November 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 Ratliff calls the meeting to order, followed by a roll call of board members.
• 0:02
  SPHS Marching Band Recognition

  The board recognizes the South Portland High School Marching Band for winning a gold medal at the state finals. Band Director Jen Fletcher speaks, followed by a certificate ceremony for all members.

  • 0:03 Jen Fletcher
    The band director details the band's journey, which began in June and involved intensive summer camps and rehearsals. She highlights the group's resilience in rebuilding the program's legacy post-COVID and thanks the administration for their support.
• 0:19
  Report of the Chair (Tandy Ratliff)

  Chair Ratliff announces upcoming meeting dates and reminds the public about Election Day. She explains the two-question referendum for the athletic field at the high school.
• 0:21
  Chair's Farewell Remarks (Tandy Ratliff)

  In her last regular meeting, Chair Ratliff reflects on her tenure, highlighting the hiring of an interim superintendent and the SPTA contract agreement. She gives small gifts to the board and offers parting advice to be excellent to one another.
• 0:23
  Report of the Student Representative (Alex Davison)

  Alex Davison provides updates from across the district, including a successful family potluck at SPMS, an attendance challenge at SPHS, and high attendance rates at Brown Elementary. He also announces the hiring of a new nutrition director, Katie Turner.
• 0:31
  Report of the Superintendent (Dr. Entwistle)

  Dr. Entwistle recognizes military veterans and service organization veterans within the district, as well as upcoming recognition days for Education Support Professionals and Substitute Educators. He also announces the resignations of Gretchen McCloy and Thomas Parker.
• 0:35
  Finance Update (Abigail Ketchen)

  Finance Director Abigail Ketchen presents the first end-of-year projection, noting that a one-time geothermal energy tax credit will help the district land in the black. She warns that the district's fund balance is nearing depletion, which will create significant challenges for the FY27 budget process as that buffer will no longer be available.
• 0:44
  Board Discussion on Finance Update

  Board members ask clarifying questions about the financial report and express concern over the long-term outlook.

  • 0:44 Claire Holman
    Ms. Holman asks what the ideal fund balance should be, to which Ms. Ketchen suggests a rule of thumb is 5% of the budget, or about $3.6 million. Ms. Holman notes the sobering reality of the district's financial situation.
  • 0:46 Susan Rauscher
    Ms. Rauscher asks what the district has learned from this situation to avoid it in the future. Ms. Ketchen responds that the key lesson is the need to think financially more than one year ahead.
• 0:47
  Education Foundation Update (Rebecca Stern)

  SPMS Principal Rebecca Stern reports on the progress of a committee formed to create a South Portland Schools Education Foundation. The group is developing a mission and has partnered with the University of Maine Law School for pro-bono help in establishing its nonprofit status, with a goal of being operational by July 2026.
• 0:53
  Superintendent's Report Conclusion (Dr. Entwistle)

  Dr. Entwistle provides the latest student enrollment number (2,731) and previews the items on the consent agenda and new business.
• 0:54
  Board Comments on Gretchen McCloy's Resignation

  Several board members take a moment to thank Director of Community Partnerships Gretchen McCloy for her years of service and wish her well.

  • 0:54 Claire Holman
    Ms. Holman praises Ms. McCloy's positive impact and her recent recognition as School Champion of the Year for her work with a mentoring program.
  • 0:56 Tandy Ratliff
    Chair Ratliff shares a personal story about working with Ms. McCloy on a high school swim club for New Mainers, praising her passion for making students safe around water.
• 0:58
  Consent Agenda Vote

  The board unanimously approves the consent agenda, which includes meeting minutes and a donation to Skillin Elementary.
• 1:00
  Committee Report: Policy (Tandy Ratliff)

  Chair Ratliff reports that the Policy Committee conducted a first read of Policy IGDJ (Co-Curricular Activities) and is bringing Policy JJIF (Management of Concussion and Other Head Injuries) back for a second read and final vote.
• 1:01
  Committee Report: Buildings & Grounds

  Committee Chair Adrian Dowling introduces Director of Operations Mike Nalli to provide an update on the South Portland Middle School field.

  • 1:02 Mike Nalli
    Mr. Nalli details the results of recent soil testing, which revealed low organic matter, significant weeds, surface compaction, and nutrient deficiencies. He outlines a five-step remediation plan that includes aeration, top dressing, fertilizing, and overseeding.
• 1:06
  Board Discussion on SPMS Field

  Board members express frustration over the field's condition, four years after it was supposed to be completed, and discuss how to hold the original contractor accountable.

  • 1:06 Claire Holman
    Ms. Holman expresses outrage that the district is planning to remediate the field, stating that the contractor who did the poor work should be responsible for fixing it and paying for it.
  • 1:08 Adrian Dowling
    Mr. Dowling agrees with holding the contractor accountable but suggests the district may need to proceed with the work for the sake of the students while fighting to have the contractor cover the costs. He also asks for clarity on the current rules for using the field.
• 1:15
  New Business: SPTA Contract Ratification

  The board moves to vote on ratifying the new contract for the South Portland Teachers' Association. Members express their gratitude to both negotiating teams and their excitement to approve the agreement.
• 1:16
  New Business: Policy JJIF Approval

  The board moves to vote on the final approval of the revised policy on managing concussions and other head injuries.
• 1:18
  Public Comment

  Multiple educators and union leaders address the board, primarily to thank them for ratifying the teacher contract and to strongly advocate for a swift settlement of the contract for support staff.

  • 1:19 Abby Anderson
    The SPTA Vice President thanks the board for approving the teacher contract, noting the palpable relief among staff. She urges the board to show the same urgency in settling the contract for SPESPA, suggesting it would be a wonderful gift for National Education Support Professionals Day.
  • 1:22 Sarah Gay
    The SPTA President thanks her negotiations team and shares stories illustrating the vital, often invisible, work of ed techs and clerks. She asks the board to dignify their work with the contract they deserve.
  • 1:26 Connie DeSanto
    The SPESPA President thanks the board for recognizing National Education Support Professionals Day and expresses her sincere hope for a contract agreement soon. She also thanks the outgoing board chair for her service.
  • 1:27 Kate Porter
    A teacher and SPTA Vice President echoes the call to settle the SPESPA contract, calling them the unsung heroes of the schools. She also comments on the SPMS field, stating the kids deserve better and suggesting access be restricted to prevent wear and tear.
• 1:30
  Board Communications and Farewells

  Board members share final communications, with many offering heartfelt thanks and farewells to outgoing members Tandy Ratliff and Susan Rauscher.

  • 1:30 Rosemary Richardson
    Ms. Richardson thanks a bus driver for an informative ride-along. She offers warm farewells to Ms. Rauscher and Ms. Ratliff, praising their thoughtful leadership, fairness, and friendship.
  • 1:33 Adrian Dowling
    Mr. Dowling thanks Chair Ratliff and Member Rauscher for their service, admiring their ability to 'keep calm and carry on.' He states he will miss them both very much.
  • 1:35 Susan Rauscher
    In her farewell, Ms. Rauscher thanks the community for the opportunity to serve on the board. She notes the district has passionate parents, dedicated educators, and students who give her hope for the future.
• 1:38
  Adjournment

  The board unanimously votes to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 PM.