Stewart McCallister was elected Chairperson and Kate Livingston Vice Chairperson at the last regular School Committee (SC) meeting. Committee assignments were announced as well. Superintendent Heather Perry recognized seven educators from Gorham schools who were honored with awards this year. The six in attendance spoke briefly.
Student representative Ava Pitman reported that every Gorham High School (GHS) fall sports team participated in post-season play. She encouraged everyone to attend the GHS production of “Sense and Sensibility,” as did Superintendent Perry.
Perry also said that there were two bills before the state legislature’s second session related to Maine labor laws that could affect the schools. She reported that laptops for grades 7 and 8 had received funding. Transition activities for changes in the elementary school attendance zones are going well, she said, with new families being welcomed by Narragansett Principal Cynthia Remick.
Several SC members and student representative Pitman spoke about their participation at the annual Maine School Management Association (MSMA) meeting. They would like to see similar meetings with school committees in Cumberland Country where they could discuss common issues. New member Philip Gagnon expressed his commitment to the work of the School Committee.
Michael Sanborn, Dining Services Director, spoke about procedures related to unpaid school meal balances. A new state law prohibits schools from providing alternative meals for students who have significant debt; all students receive the same meals. Parents or guardians are notified with follow-up calls and letters when accounts are in arrears. Although last year only eight households were responsible for 80% of the debt, Sanborn said that lots of time and resources is spent in collecting funds. Therefore, he believes that there needs to be a policy in reference to when a collection agency should be involved. SC member Kate Livingston asked if sufficient effort is made to inform parents of reduced lunch costs. Sanborn replied that reduced lunch fee forms are sent home with all students at the beginning of the school year.
Members of a committee charged with studying and making recommendations on World Language instruction presented their report which cited research showing the benefits to students who learn a second language. Although research shows that children learn languages easier when young, currently there is no mandate for world language instruction in grades K-5 and there is minimal exposure to French and Spanish in middle school. The World Language committee recommended a four-year phased program leading to expanding this program to all grades, beginning with five days of language instruction in grades 7/8. Costs for two additional teachers and supplies for the first year are estimated at $172,000. The SC agreed to review the proposal at its next workshop.
Darryl Wright said the SC will also discuss the GHS building proposal referred to them by the Building Committee at the next workshop. There will be no hard launch of the Athletic Capital Campaign at this time.
The committee voted (5-1 Wright; Gagnon abstained) to accept the 2019-2020 School Committee Goals. Wright preferred that they review them further and vote at the next meeting. The committee voted to award stipends for winter sports coaches.