At the June 13 regular meeting, the School Committee thanked Gorham voters for supporting the budget at the previous day’s election.
After recognizing the work of teachers, administrators, volunteers, and parents, Committee members affirmed their responsibility to all taxpayers. “We are aware,” said Dennis Libby, “that people who voted for and against the budget expect us to provide the best education and to be fiscally responsible.”
Darryl Wright commented that the Committee will work to do the best for students in the future as state subsidies decrease due to increasing assessed valuation and population continues to increase.
Superintendent Heather Perry announced that despite there being no decision on a state legislative special session, Gorham will receive its subsidy funds. She congratulated Gorham High School (GHS) graduating seniors and noted that over the last four years they had contributed 10,000 hours of service to the community.
Kyle Currier, finance Committee chair, said that the Committee makes a thorough review of spending as well as the district’s financial status each month and announced that meetings are open to the public.
Bill Benson reported on vocational education opportunities offered Gorham students at the Westbrook Regional Vocational Center (WRVC) and Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS). He noted that programs in masonry, marine services, computer repair, and cyber security prepare students for jobs for which there is demand.
The GHS Facilities Committee reported that their survey suggested Gorham residents want the high school renovation project to consider long-term needs and to address security issues while making few changes to the current footprint.
The Committee unanimously passed a revised Immunization Policy that will enable the district to make changes in line with state requirements without always having to create a new policy.
The Committee members voted (6-1, Libby) to bring membership in a New Regional Service Center to a referendum vote in November. Funded largely by the state, this initiative would permit 11 districts to combine some food service expenditures, cooperate in offering professional development programs, and explore other joint projects.
The Committee unanimously voted to hire a full-time Field Manager, a position included in the FY budget. This would save about $7,000 currently being spent for contracted work. They also voted (7-0) to hire a Spanish teacher for 1/5 time at GHS which will help make it possible to offer a fourth year of Spanish.
Athletic coaching positions for next year were approved. All volunteers and people receiving stipends for these positions receive the same background checks as other district personnel.