Special 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 meeting is called to order, followed by the roll call of board members.
• 0:01
  Meeting Procedures (Chair)

  The chair outlines the rules for the public meeting, including Robert's Rules of Order for board members and a request for courtesy from the audience to ensure all speakers are respected.
• 0:02
  Report of the Chair

  The chair announces the upcoming regular board meeting on June 9th, the school budget referendum on June 10th, and the summer meeting schedule beginning July 14th.
• 0:02
  Tributes to Student Representative Elliot Wertheimer

  The Superintendent initiates a series of farewells to outgoing student representative Elliot Wertheimer, with multiple board members offering praise for his service, curiosity, and courage.

  • 0:03 Board Member
    A board member thanks Elliot for his passion and deep involvement throughout a busy year of meetings, acknowledging his extraordinary senior year commitment.
  • 0:03 Board Member
    Another member praises Elliot for shifting the dynamic for student representatives and setting a positive example for future youth engagement in school governance.
  • 0:04 Claire Rauscher
    Board member Rauscher appreciates Elliot's curiosity, courageous questions that prompted deeper thinking, and his ability to build relationships.
  • 0:05 Angela Kabisa
    Fellow student representative Angela Kabisa thanks Elliot for his partnership on the board and his help with their schoolwork, wishing him success as a future politician.
  • 0:06 Alenni Richardson
    Board member Richardson, who recently joined the board, thanks Elliot for his voice and emphasizes the importance of youth representation, noting she also recognized him from refereeing her son's soccer game.
  • 0:07 Board Member
    A board member describes Elliot as thoughtful, insightful, and meaningful in his comments, noting he was always well-prepared and challenged her thinking in a positive way.
• 0:09
  Certificate of Appreciation (Mr. Dowling)

  Mr. Dowling, on behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, presents Elliot Wertheimer with a certificate of appreciation for his significant contributions and intelligent comments as a member of the committee.
• 0:10
  Board Gift Presentation (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent presents Elliot with a farewell gift, a travel mug with the logo of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, reflecting a shared passion between them.
• 0:11
  Public Tributes to Elliot Wertheimer

  The chair invites members of the audience to share their thoughts on Elliot Wertheimer's service.

  • 0:13 Abby Anderson
    Elliot's teacher for two years, Abby Anderson, praises his unwavering focus and unparalleled advocacy for himself and his community, noting his default setting is to go above and beyond.
• 0:14
  Remarks (Elliot Wertheimer)

  Elliot Wertheimer thanks the board and public for their kind words and gifts, stating he is grateful that he was able to share his viewpoints in a constructive, non-divisive way.
• 0:15
  Recognition of Student Representatives (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent congratulates Angela Kabisa on her re-election for a third consecutive year as a student representative. He also introduces and welcomes incoming student representative Alex Davison.
• 0:16
  School Budget Referendum Information (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent provides information on the June 10th school budget referendum, sharing a link for more details. He explicitly clarifies that funding for athletic complex improvements is not part of this budget vote.
• 0:17
  New Business: Personnel Elections and Resignations (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent reads the list of new personnel for board approval, including a new Dean of Students and Finance Director. He also notes the resignations of three teachers, thanking them for their service.
• 0:19
  Introduction of Finance Director Abigail Chen (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent formally introduces Abigail Chen, the incoming Finance Director. He praises her extensive experience at MIT and Harvard and welcomes her to the district.
• 0:20
  Board Discussion on Budget Referendum Process (Angela Kabisa)

  Student representative Angela Kabisa asks what the process would be if the budget referendum fails. The Superintendent explains the board would need to revisit the budget and likely make further reductions.
• 0:21
  Public Comment

  The board opens the floor for public comment on agenda items. Speakers address the budget referendum, teacher resignations, and the future of pre-K special education.

  • 0:22 President, South Portland Teachers Association
    The president of the SPTA speaks on behalf of the association to publicly encourage citizens to vote in support of the school budget on June 10th. She acknowledges the difficult decisions made and states the association is eager to find creative solutions moving forward.
  • 0:23 Nicholas Boggs
    A resident, parent, and teacher thanks Elliot Wertheimer for his work. He also expresses that the expertise of two resigning teachers from Dyer Elementary will be greatly missed.
  • 0:24 Rosemary DeAngelos
    A citizen acknowledges resigning teachers Stephanie Edwards and Meg Reed, thanking them for their years of service and expressing sorrow that the district was unable to retain them.
  • 0:25 Carly Burke
    A pre-K teacher from Dyer thanks the student representatives and asks about the district's long-term plan for pre-K special education students, given the upcoming changes in how Child Development Services are administered.
• 0:27
  Response on Pre-K Special Ed Services (Dr. Johanna Prince)

  Assistant Superintendent Dr. Johanna Prince explains that the state is disbanding Child Development Services (CDS) and transitioning the responsibility for special education for ages 3-5 to local districts over a four-year timeline. South Portland is currently in a fact-finding and planning phase with regional partners.
• 0:29
  Board Discussion on CDS Transition (Alenni Richardson)

  Board member Richardson asks for clarification on the timeline of the CDS transition. Dr. Prince confirms the change was initiated by the state several years ago, is not related to the current federal administration, and the district has two more years in the planning phase.
• 0:31
  Vote on Personnel Elections

  The board unanimously approves the slate of new personnel elections as presented by the Superintendent.
• 0:31
  Vote to Enter Executive Session

  The board unanimously votes to enter into executive session.
• 0:32
  Vote to Adjourn

  Following the executive session, the board reconvenes briefly and unanimously votes to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 PM.