February Regular Meeting

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 regular school board meeting is called to order, followed by a roll call of board members and student representatives.
• 0:02
  Board Discussion on Mohammed Albehadli's Resignation

  The Board Chair and members address the recent resignation of DEI Coordinator Mohammed Albehadli, expressing sadness and anger over the racist incident that led to his departure and reaffirming their commitment to DEI work.

  • 0:02 Ms. Ryan
    The Chair reads a statement expressing gratitude for Mohammed's work, condemning the racism that led to his departure, and reaffirming the district's commitment to DEI. She announces that the superintendent will provide an update on the search for a successor and the district's DEI action plan in March.
  • 0:05 Ms. DeAngelis
    Supports the statement but expresses concern over the delay in the board's public response. She suggests creating a policy to allow the chair and superintendent to issue immediate statements on behalf of the board for future incidents.
  • 0:09 Ms. Ratliff
    Speaks of the tremendous loss to the district and the need to dismantle systemic racism. She commends the superintendent for his quick initial notification to the board and the press.
  • 0:11 Angela Kabisa
    Shares her personal sense of loss, explaining that Mohammed was a role model and a safe person for students of color to talk to. She states his absence leaves a void for students like her.
  • 0:12 Mr. Matheney
    Echoes the board's comments, stressing the need to live out the district's values and redouble efforts to recruit a diverse workforce to serve as role models for the 38% of students who are of color.
• 0:14
  Student Representative Report (Angela Kabisa)

  Angela Kabisa reports on student achievements in academics, arts, and athletics, including a Poetry Out Loud finalist, Black History Month performances by Antonio Rocha, and successful sports teams.
• 0:22
  Student Recognition: Myrlia Antoine

  SPMS artist Myrlia Antoine is recognized for her artwork created for School Board Recognition Month. Board member Ratliff and Chair Ryan pose with the student and her art.
• 0:24
  Student Recognition: Harrison Brahms (Andy Wallace)

  SPHS student Harrison Brahms is recognized for passing the CompTIA CySA+ certification, an advanced cybersecurity exam that professionals typically attempt after four years on the job.
• 0:28
  Elementary Boundaries and Configurations Steering Committee Report

  Committee members Lynne McKeown, Kathy Mills, and Mindy Aloes present their findings on significant racial and socioeconomic inequities between the district's five elementary schools.
• 0:42
  Committee Finding: School Demographics (Mindy Aloes)

  Aloes presents data showing stark differences in racial diversity and multilingual learner populations across the five elementary schools. She notes that Dyer and Small are largely homogeneous, while Kaler and Skillin have high concentrations of students of color and economically disadvantaged students.
• 0:52
  Committee Finding: Economic Disadvantage and Learning (Mindy Aloes)

  The committee presents research showing that students in integrated schools have higher test scores and are more likely to enroll in college. Data shows that Kaler and Skillin have substantially more economically disadvantaged students than other schools.
• 0:55
  Committee's Short-Term Recommendations (Kathy Mills)

  The committee proposes several immediate actions, including an immediate review of the assignment of Brick Hill students (who are bussed 4.5 miles to Brown School), adopting a policy for regular review of attendance zones, and increasing teacher-to-student ratios in high-needs schools.
• 1:03
  Committee's Long-Term Recommendations (Lynn McKeown)

  McKeown outlines proposals for further study on major long-term solutions to address the inequities. The committee recommends the board hire consultants to conduct impact studies on grade-level reconfigurations, magnet programs, and a controlled choice model, with findings due by January 2025.
• 1:11
  Board Discussion on Committee Report

  Board members react to the committee's presentation, expressing a mix of gratitude for the work, impatience for change, and a desire for a thoughtful, expert-guided process to address the deep-seated inequities.

  • 1:16 Ms. Ratliff
    Commends the committee for surfacing the need for change but expresses disappointment and impatience that the short-term actions don't fully balance the district, contrasting it with the successful integration at the new middle school.
  • 1:22 Ms. DeAngelis
    Advocates for a thoughtful, slower process, quoting a letter from Skillin staff. She emphasizes the need for internal work on white privilege and diversifying staff, not just moving students, and warns against simple answers to a complex issue.
• 1:35
  Superintendent's Report Continued (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney provides updates on district enrollment, the upcoming FY25 budget process, transportation challenges, and new career and technical education opportunities for high school students.
• 1:43
  School Calendar Update (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent proposes moving a March early release day to April 8th to allow families to experience the solar eclipse. He also presents the draft 2024-25 school calendar for a first read.
• 1:49
  Data Report: SPHS Failing Grades (Scott Tomson)

  The SPHS Principal presents data on the percentage of high school students with at least one failing grade. The data shows generally positive trends but a need to investigate a recurring spike among 11th graders.
• 1:54
  Public Comment (Agenda Items)

  This period is dominated by discussion of the DEI Coordinator's resignation and the Boundaries Committee report, with speakers urging thoughtful and comprehensive action.

  • 1:55 Bethany Connolly
    Speaking for the South Portland Administrators Association, she reads a statement supporting Mohammed Albehadli, condemning the racist attack, and renewing the administration's commitment to DEI work.
  • 2:00 Hannah Sise
    A parent urges the board to think critically about the root problems of inequity, stating that simply shuffling student numbers is not enough and a comprehensive, inclusive process is needed.
  • 2:03 Eleni Richardson
    A parent connects the delayed statement on Mohammed's departure to the systemic issues in the boundaries report, urging the board to turn words into action and engage with the city council on related housing issues.
  • 2:09 Angela Kabisa
    The student representative emphasizes that in addition to recruiting diverse staff, the district must focus on how to retain them and ensure they feel safe and welcome, so students can continue to have role models.
  • 2:10 Erin Masterson
    A parent urges the board to think bigger, get creative with funding, and tap into community expertise to address the deep-seated issues, arguing that a thoughtful process is not a delay tactic but a necessity for meaningful change.
• 2:12
  In Memoriam: Connor Steady

  The Superintendent acknowledges the recent passing of Connor Steady, a member of the SPHS class of 2023, and the board holds a moment of thought for his family.
• 2:13
  Consent Agenda Vote

  The board unanimously approves the consent agenda, which includes minutes, personnel elections, and the acceptance of several generous donations and grants.
• 2:14
  Committee Reports

  Chairs of the Finance, Buildings & Grounds, Policy, and the new Superintendent Evaluation and Support committees provide brief updates on their recent work.
• 2:17
  New Business Votes

  The board unanimously approves a series of policies on second read, the 2023-24 calendar changes for the solar eclipse, a new transportation job description, and the 2024 Comprehensive Safety Plan.
• 2:23
  Adjournment

  The board votes unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 PM.