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.

• 0:01
  Call to Order

  The special meeting of the South Portland School Department Board is called to order.
• 0:01
  Roll Call

  The clerk conducts the roll call of board members.
• 0:02
  Chair's Report (Schen)

  The chair thanks the voters of South Portland for their strong support of the budget referendum, noting the board worked hard on it and appreciates the community's endorsement.
• 0:03
  Superintendent's Report (Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney echoes the chair's gratitude to voters, viewing the 22% margin as an endorsement of the district's work. He also thanks all staff for their great work during the school year.
• 0:04
  Retirement Announcement (Matheney)

  The superintendent announces the retirement of Kelly Perkins, a clerk at Brown Elementary School. He praises her as an amazing clerk who served families well and was an integral part of the team.
• 0:05
  New Business Overview (Matheney)

  The superintendent outlines the evening's new business, including the personnel election of Ashley Peterson and two executive sessions regarding labor relations and a confidential personnel matter.
• 0:05
  Public Comment

  The chair opens the floor for public comment. Seeing no citizens wishing to speak, the chair closes the session.
• 0:06
  Board Tributes to Kelly Perkins

  Several board members share their appreciation for retiring clerk Kelly Perkins.

  • 0:06 DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis extends her gratitude to Kelly Perkins, calling her the 'heart and soul of Brown School.' She expresses that while she is devastated, she is happy for Ms. Perkins' future and notes she will be sorely missed.
  • 0:06 Richardson
    Ms. Richardson recalls that Ms. Perkins has been in her position for about 15 years and that she herself once interviewed for the same job. She praises Perkins as the 'best, kindest person' from their time working together.
• 0:07
  Personnel Action on Ashley Peterson

  A motion is made to approve the hiring of Ashley Peterson. A brief discussion clarifies a typo on the screen, confirming she is a third-grade teacher.
• 0:07
  Vote on New Hire

  The board votes unanimously to approve the hiring of Ashley Peterson.
• 0:07
  Motion to Enter Executive Session 1

  A motion is made and passed unanimously to enter the first executive session regarding a labor relations matter with the SPESPA, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405 (6) (D).
• 0:08
  Reconvene from Executive Session

  The board reconvenes in the SPHS Learning Commons at 7:30 PM following the executive sessions.
• 0:08
  Action on SPESPA Agreement

  The chair introduces a motion to approve the tentative agreement reached with the South Portland Educational Support Professionals Association concerning an apprentice dispute.
• 0:09
  Vote on SPESPA Agreement

  Following brief comments of thanks for the work done, the board votes unanimously to approve the agreement.
• 0:09
  Motion to Amend Agenda

  The board discusses the need to amend the agenda to add an action item following the second executive session. The item is to discuss the search for an interim superintendent.
• 0:11
  Vote on Agenda Amendment

  The board votes 6-0 to amend the agenda to allow for discussion and action on the interim superintendent search.
• 0:11
  Board Discussion on Interim Superintendent Search

  The board discusses the parameters of the upcoming search for an interim superintendent, including the length of service and the process.

  • 0:12 DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis suggests it is prudent to be flexible and open to having an interim superintendent for the entire school year to ensure consistency in leadership, noting a mid-year change may not be in the district's best interest.
  • 0:13 Holman
    Ms. Holman states that transitions are hard and minimizing them is important. She expresses openness to keeping a good interim superintendent for a full year if it provides stability.
  • 0:14 Ratliff
    Ms. Ratliff emphasizes that the situation is unknown and the board is taking steps as they come. She frames the current action as simply to employ a search firm, not to commit to a specific timeline, stating 'slow is fast' and a thorough search is needed.
• 0:15
  Vote to Initiate Search

  A motion is made to employ the Maine School Management Association to assist with the interim superintendent search. The motion passes unanimously.
• 0:16
  Motion on Superintendent Separation Agreement

  The chair moves to authorize the board chair and legal counsel to negotiate a separation agreement with Superintendent Matheney, contingent on a successful interim search.
• 0:16
  Discussion on Separation Agreement

  Board members clarify that this motion is a preliminary step to enable negotiations. They assure the public that any draft agreement will be presented to the board and the public before being finalized.
• 0:17
  Vote on Separation Agreement

  The board votes unanimously to authorize the negotiation of a separation agreement.
• 0:17
  Adjournment

  A motion to adjourn is made, seconded, and passed unanimously. The meeting is adjourned.