The School Committee (SC) held its regular June 10 meeting via Zoom. During the time for public comment, James Lockman asked for clarity about an apology made by Superintendent Heather Perry in reference to a blog post that had been revised. He wanted to know where he could read the original. Perry promised to send it to him.

Responding to the protests against racism and the need for conversation about race relations, Perry emphasized the importance of student participation in the discussion. Trisha Cherry, advisor to the Gorham High School (GHS) Civil Rights Team, introduced two students, Mariam Beshir and Tatiana Jonk. Both are members of the team who drafted a proclamation for an anti-racist policy. Some examples from their proclamation included a request for a more diverse environment which includes speakers sharing stories, curriculum that educated students about racism from early grades, a more diverse staff, honoring holidays of different religions and cultures, and making school-welcoming programs more diverse.

Beshir said students should have an option to standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. SC members thanked students for their presentation and for what they had accomplished in organizing the protests.

Later in the meeting, the SC unanimously passed the following motion made by Darryl Wright and seconded by Jennifer Whitehead: “I make a motion to publicly declare the Gorham School Committee condemns the recent anti-black racism that is occurring in our country and that we further direct the Superintendent of Schools to deliver the draft proclamation created by the GHS Civil Rights students to the Gorham School Committee Policy Committee to use as a core document for the development of a new Anti-Racist Policy for the Gorham School Department that will be developed with significant stakeholder feedback and brought back to the Gorham School Committee as a potential policy in the fall of 2020.”

Perry reported that the State is working with districts on guidelines for school openings. She is hoping to get some FEMA reimbursement and to know more about state monies for next year. She said that the end of school activities were a “positive ending for the school year.”

All SC members congratulated GHS seniors and eighth graders on their graduation and the staff for their work during a difficult year. Chairman Stewart MacCallister gave the committee’s thanks to GHS student representative Ava Pitman who graduated this year.

Phil Gagnon objected to the delay in finishing the Narragansett kitchen which is four to six weeks behind schedule. MacCallister noted there had been some Planning Board delays and other issues. Perry said it would be completed by the end of September, maybe sooner. However, if schools are open in September, they may be serving bagged lunches in classrooms.

Perry discussed plans for spending Title I, II and IV federal funds which are designated for supplemental instructional services, professional development for social/emotional needs, and improving academic achievement for students in need of help. She said there will be lots of stakeholder help in putting these initiatives into a working plan.

The Facilities Committee is working with the town on the facilities assessment, prioritizing projects, and projecting for future needs, as well as how to pay for improvements.

The SC approved the revised 20-21 school calendar which added two additional professional development days (August 25 and 28) to two planned before school opens. This will add one more school day in the spring. They voted to update the Controversial Issues Policy (6-1, Gagnon).

They voted to approve the Great Falls LED lighting project which includes a $173,345 rebate from Efficiency Maine and will cost $143,490.38 over six years (5-2). There would be a reduction in electricity costs. The effect on the FY21 budget would be $3,000. Gagnon and Benson opposed funding the project at this time.

Superintendent Perry outlined the framework for reopening the schools in the fall which are in line with core values: public health, mitigating learning gaps, a caring school culture, advancing achievement, and being open and transparent. There has been input from medical advisors and staff, but there will be more student and parent input before plans are finalized.