The Gorham School Committee met for their monthly meeting on Jan. 18, 2023. Members Daryl Wright and Anne Schools were not present.
Superintendent Heather Perry spoke on four topics of interest. First, the continued monitoring of the physical health of students and staff and the procedures that are required by the State of Maine. If daily absenteeism reaches 15%, it must be reported to the state for an investigation and a status report. She continues to encourage good health practices and procedures as determined by families and staff needs.
Secondly, the budget process for the 2023-2024 school year is underway with principals and school leaders meeting with the central office staff to review all budget lines. The number one priority in the process is how these items will benefit students. She also noted the new software program that is being implemented and the extra work being done by Hollis Cobb and Andy Hager in the business department. Finally, she mentioned the Little Rams report which is being widely shared by the school district, and the plans that are underway to implement the recommendations.
Photo credit: Erin Eppler, Principal, Narragansett SchoolNarragansett Student leaders prepare to address the Gorham School Committee. Pictured (L-R): David, Tyler, Greta, Nola, Mika, and Jacob with teacher advisors, Ms. Cataldo and Mrs. Whitney
The Narragansett Student Leaders presented to the committee on the support they are offering to the school. The group of five fifth graders spoke about their passion for helping the school and the younger students. They talked about the code of conduct and the importance of being good role models with their words and actions. Some of the “jobs” that they are doing include dismissal helper, spirit day organizer, classroom helper, recess helper, art room helper, offering responsibility tips to classrooms and “read-alouds” with Kindergarten and First Grade students. One of their activities involved making stuffies and sharing them with students who had not brought one with them for a spirit activity. They demonstrated great courage in talking to a group of adults about their empathy and compassion.
Superintendent Perry also spoke about her annual goals and the five-year strategic plan for the school system that has been developed. There are many areas that are being addressed, as 35 of the action steps for this year have either been completed or are underway, as well as a clear pathway to attack the others.
Dr. Brian Porter provided an Assessment Data Review for the school system. The schools use a series of formative and summative tools to assess where students are and what next steps are needed for continued growth. The Gorham School System primarily uses the NWEA, which is administered two or three times yearly, to monitor student growth and to universally screen students for remedial support. Using the grade level scores for NWEA, they are able to review trends, areas of concern, and progress. Although there have been some impacts on learning noted due to the pandemic, recent data shows that for most grades and students, the gap is narrowing and progress is being noted.
The school committee discussed a resolution to support a statement of support of LGBTQ+ students and staff in the Gorham Schools. This resolution was first proposed in November and has been reviewed, word-smithed, and adjusted at two workshop meetings. The school committee resolution was initiated by committee member, Stuart McCallister, not because the Gorham Schools have not always been welcoming to all, but as a clear statement of support to all members of the school community. The resolution was approved (5-0) and Mr. McCallister read the approved resolution.
As required by state statute at this time of year, the annual election of the superintendent was approved by the committee by a unanimous vote of attending members.