At the June 8 regular School Committee meeting, Superintendent Heather Perry spoke briefly about the controversy related to an email she sent when constituting a committee to review posters in the Gorham Middle School (GMS) health classroom. She apologized for “poor choice of words,” but said that her intention was to address a complex and sensitive issue and to make clear that policies were followed. She believes that “slowing things down” allows time to examine issues and not make hasty decisions. Perry said that parents should have a role and that she will be looking into “increasing parental access to curriculum” as one of her goals for the coming year. The department has a Controversial Issues Policy that allows students to learn about current issues, but also includes the option for parents with sincere beliefs to have their children opt out.
Perry also announced that the Department of Education pandemic guideline will expire on June 30. She said that she will be applying for a grant to help with pre-kindergarten expansion plans. The district has received a $250,000 grant to increase opportunities for experiential learning.
School Committee members thanked student representative Andrea Mitchell for her service on the committee. They expressed disappointment over the nearly $1.6 million reduction the Town Council made to the school FY23 budget on June 7. Stewart McCallister believed that it is just “pushing costs down the road,” agreeing with James Brockman that cuts “will have an impact on students that are struggling.” Sarah Perkins and Darryl Wright both said that they need a better process than one giving the SC only two hours to determine where to cut $1.6 million from the budget.
GHS Principal Brian Jandreau, GMS Principal Quinton Donahue, and Sandra Rockett, GHS librarian, gave a presentation on the criteria for 6-12 library selections. Jandreau said good books let students see reflections of themselves, gain empathy for the experiences of others, and develop their imagination and creative problem-solving skills. Rocket explained her criteria for selection which includes positive reviews from professional journals, age appropriate materials on a wide range of topics, and concern for issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. She collaborates with teachers in the selection process.
Assistant Superintendent Brian Porter explained Every Student Success Act (ESSA) Title 1,2, and 4 grants that will provide $332,077 in federal funding for the 2022-23 school year. Title 1 monies are used for basic supplemental instruction in math and reading for the lowest 25% of K-5 students. Title 2 funds are used for teacher and staff development, which includes summer learning opportunities. Title 4 funds are used for addressing social and emotional needs of students and to address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The SC voted (7-0) to appoint Erin Epler Narragansett School principal. In other business, they approved hiring of six teachers, and three revised policies.