At the School Committee’s September 14 regular meeting, Superintendent Heather Perry announced that the district is beginning the school year fully staffed, although there is still a need for more bus drivers and substitutes. The district has a grant for funding the Pre-K program at Narragansett School next school year and a Department of Labor grant to fund eight education apprenticeships that will enable participants to become ed techs.
Brian Jandreau, Gorham High School principal, and Rachel Grady, advisor to the school’s Eco Club, introduced Chloe Blanchard and other club members who gave a presentation on their Garbage to Garden project. To kick off the project they sorted 703 compostables from one day’s trash at GHS. The club has produced a video that encourages classmates to recycle food waste for composting.
The School Committee (SC) thanked everyone on the district staff for their work getting ready for the new school year. The principals of the five schools all reported successful opening days, noting the positive difference between this year and last when some COVID-19 restrictions were still in effect. They were particularly grateful for the four days they had for preparation.
Norm Justice, director of maintenance and transportation, reported on summer maintenance projects. Members of the Summit Church had assisted with installing kiosks and some other projects. New heat pumps were installed at Gorham Middle School, although some classrooms still will not have them until next summer. At GHS the gym floor was refinished, new bleachers installed as well as a gym curtain and field lighting. The new sound system has been delayed due to material shortages.
Consultant Suzanne Godin gave an overview of the year-long redesign of the district’s Strategic Plan. The draft plan focuses on engaged learning; social/emotional mental health; diversity, equity, and inclusion; facilities and structures; and the Pre-K program.
The SC voted (6-0, Gagnon absent) to approve the 2022-2023 SC meeting schedule, accept the 2022-2-23 Superintendent’s goals, and to deny a citizen’s request to have gender identity posters removed from the Gorham Middle School health classroom.
Review of the Transportation Policy was discussed, and action postponed until next month when more data are available. There have been 1300 requests for alternative pickup and delivery stops, which calls for a review of the current policy.
Superintendent Perry discussed data from the State of the Schools report that showed much of the data in flux due to in large part to disruption caused by COVID-19 restrictions the previous two years. Math scores were not as good as expected which could be attributed to introducing a new curriculum. Although practices are the same at all elementary schools, chronic absenteeism varied, again probably due to COVID-19. More information on these data and on other reports can be found on the Gorham Schools website.