September 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, followed by a roll call of board members.
• 0:02
  Chair's Report (Tanzanika Ratliff)

  The Chair announces the next regular meeting date and successfully moves to add a second executive session to the agenda to discuss labor negotiations with the SPTA.
• 0:04
  Board Norms and Guidelines (Tanzanika Ratliff)

  The Chair details the board's summer work to create new norms and guidelines for communication. These principles include active listening, civility, and specific rules for meeting conduct, such as limiting cell phone use.
• 0:07
  Student Representative's Report (Alex Davison)

  The student representative provides a comprehensive update on the start of the school year across the district. He covers adult education enrollment, positive transitions at elementary schools, a successful fire drill at the middle school, and the new 'Red White Way' behavior initiative at the high school.
• 0:10
  Nutrition Department Update (Alex Davison)

  Continuing his report, the student representative shares detailed news from the nutrition department. This includes new leadership, partnerships with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for local fish, and efforts to provide certified halal meals for Muslim students.
• 0:14
  Superintendent's Report (George Entwistle)

  The Interim Superintendent reports on the positive start to the school year, noting an enrollment of 2,771 students. He apologizes for payroll errors that affected some employees and states the district will audit its processes to prevent future issues.
• 0:18
  Superintendent's Budget Concerns (George Entwistle)

  The Superintendent addresses the district's financial situation, confirming that he and the new Director of Finance are tackling questions about a potential deficit. He outlines plans to review spending on utilities and overtime while awaiting the results of an external audit.
• 0:22
  Personnel Update (George Entwistle)

  The Superintendent announces the upcoming retirement of Kim Faline, an instructional support staff member at SOUTH PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL, effective October 1st.
• 0:25
  Consent Agenda Vote

  With no public comment on agenda items, the board moves to the consent agenda. The motion to approve the agenda, including meeting minutes and new personnel, passes unanimously.
• 0:26
  Finance Committee Report (Claire Holman)

  The committee chair reports that the finance team is working to get an accurate FY26 budget report, which is complicated by software limitations in tracking encumbrances. She notes that external auditors are scheduled for the following week and warns that the district's fund balance was likely already spent as of July 1st.
• 0:28
  Buildings & Grounds Committee Report (Adrian Dowling)

  The committee chair reports that their monthly meeting was rescheduled due to the busy start of the school year for facilities staff. The next meeting will be held virtually on September 11th.
• 0:29
  Policy Committee Report (Tanzanika Ratliff)

  The committee chair reports on two policies. The co-curricular academic probation policy was sent back for more input, while the concussion management policy (JJIF) had its second read with an added line about parent communication.
• 0:31
  Board Discussion on Concussion Policy

  Board members discuss the proposed changes to Policy JJIF: Management of Concussion and Other Head Injuries.

  • 0:32 Rauscher
    She confirms that the added language addresses her concern that a parent or guardian must be part of the conversation before a child returns to play after a potential concussion.
  • 0:34 DeAngelis
    She raises a new concern that the policy is unclear about parental notification if an initial assessment by school staff determines a doctor's visit is not needed. She argues that parents should be notified of any head injury assessment, regardless of the outcome.
  • 0:36 Holman
    She agrees with the idea that parents should be notified even if a child is evaluated for a concussion and cleared internally, though she notes the potential for creating a new burden on staff.
• 0:37
  Vote to Recommit Concussion Policy

  Following the discussion, the board unanimously votes to send the concussion policy back to the Policy Committee for further revision to address the concerns raised.
• 0:38
  Public Comment (Open Discussion)

  The chair opens the floor for public comment on any school-related matters.

  • 0:39 Sarah Gay
    Speaking as a teacher, parent, and resident, she praises Student Representative Alex Davison for his phenomenal and comprehensive report. She expresses her pride and gratitude for his voice on the board and her optimism for the new school year.
• 0:40
  School Board Communications

  Board members share various announcements and comments with the public.

  • 0:40 Adrian Dowling
    He reminds the community that National School Bus Safety Week is in October and urges drivers to be cautious and always stop for school buses with flashing red lights.
  • 0:41 Rose Marie Rauscher
    She reports attending the first-day-of-school gathering and the high school open house, noting the strong turnout. She also makes a public appeal for more crossing guards, particularly near Brown School.
  • 0:43 Richardson
    She gives a shout-out to the SPHS boys' and girls' soccer teams. She mentions the privilege of photographing the games and seeing the grit and determination on the players' faces.
  • 0:43 DeAngelis
    She raises the sobering topic of the recent school shooting in Minneapolis, acknowledging the anxiety it causes for parents and staff. She calls for the district to revisit its security practices and provide recurring updates to the community.
• 0:45
  Motion to Enter Executive Session

  The board votes to move into executive session to discuss a personnel matter, as allowed under state statute.