Given the opportunity for public comment at the last regular meeting of the School Committee (SC), parents and second grade students from Narragansett Elementary School urged committee members to approve three third grade classes next year, instead of two now in the proposed budget, as a means to avoid class sizes of 26 students. Following the public comments, SC members encouraged anyone interested in communicating about the FY20 budget to email them with their concerns.

Ava Pitman, student SC member, gave an overview of activities at GHS. Superintendent Heather Perry announced the dates of upcoming budget workshops which include March 25 and April 1 as needed. She congratulated GMS Principal Bob Riley on his retirement at the end of the school year and thanked him for his service to the district. She congratulated Allie Rimkunas (GF) and Amy Cousins (GMS) for being selected as Art Educators of the year.

SC Chairman Darryl Wright, who also congratulated Riley, thanked the Gorham Police and Fire Departments as well as everyone who attended the memorial for Officer “Pooch” Drown. He announced that the Thought Exchange, which was used to solicit

ideas and opinions about the high school building project, had received more than 1,100 responses before it ended earlier this month. He reminded people that community input is an important part of the decision-making process.

Gifted & Talented Coordinator Diane Knott, who gave a short overview of the program, introduced several of her Great Falls students. As participants in Odyssey of the Mind and the STEM vehicle competitions, they expressed what being in the Student Advancement in Learning (SAIL) program meant to them. Students work together without adults on projects designed to encourage creative thinking and collaboration.

Tim Spear, Athletic Director, introduced five members of the Unified Basketball Team. He reported that more than 300 GHS students participate in athletics every season and that almost 60% of the student body are active in a program that costs only 2% of the budget. He highlighted the teams and student athletes from this past school year.

Special Education was the subject of Kathy Hamblen’s overview. As Director of Special Services, she introduced Nicole Poole, her new assistant director, who is a special education strategist. With the increase in students eligible for the department’s services, Poole is handling much of the mounting paperwork that has limited the time counselors have to work with students, teachers, and parents. Hamblen also discussed her work to provide job support for students in vocational rehabilitation programs.