June 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

  Board Chair Schen calls the meeting to order, followed by the roll call of board members and student representatives.
• 0:01
  Report of the Chair (Board Chair Schen)

  Board Chair Schen welcomes the new and returning student representatives. She reminds the public about the school budget referendum vote and announces Superintendent Matheney's resignation, assuring the public that the board is working on a smooth transition.
• 0:03
  Report of the Student Representative (Angela Kabisa)

  Angela Kabisa provides an update on end-of-year activities across the district. She covers the SPHS graduation, summer credit recovery, a student's mental health advocacy, and the chamber singers' success, as well as events at the middle and elementary schools.
• 0:07
  Superintendent's Report: Headlines of Progress (Superintendent Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney highlights key district achievements, including a significant decrease in chronic student absenteeism over two years. He also celebrates a dramatic reduction in high school out-of-school suspensions, which dropped from 150 in 2022-23 to 36 this year.
• 0:12
  Superintendent's Report: Academic Progress (Superintendent Matheney)

  The Superintendent celebrates improved student learning outcomes, noting that SPHS SAT scores have risen from 82 points below the national average in 2018 to one point above this year. He also shares strong growth data from Kaler Elementary, where three-quarters of students met or exceeded their growth goals in math.
• 0:16
  Superintendent's Report: Safety and Other Updates (Superintendent Matheney)

  Matheney announces that all elementary schools will have camera surveillance systems by the end of summer. He also celebrates the recent SPHS graduation, the participation of students in the Special Olympics, and the availability of the school-based health center over the summer.
• 0:21
  Board Discussion on Superintendent's Report

  Board members ask clarifying questions about the data presented in the Superintendent's report.

  • 0:21 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman asks for more data to define the improvement in school culture and climate. She also seeks clarification on how academic growth goals are determined and what the second phase of security upgrades entails.
  • 0:22 Superintendent Matheney
    Superintendent Matheney explains that PBIS surveys provide climate data, NWEA exams define growth goals, and secure vestibules are the second phase of security upgrades following the camera installations.
• 0:24
  Recognition of Cumberland County Teacher of the Year (Beth Kellogg)

  Brown School Principal Beth Kellogg honors Monica Malcomson, the 2025 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year. Kellogg praises Malcomson for creating a safe and inclusive classroom where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
• 0:26
  Board Comments on Teacher of the Year

  Several board members share their praise and personal stories about Monica Malcomson.

  • 0:27 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman, whose children attend Brown School, describes Ms. Malcomson as "absolutely wonderful, magical" and highlights her creation of the "Brown School Skates" program that makes ice skating accessible to second graders.
  • 0:27 Ms. DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis, who has known Ms. Malcomson for years, commends her for her inclusive approach and the fun skating program she created.
  • 0:28 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson congratulates Ms. Malcomson and expresses pride that a South Portland teacher received the county-wide honor, stating it reflects well on the entire community.
• 0:29
  Recognition of 2025 Retirees (Superintendent Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney introduces the recognition for nine retirees with a collective 242 years of service to the district. Honorees include Becky Damond, Beth Dolly, Diane Lang, Robin Leger, Susan Richmond, Leanne Rosenblum, Craig Uffington, BJ Weeks, and Deborah.
• 0:37
  Board Comments on Retirees

  Board members share emotional tributes and personal thanks to the retiring staff members for their decades of service.

  • 0:37 Ms. Rauscher
    Ms. Rauscher, whose daughter just graduated, gives a special thank you to the retirees who were her daughter's teachers over the years, including Becky Damond, Diane Lang, and Susan Richmond.
  • 0:38 Ms. DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis shares memories of working with several retirees and gives a special thanks to music teacher Craig Uffington for his positive and lasting impact on students.
  • 0:40 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson offers a personal thank you to school counselor Beth Dolly for her regular support when they worked together and to teacher BJ Weeks for having taught both of her children.
  • 0:41 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman reflects on the immense impact of 242 years of service and thanks Beth Dolly for her personal support, positive presence, and fun t-shirts.
• 0:44
  Community Partnerships Report (Gretchen McCloy)

  Gretchen McCloy, Director of Community Partnerships, details the extensive volunteer program, with 481 volunteers active this year. She highlights key partners like United Way's reading buddies and The Locker Project, which provided 55,000 pounds of food to families.
• 0:52
  Community Partnerships: Career Exploration (Gretchen McCloy)

  McCloy reports that 60 students participated in Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) and highlights the success of regional, multi-school ELOs focused on careers like law. She also notes strong student interest in real estate, which will inform future programming.
• 1:00
  Community Partnerships: Enrichment Programs (Gretchen McCloy)

  McCloy describes enrichment activities across all grade levels, including first-grade lighthouse tours and second-grade business walks. She also highlights a successful high school swim program for beginners that has served 118 students since 2021.
• 1:08
  Education Foundation Announcement (Superintendent Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney announces that the district will begin the legal and structural work to establish a formal Education Foundation this summer to support school initiatives and fundraising.
• 1:10
  School Security Upgrades Report (Michael Nalli)

  Director of Operations Michael Nalli confirms that security cameras will be installed in all five elementary schools this summer. He also reports that bids for secure vestibules came in under budget, and construction may begin this summer at Brown, Kaler, and Small schools, with Skillin and Dyer planned for summer 2026.
• 1:20
  Grants and PreK Update (Dr. Johanna Prince)

  Assistant Superintendent Dr. Johanna Prince announces two new grants: a Community School Grant and a Climate Education Grant. She also updates the board on the Pre-K partnership, confirming 12 new seats through Chickadee starting this fall, while a partnership with United Way is delayed.
• 1:25
  ESEA Federal Funding Report (Dr. Johanna Prince)

  Dr. Prince reports a decrease in federal Title I and Title IV funding, noting a cumulative loss of nearly $200,000 over three years. She outlines the proposed allocation of funds, which prioritizes staffing at Skillin and Kaler but reduces funds for professional development and other extras.
• 1:39
  Consent Agenda Reading (Superintendent Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney reads the items on the consent agenda, including meeting minutes, donations, and the nomination of new hires. He specifically welcomes Ellyn Feerick as the new Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
• 1:42
  Public Comment

  Two members of the public speak on agenda items, offering tributes to retiring staff and commenting on the school budget.

  • 1:43 Bethany Connolly
    Bethany Connolly, principal at Skillin, gives a heartfelt tribute to retiring Small Elementary principal Diane Lang on behalf of the administrative team. She praises Lang's wisdom, kindness, reflective practice, and leadership, noting her motto, "be curious, not furious."
  • 1:46 Sarah Gay
    Sarah Gay, a resident and teacher, speaks in honor of Pride Month, thanking staff who support LGBTQ+ students. She also shares a personal tribute to retiring music teacher Craig Uffington for his impact on her family and urges the community to vote for the school budget.
• 1:49
  Vote on Consent Agenda

  The board unanimously approves the consent agenda, which includes minutes, donations, and new staff appointments.
• 1:50
  Committee Reports

  The Finance and Policy committees did not meet. The Buildings & Grounds committee chair notes that his report was covered by Mr. Nally's earlier presentation on security upgrades.
• 1:51
  School Board Communications

  Board members share closing remarks, focusing on student mental health, the recent graduation, and the upcoming budget vote.

  • 1:51 Mr. Dowling
    Mr. Dowling welcomes the new student representative and reaffirms his and the board's firm and unwavering commitment to supporting the mental health of students, stating he will not forget the preventable tragedies that have occurred.
  • 1:53 Ms. Rauscher
    Ms. Rauscher gives a detailed and emotional thank you for the "magical" graduation ceremony. She praises the student speakers for their courage and individuality and thanks all staff and families for creating a joyful and supportive atmosphere.
  • 2:00 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman speaks about the importance of the budget referendum, acknowledging the significant pressures students face. She states her commitment to supporting teachers and ensuring student mental health remains a top priority, especially during the upcoming leadership transition.
• 2:02
  Vote to Enter Executive Session

  The board votes to enter an executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining with three employee associations.
• 2:03
  Adjournment

  The board returns from executive session and unanimously votes to adjourn the meeting.