I
057will refer you to the Spruce Mountain School Board Code of Ethics. Section BHC states that communication between the board and staff is indirect and should not circumvent the chain of command. I highly recommend that the board read the entire code of ethics. I point directly again to section BHC and I quote, "Communication with staff is the responsibility of the board as a whole. Individual board members should reframe some initiating communication or conversation with staff members on their own. Our school board is more has never been more crucial than it is now. The code of ethics states that all students must learn an environment that fosters development of positive attitudes toward themselves and genuine respect for others. The board must model this, but this I have not seen this modeling and I'm embarrassed for our community.
058Thank you. [Applause] All right, students, board members, comments. One second. Okay. All we have is to mention a few events coming up. Um on Saturday, the senior class will be holding a spring craft fair. Um it's from 9 to 2, so you can come in whenever. There is also going to be a mattress fundraiser on April 27th from 10:00 to 4:00 for all spring sports and to finish up the tennis courts. And lastly, there will be a car show on May 3rd from 10 to 4 to help the senior class. That's all. Thank you, ladies. Before we go into board member comments, I have a quick note. Um, I want to make sure that, uh, board member comments are not a time for board members to address the public comments. Other than that, um, tonight
059we'll be taking a moment, we're going to take a moment to read through the board member code of ethics entirely, line by line. I'm going to have people go down the line. You all have a copy. It's in the back. it'll happen later. This is in response to some recent exchanges at board meetings and a number of disturbing posts on social media. As we navigate these traveling uh troubling times, challenging times, it's important to remember that while we are all individuals with our own perspectives, the views expressed by individual board members on social media do not represent the stance of this board. I encourage all board members to pause before posting on social media, especially when emotions are running high. I would like to a I would like you to ask yourself, is this post
060going to be encouraging, positive dialogue and with solutions or is it negative aimed at shaming or doing harm to a school administrator or a teacher or any member of our community? Our words matter and the impact they can have on our school dis school district and the community as a whole. They are significant. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage better communication among the board members and among the board members and their and the staff. If you have an issue with a school staff member or with any aspect of the district, I strongly encourage you to set up an appointment for a face-to-face meeting. I can guarantee that after a direct conversation, both sides will have a better understanding of the issue at hand and be in a stronger position to work
061towards a solution. Please remember, I'm always available to meet with you uh any of you if you have concerns with me personally or if you would like to set up a time to meet with any school staff. Don't hesitate to reach out. Open, respectful communication is the foundation of a healthy and thriving school community. Thank you. All right. I I call on board member comments. Roger. I honestly don't even know where to start tonight. I'm frustrated and I'm exhausted. I have now had two employee spouses try to intimidate and cause problems for my family. The first time they created a fake account online and sent vile lies about my wife. I have proof from the district attorney that this came from an employees home. This was after I was asked to speak at the mass
062meeting because staff was afraid of retaliation from some staff they named to me. Well, it was one of the staff members they named to me that sent me this vile stuff about my wife. So, there was a bullying problem in your district and I was asked to come here from your staff that was being harassed by the same group. The situation was proven true. I was banned from the district ground for 90 days for asking the spouse why they sent it to me and how they thought I would respond. When I received proof that it came from where I knew it had, there were no punishments for the party involved. I had an email sent district-wide about me being banned. I offered to never repeat this again if that person was also banned and had
063an email sent out as I felt that would be the only way to put equity into the situation. I was denied that request and that's why I continue to repeat that story. District staff after harassing co-workers got a free pass for harassing me. Then last night, another staff member's house came by my business and acted creepy enough that police thought he was going to try to rob us. My wife runs that store and this was a clear act of intimidation. The person said, "Tell the owner I will see him tomorrow night." They then walked my private property that is posted for no trespassing where my daughter's basketball hoop is. I emailed the appropriate parties laugh last evening and still hadn't heard anything by 10:30 this morning. This district has a bullying problem. It is allowed
064to continue, so it does. People come up to the podium and ask for kindness and respect when I feel they really mean don't make waves, don't make changes. They even say things I consider very harmful to young minds. They get up here and claim the board doesn't accept students or hates them. They even make students that uh statements that the board is looking for information to harass and intimidate students. I honestly don't believe anyone on this board hates or doesn't accept any child. And for adults to make those claims, it is not only slanderous, but is not good for the mental health of the children watching this. You don't get to tell them how I feel about them or if I accept them. To be honest, this district, like most in Maine, has an extreme
065left liberal problem. Anyone who is identified as not liberal, is open to attacks like I have received. The student survey thing wasn't political. It was just the only thing that I could think of that possibly could have prevented this. But it is the far-left that is angry. In my opinion, that's likely due to them belonging to a union that is indeed a political action group by their own statements. and that union endorsed every Democrat and Angus King independent that there was. Their stated goal is to become the most influential political action group in the state. Our teachers union is awful close to being an arm of the Democratic Party. We have rainbow flags throughout the school. The flag has now become a symbol of the Democratic Party and that is obvious through their campaigns. But
066we ban political clothing or symbols on students. I know of several students that have had to move classes due to their teachers overpoliticization of their classroom. I'm willing to bet that 90% of our students can tell us who every educator they currently have voted for. This is ridiculous. If we are taking politics out of school, why is one side so represented? I asked a friend of mine why they have a rainbow flag in their classroom. They said it was to let the students know that they are welcome. I don't believe that that flag means that the American flag and the state of Maine flag indeed represent acceptance of all students. I pose the question, if the rainbow flag is there to show certain students they are welcomed in a district with a GSA and rainbows
067everywhere, what representation do you have on these campuses that let conservative students know they are welcome? Political flags and posters are banned from board meetings, yet we had rainbow flags on the board's table. I dare say students that are conservative are hesitant to say that they are on these grounds. But liberal students wear rainbow flags have no problem uh stating who they support and who they hate. The vast majority of speakers that come here are far-left liberals and they have no fear even when making assumptions publicly about board members and their motivations. I campaigned on politics out, but that is beginning to seem insurmountable. We don't ban politics in this district. We ban one side of politics. And some of your staff will go to great lengths to attack anyone that says anything not far-left
068here. This district needs to take a long look in the mirror and ask how we leave politics at the door. People come up here insinuate that I'm some sort of bully for responding to these situations. I was brought out because you had your own bullies on staff and I'm not going anywhere. I will tell you I am fed up with the personal attacks and coming on my property is crossing the line. Please grow up and stop bothering my family. It is time for the district to actually make the campus and the meeting safe for all, not just for the left side. Furthermore, I did not give up my first amendment when I took this role. Buckle up. It's going to get worse. Thank you. Any other board member comments? Okay. Superintendent report. Good evening. I
069don't have a report tonight. I just want to uh talk about the people's veto referendum. Um some of you may have read a couple of articles that have been in the paper. I'm extremely concerned as a superintendent about this and what it can do to our school district and school districts throughout the state. According to the paper and discussions I have had with other superintendents, it appears that if they collect the 67,682 signatures from registered Maine voters, there could be a budget freeze and a possible shutdown of state government. We do not have enough money from our local towns to keep our schools running if this occurs. We still have not fully recovered from CO and its effect on education. This could be more devastating. Please think carefully of the ramifications before signing any petitions.
070Thank you. Thank you. You have your school administrators reports in your packets. Moving on to the school board chair report. This is the time when I would ask you to pull out. There should be in the back of your packets. It's the board member code of ethics BCA and then also BHC. And I would like to start with Jody and work this way reading through the board member code of ex ethics not exits ethics. Uh starting on bullet point one, I will refuse service an opportunity to serve my community, state, and nation because I believe public education is the best means to promote the welfare of our people and to preserve our democratic way of life. Thank you, Don Stout. I will let all times think of children first and base my decisions on how
071they will affect ch uh children in their education. I will make no disparaging remarks in or out of board meetings about other members of the board or their opinions. I will remember at all times that as an individual I have no legal authority outside the meetings of the board and that I will conduct my relationship with the school staff, the local citizenry and all media of communications on the basis of this fact. I will recognize that my responsibility is not to operate the schools but to see that they are well operated. I will seek to provide education for all children in the community commensurate with their needs and abilities. I will listen to all citizens but will refer all comments or complaints to the proper authorities and will discuss complaints only at a regular meeting
072after failure of administrative solution. I will support a decision graciously once it has been made by the majority of the board. I will not criticize employees publicly but but will make such criticism to the superintendent for investigation and action if necessary. I will make decisions openly after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed. I will refuse to make promises as to how I will vote on a matter that should properly come before the board as a whole. I will not discuss the confidential sorry the confidential business of the board in my home on the street or in my office. The place for such discussion being the board meeting. I will confine my board action to policym planning and appraisal leaving the administration of the schools to the superintendent. I will welcome
073and encourage cooperation and participation by teachers, administrators, and other personnel in developing policies that affect their welfare and that of children that they serve. I will endeavor at all times to see that schools have adequate financial support within the capabilities of the community and state in order that every child may receive the best possible education. I will resist every temptation and outside pressure to use my position as a board member to benefit myself or any individual or agency apart from the total interest of the school district. I will endeavor to attend every regular and special board meeting recognizing that my presence means representation for citizens. If I find that this is not possible for an extended length of time, I will give consideration to resigning from my position on the board. I will recognize at
074all times that the board of which I am a member is an agent of the state and as such I will abide by the laws of the state and the regulations formulated by the state board of education which is responsible for educational policies as determined by legislative acts. Thank you. You can review BHC. The only na note that I wanted to make is the back and I'll read these real quick if y'all don't mind. Did I just say y'all? Anyways, you did. Board and teacher and other school employees. The relationship of the teacher to the board is indirect. The teacher is directly responsible to the principal or assistant principal and through the principal assistant principal, to the superintendent and then to the board. Other school employees depending on their position are directly responsible to the
075principal or assistant principal or to the supervisor to whom the employee reports and through the principal or supervisor to the superintendent and then to the board. Direct access access between employees and the board may be obtained through channels established for grievances or through applicable board policies. Board communication with staff. The board will communicate regularly with school staff on matters of current interest and importance to the school community at such times and through such methods as the board deems appropriate. Individual employees and employee organizations are expected to utilize communication channels established through board policies, administrative procedures, and collective bargaining agreements and not to circumvent the chain of command and their direct supervisors. Communications with staff are the responsibility of the board as a whole. Individual board members should refrain from initiating communications or conversations with staff
076members on their own. Thank you. Thank you. I have no other uh report from the board chair. Uh committee reports I think. Is there any committee reports? Ah Miss Riley, Mrs. Riley, excuse me. Um, yeah. Can can I go ahead and move on to the to the to the policies? Sounds great. Okay. I'm all about it. I like it. Okay. We have the second and final reading of five uh policies uh three policies, two procedures um ACA, ACAB and AC which are all harassment, sexual harassment of students and employees and also our non-discrimination affirmative action and the uh harassment complaint procedures for both um for both students and employees. Last week we voted on this. Nothing's changed. Um, all this does is roll back our policies to comply fully with federal, state and federal law.
077Sure. Um, I'm going to move ahead and make a motion. Do you want to do that? You want to do the motion? I'm sorry. That was supposed to have been a motion. Yes. I make a motion that we that we uh that we approve that we that we approve that second and final reading. I'm sorry, my bus. Elaine seconds. Any discussion, questions? Who's Oh, hi Holly. I think I um the only uh remark I'm going to make is that these policies do not still do do not um go go with federal law, only state law. and the policy that we're rolling back rolls back um to the 2020, but it still doesn't doesn't get us where we need to be to be in federal compliance. Tina, thank you. Um it's a bit of a misnomer
078the um the way the law works. I'm definitely not a lawyer and I'm not an expert in this, but the incoming administration has the ability to craft the rules the way that they want to. And some of that though, um, right now what we've got is is the rules that were crafted under the Biden administration. What we're rolling back to right now are the rules that were crafted under the Trump administration. That is federal law and that is what we're trying to comply with. We also need to comply with the main human rights act which um keep this will keep us in step with if we try to adhere to what's actually just an executive order that is not a federal law and right now the Trump administration and the state of Maine have a
079legal thing going trying to decide whether um the whether the main human rights act supersedes that executive order. If it does, then the the courts will rule that way and we will then change our policies to match it. Right now, getting out in front of that will not put us further in compliance with any existing federal law, but it will put us out of compliance with state law. And that is bad news for taxpayers, and it's just bad governance. We just need to pass this the way it is. Other board comments on this. Elaine, um, we've just gone through the the what's the responsibilities of the board and these have been passed out. They're clearly there. This has nothing to do with my personal opinion. This has to do with me following the guidance of
080the state government and the federal government. What I think about it doesn't matter. Politics need to be left at the door. Whether I'm left, right, middle, you know, nobody really cares. I'm here for what's best for the student and abide by the laws. If the law changes, this policy will change to be in line with the law. It would be irresponsible for me to put our district in a legal situation where the taxpayers have to fund a fight. And it would not be good for our kids. It's not good for our look. Um, we need to follow the law. It isn't personal. Nobody cares what I think about it. It'll be handled by other people. Any other comments? I'd just like to comment on why I will probably voting to um approve the second and
081final reading. Reason being is that um going back to the 2020 Trump era Title 9 rules is what's been recommended by our legal council. Also, even if we went back to the 1972 title rules, if there was a lawsuit, they would not use those. No, the lawyers for us and the lawyers for the people that were suing would not use the 1972 Title 9 rules. They would use the 2020 Trump error rules. That's why I'll be voting uh to approve the second and final reason. Another thing is is if if we get into a situation where we get sued because we tried to circumvent the state laws. Um we have insurance that will take care of us if we're sued. But you know how insurance works. If they find out that we knowingly violated and
082broke main state law, they would not cover us. And now we've got taxpayers uh footing footing the bill just like it was said earlier. So that's why I'm voting to approve the second and final reading. Thank you. Any other discussion? All right. Uh I would say roll call in this. Yes. Lena or Tina? Tina. Yes. Yes. And the motion uh carries. Is there any unfinished business from the day? You good? Okay. Uh any new business? Uh let's see. Calendar announcements announcement. The next uh April vacation is coming up April 21st through the 25th. Woohoo. And uh late start Wednesday on April 16th and the 30th. The next regular school board meeting is May 8th at the high school at 6 o'clock. There will be uh budget documents to sign and we also have a regular
083schoolboard meeting on May 22nd. forget this one. April finance committee meeting. April 29th. Oh, and I forgot. There is also an April 29th meeting um as well. That's for individual votes. That's for individual. That's the town vote. That's to show up and vote. That's the town vote. I'm okay. Am I having a stroke? Anyways, you're okay. All right. I would entertain a motion to adjourn. Oh, Lena. Tina say all in favor. Oh, any discussion? No.