October 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
  Meeting Called to Order

  The board chair concludes the executive session and leads the Pledgeof Allegiance.
• 0:02
  Student Representative Report (Angela Kabisa)

  Angela Kabisa provides updates on high school athletics, PSATs, a recent SPHS Family Night on mental health, and Homecoming week. She also reports on activities at elementary schools and a family movie night at the middle school.
• 0:05
  Discussion on Mental Health Forums (Sarah Glenn & Superintendent Matheney)

  Following a question from the board, the high school principal and superintendent elaborate on recent mental health events. They discuss a family night at the high school and a district-wide virtual forum featuring experts on suicide prevention.
• 0:09
  Superintendent's Report: Principals Month & Educator Justice Conference (Superintendent Matheney)

  The superintendent recognizes October as National Principals Month and praises the district's leadership team. He gives special recognition for the highly successful Educator Justice Conference, noting positive feedback from staff.
• 0:14
  Introduction of New Director of Buildings & Grounds (Harold Blaney)

  Superintendent Matheney formally introduces Harold Blaney, the new Director of Buildings & Grounds. Mr. Blaney briefly addresses the board, and members welcome him.
• 0:16
  Superintendent's Report: FOAA and Season of Giving (Superintendent Matheney)

  The superintendent concludes the annual review of the Freedomof AccessAct (FOAA) and highlights the upcoming "Season of Giving," encouraging community members to donate or seek support through various district-promoted initiatives.
• 0:18
  Superintendent's Report: Enrollment and Demographic Data (Superintendent Matheney)

  The superintendent reports a 5% decline in student enrollment since the previous year. He then presents data showing significant demographic disparities between the district's five elementary schools, particularly at Skillin Elementary versus Small Elementary School.
• 0:23
  Board Discussion on Elementary School Demographics

  Board members react to the demographic data, expressing a mix of frustration over the slow pace of change and support for using a consultant to guide the complex process of redrawing attendance boundaries to improve equity.

  • 0:23 Holman
    Expresses frustration that the board did not act sooner on this data, stating "shame on us" for delaying changes that could have helped students.
  • 0:24 Rauscher
    Appreciates the data and supports using a consultant, believing their expertise will help the board determine the best path forward to fix the problem.
  • 0:24 Ryan
    Concurs that a consultant is necessary for a complex problem, stating that a thoughtful process is needed to meet the needs of all students and families involved.
  • 0:25 Schen
    Expresses passion for equity and looks forward to actionable and exciting proposals from the consultant that will move the district forward.
• 0:26
  Presentation: South Portland Middle School Community School (Rebecca Stern & Liana Popkin)

  SPMS Principal Rebecca Stern and Community School Director Liana Popkin present on the Community School model. They explain its six key practices, including family engagement, shared leadership, and integrated support systems, which are funded by an ARPA grant.
• 0:40
  Community School Outcomes and Future (Rebecca Stern & Liana Popkin)

  The presenters share positive outcomes, including reduced chronic absenteeism, increased after-school participation, and significant grant funding. They propose expanding the model district-wide and seeking a permanent, sustainable funding structure.
• 0:42
  Board Discussion on Community School Model

  Board members praise the program's success and discuss its future. Topics include volunteering for a new board representative on the advisory committee, program costs, and the potential for district-wide expansion.

  • 0:46 Holman
    Praises the information but reminds the presenters to speak more slowly for the benefit of non-native English speakers in the audience. She also requests that the presentation slides and event calendar be made available.
  • 0:47 Schen
    Loves the idea of expanding the model across the district but states her support is conditional on the eagerness and drive of leaders at other schools to adopt it.
  • 0:48 Kabisa
    Suggests that high school students could volunteer for middle school events like World Cultures Day to foster more collaboration between the schools.
• 0:50
  Superintendent's Report: In-School Health Clinic Data (Superintendent Matheney)

  The superintendent shares data from the Greater Portland Health clinics, highlighting nearly 1,300 medical visits, over 300 dental visits, and nearly 500 behavioral health visits in the last school year. He notes that 59% of medical visits were for multilingual learners.
• 0:54
  Reading of Agendas (Superintendent Matheney)

  The superintendent reads the items on the consent agenda and the new business agenda for the board and public.
• 0:57
  Consent Agenda Approval

  The board discusses and unanimously approves the consent agenda. Ms. Holman clarifies that rescinding library policies is a consolidation effort and does not weaken protections for library resources.
• 0:59
  Committee Report: Finance (Schen)

  Ms. Schen reports that the district's finances are in good shape. The committee reviewed a recent debt service payment for the middle school and discussed budget details like encumbering utility payments.
• 0:59
  Committee Report: Buildings & Grounds (Ryan)

  Ms. Ryan reports on an open custodial position and ongoing projects. She highlights the completion of air quality and dehumidification work at the high school and Brown Elementary.
• 1:01
  Committee Report: Policy (Holman)

  Ms. Holman provides an update from the PolicyCommittee, detailing the first read of revised policies on pest management and community use of facilities. The pest management policy emphasizes non-chemical means and a five-day notice for applications.
• 1:02
  New Business Votes

  The board takes action on new business items, unanimously approving policies EBCF (AEDs), GAC (Job Descriptions), and JKD (Suspension of Students).
• 1:03
  Vote on Legal Matter

  The board votes to authorize the superintendent to resolve a legal matter as discussed in a prior executive session. The motion passes unanimously among voting members.
• 1:04
  Public Comment

  One community member and board member speaks during the open audience of citizens.

  • 1:05 Rosemarie DeAngelis
    Speaking as a citizen, she thanks school nurses for their work, announces her candidacy for re-election to the school board in District 3, and promotes Adrian Dowling as a write-in candidate for the open District 5 seat.
• 1:08
  Adjournment

  The board unanimously votes to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 PM.