Budget Adoption & Superintendent Evaluation

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 (Ms. Schen)

  Board Chair Schen called the special meeting of the South Portland Board of Education to order. The meeting was held in the Lecture Hall at South Portland High School.
• 0:00
  Roll Call (Ms. Schen)

  The roll call was conducted to establish a quorum. Board members and student representatives were called, with some members participating virtually.
• 0:00
  Pledge of Allegiance (Ms. Schen)

  The Board and attendees stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. This standard opening procedure was conducted before proceeding to official business.
• 0:01
  Explanation of Public Proceedings (Ms. Schen)

  Board Chair Schen explained the rules governing public proceedings and executive sessions. She noted that the public has the right to hear all discussions unless a formal vote is taken to enter executive session.
• 0:01
  Explanation of Agenda Availability (Ms. Schen)

  The Chair noted that the school board works from a prepared agenda. She informed the public that agendas are posted in advance on the district website and printed copies are available at the entrance.
• 0:01
  Explanation of Robert's Rules of Order (Ms. Schen)

  Board Chair Schen reminded members of the limits on speaking under Robert's Rules of Order. Members may speak no more than twice on the same question unless granted permission by the chair.
• 0:01
  Welcome to Eleni Richardson (Ms. Schen)

  The Chair extended a warm welcome to new board member Eleni Richardson. She expressed excitement about having her join the Board of Education.
• 0:02
  Announcement of June 9th Regular Meeting (Ms. Schen)

  The Chair announced that the next Regular School Board Meeting will take place on Monday, June 9th. The meeting will be held at six o'clock in the Lecture Hall.
• 0:02
  Announcement of School Budget Referendum (Ms. Schen)

  The Chair highlighted the upcoming School Budget Referendum scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th. She encouraged all community residents to come out and vote on the budget.
• 0:02
  Superintendent's Report Commencement (Mr. Matheney)

  Superintendent Mr. Matheney began his brief report for the evening. He outlined the key topics he would cover, including student recognition and personnel updates.
• 0:02
  Recognition of Eliot Wertheimer (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent announced that student representative Eliot Wertheimer's service would be formally recognized on June 9th. He noted that Eliot was currently playing in a rescheduled tennis match nearby.
• 0:03
  Announcement of Teacher Resignations (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney announced the resignations of three teachers from Small and Kaler schools. He expressed deep appreciation for their service and wished them well in their future endeavors.
• 0:03
  School Budget Referendum Polling Location (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent provided logistical details for the upcoming School Budget Referendum on June 10th. He emphasized that there is only one polling place, which is the community center.
• 0:03
  School Budget Online Resources (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney shared a tinyurl link containing comprehensive information about the school budget. He explained that the website includes key facts, the budget warrant, and city voting information.
• 0:04
  Budget Website Navigation Guide (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent described the user-friendly features of the budget website. He noted that three easy buttons at the top of the page allow quick access to key documents for the public.
• 0:05
  Personnel Elections Presentation (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney presented the personnel elections for Board approval. These included an art teacher position at SPHS and a school counselor position at Brown School.
• 0:05
  Confidential HR Assistant Job Description Introduction (Mr. Matheney)

  The Superintendent introduced the job description for a part-time confidential human resources assistant. He explained that this role is part of a central office reorganization to reduce salary costs.
• 0:05
  Executive Session Preview (Mr. Matheney)

  Mr. Matheney previewed the upcoming motion to enter executive session. He noted that the session would address a confidential personnel matter later in the meeting.
• 0:06
  Board Discussion on Resignations and Budget Cuts

  The Board discussed whether the announced teacher resignations were related to recent budget reductions.

  • 0:06 Rosemarie DeAngelis
    Asked if any of the announced teacher resignations were directly related to the recent budget cuts or if the individuals were not offered other positions.
  • 0:06 Mr. Matheney
    Clarified that none of the resigning individuals were affected by a reduction in force without being offered another position in the district.
• 0:07
  Board Discussion on Confidential HR Assistant Role

  The Board discussed the title and nature of the new confidential human resources assistant position.

  • 0:07 Rosemarie DeAngelis
    Asked for clarification on the 'confidential' title to ensure the public understands it refers to handling sensitive documents rather than being a secret position.
  • 0:07 Mr. Matheney
    Confirmed the role handles confidential personnel documents and is designated as a non-bargaining position.
• 0:07
  Board Discussion on Teacher Tenure

  The Board inquired about the experience levels of the resigning teachers.

  • 0:07 Ms. Rauscher
    Inquired about the tenure and experience levels of the resigning teachers.
  • 0:07 Mr. Matheney
    Stated he did not know the exact number of years offhand but confirmed they were experienced educators.
• 0:08
  Board Discussion on SEL Teacher Role

  The Board discussed the elimination of the SEL teacher role and the status of affected staff.

  • 0:08 Ms. Holman
    Asked for clarification regarding the elimination of the SEL teacher role and how it relates to the resignation.
  • 0:08 Mr. Matheney
    Explained that the individual submitted a formal resignation and noted that a significant majority of staff affected by the reduction in force have been offered other positions.
• 0:09
  Audience of Citizens (Ms. Schen)

  Board Chair Schen opened the audience of citizens portion of the meeting. Seeing no citizens present in the Lecture Hall, she closed the public comment period immediately.
• 0:09
  Vote on Personnel Elections (Ms. Schen)

  The Board voted on Action Item 3.1 to approve the personnel elections. The motion passed unanimously with all members in favor, including those voting virtually.
• 0:10
  Vote on Confidential HR Assistant Job Description (Ms. Schen)

  The Board voted on Action Item 3.2 to approve the part-time confidential human resources assistant job description. The motion passed unanimously.
• 0:10
  Vote to Enter Executive Session (Ms. Schen)

  The Board voted to enter executive session pursuant to MRSA§405(6)(A) to discuss a confidential personnel matter. The motion passed unanimously, and the Board adjourned to executive session.
• 0:11
  Vote to Adjourn (Ms. Schen)

  Following the executive session, the Board returned to the Lecture Hall to formally adjourn the meeting. The motion to adjourn passed unanimously at 9:25 PM.