State of the Schools

Note: Transcripts are generated from video auto-captions. While highly accurate, they are non-official and do not meet State Archivist record-keeping requirements.

• 0:00
  Call to Order and Roll Call

  The workshop is called to order, followed by the roll call of board members.
• 0:01
  State of the Schools Presentation (Mr. Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney begins the State of the Schools presentation, framing it as a way to take stock of the district's current status and as a key part of the budget development process.
• 0:03
  Tribute to Mohammad Albehadli (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney publicly thanks Mohammad Albehadli for his service as DEI Director following his resignation due to a hateful email. He pledges to continue the district's DEI work with renewed urgency and notes he is in touch with community leaders to determine the path forward.
• 0:06
  Transformational Change Since 2019 (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent reviews the immense changes over the last five years, including the shift to virtual and hybrid learning during the pandemic, a major turnover in district leadership in 2021, and a subsequent surge in asylum-seeking and housing-vulnerable students.
• 0:09
  Demographic Shift Data (Mr. Matheney)

  Data from 2017-18 to 2023-24 shows dramatic increases: 55% in students of color, 143% in multilingual learners, and 869% in housing-vulnerable students. Matheney emphasizes that this increased diversity has had a positive impact on every student.
• 0:14
  Board Discussion on Demographics

  Board members ask clarifying questions about the presentation's initial data points.

  • 0:14 Ratliff
    Asks for a definition of student mobility, which is clarified as students entering or exiting the district mid-year.
  • 0:15 Rauscher
    Requests clarification on what happened to Mohammad Albehadli for the public record. Mr. Matheney explains he resigned due to safety concerns for his family after receiving a vile, threatening email.
• 0:17
  Enrollment and Diversity Data (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney presents data showing stable overall enrollment around 2,920 students. He breaks down student diversity by school, noting that some schools have substantially less racial and economic diversity than the district average of 38% students of color and 35% economically disadvantaged.
• 0:21
  Multilingual Learner Proficiency (Mr. Matheney)

  A pie chart shows that about two-thirds of the district's multilingual learners are in the initial 'entering' or 'emerging' stages of English proficiency. Matheney notes that many of these students are new to the district and are expected to progress quickly.
• 0:23
  Board Discussion on Student Data

  The board discusses the demographic data, asking about correlations and data collection methods.

  • 0:23 Rauscher
    Asks about the overlap between students of color and economically disadvantaged students. Matheney notes a strong correlation due to structural racism but does not have specific overlap data.
  • 0:26 Ryan
    Inquires if multilingual learner proficiency levels vary by grade. The superintendent tables the question to get specific data from the program director.
• 0:28
  Student Learning and NWEA Data (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney introduces standardized test data (NWEA MAP), stating it is one of many tools used to assess district performance. He reports that about half of students are meeting grade-level benchmarks in reading and math, indicating an urgent need for focus.
• 0:32
  Student Growth and Literacy Initiatives (Mr. Matheney)

  Data shows that just over 40% of students are meeting their projected growth targets. In response, the district has dedicated over 1,500 person-hours to early literacy training this year to build foundational skills.
• 0:36
  SAT Scores and Post-Secondary Plans (Mr. Matheney)

  SAT scores for SOUTHPORTLANDHIGHSCHOOL remain below state and national averages. Post-secondary data for the class of 2023 shows a positive trend, with fewer graduates going directly into the workforce and a significant increase in students attending two-year colleges, possibly due to free community college programs.
• 0:41
  Board Discussion on Achievement Data

  Board members react to the academic data, discussing testing methodologies, student tracking, and signs of progress.

  • 0:42 DeAngelis
    Expresses concern about low high school reading scores but notes the significant year-over-year improvement shown in the data, encouraging staff to continue their hard work.
  • 0:44 Ryan
    Asks about the number of students who opt out of standardized testing and how SAT participation has fluctuated. Matheney notes opt-outs are minimal.
• 0:53
  Chronic Absenteeism Data (Mr. Matheney)

  The superintendent presents good news that chronic absenteeism rates are declining from their post-pandemic highs, though they remain a concern. A data breakdown shows high school students and economically disadvantaged students have the highest rates of chronic absence.
• 0:58
  Out-of-School Suspension Data (Mr. Matheney)

  More positive news is shared, with data showing a substantial year-to-year decline in both the number of out-of-school suspension incidents and the number of students involved at the middle and high schools.
• 1:01
  Elementary School Behavior Tracking (Diane Lang)

  In response to a board question, Principal Diane Lang explains that elementary schools track student behavior using systems like SWIS. This data helps identify patterns related to time, location, and intent, allowing staff to proactively adjust environments and approaches.
• 1:05
  High School Improvement Strategies (Scott Tomson)

  High School Principal Scott Tomson elaborates on efforts to improve achievement, including implementing a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and using a new data tool called EduClimber. This tool provides teachers with real-time, actionable data on student grades, attendance, and test performance to better target instruction.
• 1:09
  Student Voice: Panorama Survey Data (Mr. Matheney)

  The presentation shifts to student perspectives from the Panorama survey. Results on school safety are favorable in grades 3-5 but below the national average for grades 6-12. The superintendent outlines recent and ongoing safety upgrades.
• 1:14
  Survey Data on Climate and Belonging (Mr. Matheney)

  Survey results for grades 6-12 show positive trends on diversity and inclusion but reveal a significant challenge with sense of belonging, where only 41% of students responded favorably. This data underscores the importance of the district's "You Belong Here" theme.
• 1:21
  Video Presentation: "You Belong Here"

  The superintendent premieres a video produced with SPCTV featuring students and staff from across the district. Participants share what makes them feel like they belong, highlighting relationships, extracurriculars, and a welcoming community.
• 1:32
  Board Comments on Video

  Board members express how moved they were by the video, noting that it was heartwarming and perfectly captured the spirit of the district. They thank everyone involved in its production.
• 1:34
  Public Comment

  Two members of the public address the board following the presentation.

  • 1:35 Eleni Richardson
    A parent of two Brown School students, she praises the video for capturing the loving, connected feeling of the schools. She expresses sadness over Mohammad Albehadli's departure and reiterates that the diversity of the community is a primary reason she lives in South Portland.
  • 1:39 Chelsea Bien
    A parent from Brown School, she echoes praise for the video and requests that future reports include staff-specific data, particularly regarding diversity and representation. She urges the board to look at all data points through the lens of race and socioeconomic status to understand different student experiences.
• 1:42
  Adjournment

  A motion to adjourn is moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. The meeting is adjourned at 7:42 PM.