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 Pledge of Allegiance

  The meeting is called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
• 0:01
  Roll Call

  The board clerk conducts the roll call to establish a quorum.
• 0:02
  Introduction to Athletic Complex Workshop (Mr. Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney introduces the third workshop on the SPHS Athletic Complex, noting the significant time the board has dedicated to the topic. He outlines the agenda for the evening.
• 0:03
  Follow-Up on Athletic Complex (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent provides updates, including the launch of a new webpage with resources. He addresses the $500,000 cost of the proposed storage building/pavilion, the infeasibility of splitting the projects due to the requirements of an eight-lane track, and mandatory heat illness training for coaches.
• 0:08
  Follow-Up on Environmental Concerns (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney discusses new organic infill products that could reduce heat on synthetic turf. He also details potential solutions for environmental concerns, including a stormwater filtration system to capture microplastics and a new turf recycling center being built in Massachusetts.
• 0:13
  Follow-Up on PFAS Testing (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent outlines a three-part approach to writing specifications to ensure a potential synthetic turf field is PFAS-free. This includes requiring specific EPA tests, broader total organic fluorine tests, and a letter from the manufacturer certifying no PFAS are used in their process.
• 0:17
  Board Discussion on SPHS Athletic Complex

  Board members engage in a lengthy discussion, asking clarifying questions and stating their positions on the athletic complex proposals.

  • 0:17 Mr. Dowling
    Mr. Dowling questions the adequacy of PFAS testing, advocating for independent, third-party testing for total organic fluorine before accepting any turf product. He also asks about the plan if a referendum fails and why the facilities fell into disrepair.
  • 0:21 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman asks about the budget impact of the proposed microplastic filtration systems. She later expresses disappointment that the process seemed to have a foregone conclusion of choosing turf and wishes more consideration had been given to developing other city fields like Wainwright.
  • 0:21 Ms. DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis asks for clarification on the cost figures, coach training, and the source of data on field usage. She raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest with the consultant, the length of the bond versus the turf's lifespan, and the opposition from the city's sustainability director.
  • 0:44 Ms. Ryan
    Ms. Ryan states that the current grass field's life has been extended by limiting its use, forcing teams to practice elsewhere or on an empty field. She contrasts this with the constant use of turf fields like Fitzpatrick Stadium, highlighting the difference in priorities and usability.
  • 0:42 Ms. Kabisa
    Ms. Kabisa asks about the possibility of a hybrid field that mixes natural grass and synthetic turf, noting it was mentioned in her chemistry class.
  • 0:45 Ms. Rauscher
    Ms. Rauscher questions if the city's pesticide ban from around 2015 contributed to the deterioration of the grass field, as inorganic pesticides could no longer be used for maintenance.
• 0:55
  Public Comment on Athletic Complex

  Members of the public address the board regarding the athletic complex proposals, offering a range of opinions on turf, grass, cost, and environmental impact.

  • 0:56 Karen Taino
    Ms. Taino expresses concern that the board has not had an objective opportunity to look at both options, particularly from organic grass specialists. She urges the board to demand equal time to investigate the natural grass option fully, citing other towns that have successfully maintained organic fields.
  • 0:59 Joe Lawler
    Mr. Lawler questions the 'all or nothing' approach of bundling the projects into one referendum. He warns that a proposal including synthetic turf is likely to fail, based on past votes and community sentiment, and suggests breaking the items up to gauge voter support for each component.
  • 1:03 James Meow
    Mr. Meow asks if a toxins expert was consulted on the testing specifications for turf. He also poses rhetorical questions about the future consequences of installing a plastic field, such as where a recycling plant might be located and how the board will answer to future generations about the climate crisis.
  • 1:06 Mary Lineman
    Ms. Lineman notes that voters have already rejected turf once and requests the board provide more information on organic options and delay the vote until November for greater turnout. She also questions the financial wisdom of a long-term bond for a product with a 10-year lifespan.
  • 1:09 James Lawler
    Mr. Lawler asks if the district has reached out to local industries and large businesses in South Portland, such as the semiconductor industry or Dick's Sporting Goods, to help fund the project.
  • 1:10 Gabriel Harp
    Mr. Harp speaks in favor of the synthetic turf option, arguing it vastly expands athletic time for children, which he sees as a life-changing benefit. He believes the consultant is neutral and that a single organic grass field cannot withstand the volume of athletic activity the community needs.
  • 1:12 Sarah Lian
    A student at SPHS, Ms. Lian argues that the current field has not 'lasted' 58 years, describing it as unsafe with bare patches of mud. She also notes that while Wainwright fields are better, they are not suitable for games due to a lack of bleachers and the presence of sprinkler heads on the playing surface.
  • 1:16 Jana Grant
    Ms. Grant speaks in favor of synthetic turf, highlighting the increased accessibility it provides. She clarifies that modern turf systems do not use the crumb rubber that gets tracked everywhere and notes that comparing South Portland to Springfield, MA is difficult given Springfield's much larger population and tax base.
  • 1:18 Eleni Richardson
    Ms. Richardson supports synthetic turf but calls for a clearer 'marketing campaign' to address community concerns and explain how the district arrived at its proposal. She believes the previous referendum failed due to cost, not an attack on turf, and that the district has good answers for the environmental issues being raised.
  • 1:20 Andrew Greeley
    Mr. Greeley supports the enhancements in general, preferably with synthetic turf for durability. He notes the bond covers the entire package, not just the turf, and argues that if a grass proposal moves forward, it must include the full, realistic cost of the intensive maintenance required.
• 1:19
  Transition to STATE OF THE SCHOOLS

  The workshop portion of the meeting concludes, and the board moves to the STATE OF THE SCHOOLS presentation.
• 1:22
  STATE OF THE SCHOOLS: Opening Remarks (Mr. Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney begins the presentation by addressing the recent federal immigration policy changes. He states that schools are places of learning, not enforcement, and outlines the district's proactive measures to support families and ensure staff are prepared to handle any interactions with ICE agents.
• 1:29
  Board Comments on Immigration Policy

  Board members reiterate their support for all students and families, emphasizing the district's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They discuss the importance of providing clear, factual information to combat fear and misinformation during an anxious time.
• 1:35
  STATE OF THE SCHOOLS: Introduction and Overview

  The Superintendent thanks the staff and introduces the interactive format for the evening. Board members move to sit at tables with the public to facilitate discussion.
• 1:42
  Student Demographics Overview (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney presents data on the district's changing demographics. Since 2020, students of color have increased from 28% to 37% and multilingual learners from 11% to 16%. He notes significant disparities in diversity and economic disadvantage between the elementary schools, creating an 'opportunity gap' for students in more homogeneous schools.
• 1:54
  Table Discussion 1: Demographics

  Attendees at each table discuss their reactions to the demographic data presented and pose questions about the information.
• 1:59
  Student Attendance Data (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent presents data on chronic student absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of school days. The rate has improved from a post-pandemic high of 26% to 18% this year, though a significant gap persists for students with IEPs (24% chronically absent).
• 2:05
  Student Behavior Data (Mr. Matheney)

  Data shows a dramatic decrease in both out-of-school and in-school suspensions since 2022. The Superintendent credits this success to a rethinking of discipline, including restorative practices, and the positive school climate fostered by administrators and teachers.
• 2:08
  Table Discussion 2: Attendance and Behavior

  Attendees discuss how the district can continue to foster positive behavior and lower rates of absenteeism.
• 2:17
  Student Learning Data: NWEA and SAT (Mr. Matheney)

  NWEA reading and math data show mixed results, with roughly 30% of students in benchmark grades scoring in the low or low-average categories. SAT scores have remained relatively stable but are currently slightly below state and national averages.
• 2:25
  Student Learning Data: Post-Secondary Plans (Mr. Matheney)

  Data on graduates' plans shows a significant increase in students attending two-year colleges over the past two years, rising from ~20% to 40%, coinciding with the state's free community college program. The overall percentage of college-bound students has also increased.
• 2:29
  Board Comments on Academic Data

  Board members return to the dais to discuss the academic data. They suggest analyzing cohort data year-over-year, acknowledge the limitations of standardized tests, and discuss the importance of reading skills and student mental health.
• 2:42
  Student and Family Survey Data (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent shares survey results, noting that 74% of students (grades 5-12) rate their schools highly on diversity and inclusion. Data also shows that family ratings of school safety and interpersonal relationships at the elementary level exceed national averages, and student sense of belonging and school climate metrics have seen modest increases.
• 2:50
  Table Discussion 3: Survey Data

  Attendees discuss the survey data and brainstorm ways the district can continue to enhance school climate and students' sense of belonging.
• 2:57
  Looking Forward and Strategic Planning

  The Superintendent announces the upcoming district strategic planning process and provides a URL for community members to sign up to participate. He also plugs the upcoming budget information sessions in March.
• 3:00
  Final Board Comments

  Board members reflect on the evening's discussions. They highlight the commendable work on school safety, the challenge of fostering a sense of belonging across different student cliques, and the importance of staff community in modeling behavior for students.
• 3:08
  Open Audience of Citizens

  A citizen thanks the superintendent for the data-rich presentation and asks about the district's plan to continue DEI work in the current national climate. He also requests to see more survey data from parents on diversity.
• 3:12
  Adjournment

  The board votes to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 PM.