At the last regular School Committee (SC) meeting, Superintendent Heather Perry introduced Eliza Kenigsberg, Career and Community Coordinator. Gorham High School (GHS) students Mia Donnelly, Alexander Leary, and Ava Pitman, who participate in the ASPIRE program, described the recent Future Story Day when students held conversations with a realtor, dentist, lawyer, and others in a variety of careers, and spoke about making community connections through the “Rules to Live By” program. Leary and Pitman visited local engineering firms where they were introduced to “many careers under one roof.”
Perry announced that state certification rules will remain as they are until pending rework in 2020. She reported that the K-5 attendance zone changes are progressing well with staff assignments to be announced at the end of January. SC member Darryl Wright commended the students who spoke at the Wreaths Across America program at GHS.
Superintendent Perry presented an overview that highlighted progress on six areas of her 2019-2020 goals. She announced that capital needs at GHS will be the subject of a joint SC and Town Council (TC) workshop on January 14, and that the SC has formed a Facilities subcommittee to discuss capital needs at all district and town buildings with the TC. The World Languages Committee has made a FY21 budget proposal. Slow, steady progress is being made on understanding diversity, she said. The district is working with a consultant to develop appropriate programs for teachers and staff. The Aspire program is active in many areas, including making connections with childcare providers, working with USM to offer early closeness credit, and using new software for college and career planning.
She spoke briefly about the District’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing the need to develop measurement strategies as called for in the Mission and Vision document. She gave as an example the work currently underway to create a “portrait of a graduate” based on measurable criteria.
Bill Benson reported increased participation in vocational programs available to Gorham students. He said that there is a need for trained workers for existing good jobs.
The SC voted 6-0 to approve changes in five district policies. They revised truancy and attendance policies to include five-year-old students, and added gender identity as a category in the policy related to harassment of employees. The hazing policy was revised to give the superintendent the final decision in settling complaints.
They also voted unanimously to retain the superintendent as required by state law, although in Gorham the superintendent’s contract is voted on in the spring. They authorized Superintendent Perry to proceed with the lease/purchase contract for the Narragansett modulars which is required in applying for some state funding.