The Gorham School committee held their regular monthly meeting on June 12. Six members were present.
For program reviews, GMS Principal Quinton Donahue and students Zeke and Carter presented an overview of a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) project that they completed at the middle school. The students described building guitars with the assistance of staff members Terri Dawson and Michael McCarthy and community and maintenance department volunteers.
Superintendent Heather Perry reviewed her administrative report to the committee. She congratulated the class of 2024 and highlighted workplace laws and rules that will affect future school policies. Dr. Perry also provided an update on the school budget that was approved by town voters by a four point margin. As with all very close elections, there is a review and recount process that will take place in the next couple of weeks.
Several school committee members commented on the Graduation Celebration and several other exciting events that have occurred in the last two weeks. Mr. McAllister thanked Mr. Brian Porter for his service to the district for the past thirty years. There were also statements about the closeness of the budget approval and the need for continued scrutiny of school budgets and work with the town on sustainability concerns.
There was a report out on all of the standing committees and Ad hoc committees. Most of the subcommittees will not meet until September.
The committee voted 5-0 (with one abstention) to allow Mr. McAllister to represent the school committee at a STEM event in the next few days. It is typical for only the chairperson to speak for the committee unless approved in advance.
The second reading of the twelve policies that were approved for first reading during the May regular and special meetings were approved (6-0). There were also 2 policies approved for a first reading. Code of Conduct (JICDA) and Public Participation at School Committee Meetings (BEDH).
Six new teachers were approved: Audrey Morin, GHS Physical Science, Josh Volinsky, GMS sixth grade ELA, Rebecca Hooper, Village fourth grade, Tim Mains, GMS sixth grade Math/ Science, Mildred Axelsen, Narragansett K-5 Autism, and Alex Valentin, GMS Resource Room. These were approved 6-0.
The Committee then voted to go into Executive Session to discuss three topics (6-0).