July 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

  The meeting is called to order, and the roll is called for all board members and student representatives.
• 0:02
  Action Items from Executive Session (Superintendent Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney reads two action items resulting from a prior executive session: one to approve his separation agreement and another to appoint an interim superintendent.
• 0:03
  Vote on Superintendent Separation Agreement

  The board moves to vote on the separation agreement with Superintendent Matheney. The motion is moved by DeAngelis and seconded by Dowling.
• 0:03
  Board Discussion on Superintendent's Departure

  The board briefly discusses the superintendent's departure, thanking him for his service.

  • 0:04 Ratliff
    On behalf of the school board, thanks Superintendent Metheny for his work with the district and expresses appreciation for his commitment to keeping DEIA a focus in the school department.
• 0:04
  Vote on Superintendent Separation Agreement Result

  The motion to approve the separation agreement passes unanimously with a 6-0 vote. Student representatives do not vote on this item.
• 0:05
  Vote on Interim Superintendent Appointment

  The board moves to vote on appointing Dr. George Entwistle as Interim Superintendent. The motion is moved by DeAngelis and seconded by Holman.
• 0:05
  Board Discussion on Interim Superintendent

  Board members discuss the qualifications and strengths of the incoming interim superintendent.

  • 0:05 Ratliff
    Notes that Dr. George Entwistle is a South Portland resident with 12 years of superintendent experience in Maine and believes he will bring stability during the transition.
  • 0:06 DeAngelis
    Shares that she interviewed Dr. Entwistle and his references, who described him as a mentor who understands the human element of decision-making. She believes he will provide clarity and that the district is lucky to have him.
• 0:07
  Vote on Interim Superintendent Result

  The motion to appoint Dr. George Entwistle as Interim Superintendent passes unanimously with a 6-0 vote. Student representatives do not vote on this item.
• 0:07
  Board Chair Transition

  Superintendent Matheney facilitates the nomination and election process for the new Board Chair.
• 0:08
  Board Discussion on New Chair Nomination

  Tandy Ratliff is nominated for Board Chair by DeAngelis, seconded by Dowling. Board members speak in support of her nomination.

  • 0:08 DeAngelis
    Expresses pleasure that Ratliff is stepping up, stating she is well-equipped to lead the board through its current transitions and provide guidance.
  • 0:09 Holman
    Praises Ratliff's temperament, wide range of experience, understanding of DEI issues, and courage, which she feels are important for the role.
  • 0:10 Richardson
    Thanks Ratliff for being welcoming and notes that as a former public observer, she has seen Ratliff grow into her voice on the board.
• 0:11
  Vote on New Board Chair Result

  Tandy Ratliff is elected Board Chair by a unanimous vote of 6-0, with two affirmative student votes.
• 0:12
  Report of the Chair (Tandy Ratliff)

  The new chair, Tandy Ratliff, announces upcoming dates, thanks former chair Molly Schen, and makes a statement about navigating change while staying focused on the district's mission.
• 0:13
  Student Representative Report (Alex Davison)

  Student Representative Alex Davison gives a comprehensive report on district-wide summer programs, including summer meals, special education extended school year, and adult education. He also provides updates from the high school and middle school.
• 0:20
  Superintendent's Report: Hiring Update (Dr. Jo Prince)

  Dr. Jo Prince provides a hiring update, stating the district is in its strongest position in four years. She reports only six teaching vacancies (less than 2%) and 10 full-time ed tech vacancies.
• 0:22
  Superintendent's Report: Facilities Update (Superintendent Matheney)

  Superintendent Matheney reports that summer security and facilities upgrades are underway. Surveillance camera installation is nearly done at Skillin, roofing work has started at Small, and construction on secure vestibules begins this week.
• 0:24
  Superintendent's Report: Community Partnership (Superintendent Matheney)

  The Superintendent announces a 'Fill the Backpack' day in partnership with the Maine Mall on August 23rd. The goal is to collect school supplies to fill 150 backpacks for students.
• 0:29
  Superintendent's Farewell Remarks (Superintendent Matheney)

  In his final report, Superintendent Matheney thanks past board chairs and district leadership. He highlights progress in SAT scores and reduced absenteeism but warns of challenges like federal funding cuts, gun violence, and the impact of AI, urging the board to maintain unity of purpose.
• 0:36
  Artificial Intelligence Presentation (Andy Wallace)

  Andy Wallace, Director of Technology, reports on the AI Steering Committee's work. He discusses the district's guiding questions, the adoption of the 'Magic School AI' tool, and plans for staff and student education on AI ethics and usage.
• 0:47
  Board Discussion on AI

  Board members ask questions and comment on the AI presentation, discussing the challenges of teaching writing, the need for staff development, and the importance of parent education.

  • 0:47 Holman
    Expresses concern about how AI will fundamentally change the teaching of writing, noting that the focus must shift from the final product to the process. She suggests it will be a massive challenge for academia at all levels.
  • 0:49 DeAngelis
    Agrees with the challenge, noting she can often detect AI-generated text. She asks how the district will train educators to help students understand the downside of over-reliance on AI and the loss of authentic communication.
  • 0:52 Ratliff
    Asks if the district has discussed creating a district-level policy on AI use. Wallace responds that the committee feels it's too new for formal policy but should be woven into procedures and academic integrity rules.
  • 0:54 Richardson
    Raises the need to educate and communicate with parents about AI, its capabilities, and the district's approach to using it as a tool.
• 0:57
  Public Comment (Agenda Items)

  The board opens the floor for public comment on agenda items. One speaker comes forward.

  • 0:58 Bethany Connolly
    Speaking as co-president of the Administrators Association, she thanks Superintendent Matheney for his service. She highlights his leadership in establishing district-wide safety protocols, facilitating difficult conversations about elementary school boundaries, and fostering a collaborative and supportive culture for the leadership team.
• 1:02
  Consent Agenda Vote

  The board votes to approve the consent agenda, which includes minutes, personnel appointments, and a donation. The motion passes unanimously.
• 1:03
  Finance Committee Report (Richardson)

  Board member Richardson reports that the committee reviewed a preliminary deficit for the previous fiscal year, with overages in administration, programming, and transportation. The committee plans to meet again to analyze the numbers and potential under-budgeting issues.
• 1:06
  Buildings and Grounds Committee Report (Dowling)

  Board member Dowling reports that the athletic field at South Portland Middle School is green and growing well. Superintendent Matheney adds that a consultant is ensuring the field will be safe and playable for students.
• 1:09
  New Business Vote

  The board votes on transferring $8,752 from athletic admissions revenue to the G. Walter Johnson Athletic Fund for emergent equipment needs. The motion passes 6-0 with two student affirmations.
• 1:13
  Public Comment (Open Discussion)

  The board opens the floor for general public comment. One speaker comes forward.

  • 1:14 Abby Anderson
    A teacher in the Maine Construction Academy invites the board and administration to the program's graduation ceremony next Tuesday, July 22nd. She thanks the transportation department for their support of the summer program.
• 1:16
  Board Communication

  Board member DeAngelis thanks the new chair, Tandy Ratliff, for running her first meeting well.
• 1:16
  Adjournment

  The board votes unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 PM.