At the last regular School Committee (SC) meeting held via Zoom, Kyra Hamblen, Gorham High School (GHS) sophomore, used the public comment opportunity to say that most students want to be in school, if only for two days a week. Superintendent Heather Perry said that both the administration and the SC are in agreement and fully committed to finding a way to open GHS to in-person instruction safely for students and staff.
In her report, Perry said that the district is in line to receive $2M in federal funds for technology, staffing, facilities needs, and personal protection equipment (PPE). Governor Mills’ 10% reduction in the state budget probably will not affect the state education subsidy. She also said that the district is still hiring people to work in nutrition, cafeteria and playground monitoring, and van transportation.
There was intense community reaction to the SC’s vote to open GHS with virtual learning. Committee members used the opportunity to speak about their desire to return to in-person education at GHS as soon as possible. Everyone involved is working together in good faith to find the best solutions.
The SC voted on two teaching positions. Lindsay Eli will teach at GMS and Cooper Power will teach adaptive Phys. Ed. They also voted to approve a bond issue proposal to send to the Town Council that had been developed by a joint committee. The $7,475,000 bond would fund projects prioritized to meet capital improvement needs five years out, such as the HVAC system at GMS, ball field lighting, and bus turnarounds.
They discussed moving to in-person SC meetings, perhaps at the high school. There were questions about space requirements and sanitation schedules. Perry said she would investigate further.
Rob Roy, Gorham Teachers Association president, reported on a survey of 75 GHS staff members. The 41 responses were split evenly in favor of opening in “red” or “yellow.” Superintendent Perry and GHS Principal Brian Jandreau described three possible scenarios for a GHS hybrid plan. Two would bring 430, or half, the students to school at one time; the other would have one-fourth at a time receiving in-person instruction. Questions were asked about mask breaks and state distancing requirements under each plan. Perry is checking with the DOE on these and other current requirements.
Perry has been communicating with organizations in an effort to find space for GHS classes. The SC voted for her to continue working with the Town Manager and the Town Council to identify town-owned space, ideally at the Municipal Center, that could be used as classrooms. They voted for Phil Gagnon to serve as SC representative to that working group.
The SC agreed to hold a special Zoom meeting on Tuesday, August 18, for administration to present at least one revised opening plan for GHS that will include some days of in-person learning.