February 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 superintendent conducts the roll call. Board members Dowling and Davison are noted as absent due to illness.
• 0:01
  Upcoming Meeting Dates (Rosemary DeAngelis)

  The Chair announces several upcoming meetings, including a budget discussion with the City Council, an executive session for the superintendent search, multiple budget workshops, and a board workshop on non-biased hiring.
• 0:03
  Community Support and Action Item Preview (Rosemary DeAngelis)

  The Chair thanks the superintendent, staff, and community for their efforts in keeping students safe and supported amidst recent challenges. She previews action items, including support for a City Council resolution and a proposal for elementary school reconfiguration.
• 0:05
  Student Representative Report (Angela Kabisa)

  Student Representative Kabisa reports on school activities, including the student-led "Little Kitchen" initiative at SPHS, a Black History Month panel, and academic gains at SPMS. She also notes that adult education classes moved to remote learning due to community safety concerns.
• 0:11
  Superintendent Search Update (Rosemary DeAngelis)

  The Chair provides an update on the superintendent search, noting that the consulting firm Zeal is on-site for meetings. She encourages community participation through meetings and the Thought Exchange survey to help build the leadership profile.
• 0:14
  Community School Strategy Expansion (Dr. Rebecca Stern & Liana Popkin)

  Dr. Stern and Ms. Popkin present on the community school model at SPMS, which addresses issues like chronic absenteeism and mental health by integrating academics with community services. They propose expanding this model district-wide, which requires a board vote to be eligible for state grants.
• 0:27
  SPMS Community School Results (Liana Popkin)

  Ms. Popkin details the positive results from the community school model at SPMS, including a significant reduction in chronic absenteeism, increased family engagement, and growth in student math and reading scores. She highlights the model's cost-effectiveness and its ripple effects on the broader community.
• 0:35
  Board Discussion on Community School Expansion

  The board asks clarifying questions about the community school model expansion, its funding, and its integration with existing district roles.

  • 0:35 Richardson
    Asks about the likelihood of future large grants similar to the initial ARPA grant and requests a projection of potential grant funding.
  • 0:40 Holman
    Asks for the definition of "RIT" score, inquires about the cost-benefit calculation, and who is responsible for writing the grants for the program.
  • 0:43 Risch
    Asks if the model provides a way for parents to collaborate with the proposed Education Foundation.
• 0:46
  Themes from Budget Forums (Dr. Johanna Prince)

  Dr. Prince summarizes feedback from recent public budget forums, noting high community value placed on education. Key themes included centering student needs, a commitment to equity, and the desire for transparency and long-term financial sustainability.
• 0:52
  Pre-K and CDS Update (Dr. Johanna Prince)

  Dr. Prince reports that the Pre-K lottery is open and that the district will join Cohort 3 of the CDS transition, taking on special education services for four-year-olds. She also discusses expanding partnerships with Chickadee, United for Childcare, and a potential Headstart classroom.
• 0:58
  Board Discussion on Pre-K Update

  Board members ask about the Pre-K program and the CDS transition, covering topics like the potential for a full-day program and the process for approving new partnerships.

  • 0:58 Richardson
    Asks if the district would consider aligning the Pre-K day with the K-5 school day to better support working families.
  • 0:59 Feller
    Asks for a projection of how many children will be served in the coming years and if other districts are seeking waivers from the mandatory CDS transition.
• 1:08
  Athletic Complex Update (Todd Livingston)

  Athletic Director Todd Livingston provides an update on the athletic complex renovation. He outlines the project scope and presents a timeline with construction planned for April 2027 and a target completion of September 2027.
• 1:17
  Enrollment Report (Dr. Entwistle)

  The Superintendent presents the latest enrollment report, noting an increase of 12 students since the previous month and showing the enrollment trend for the school year.
• 1:18
  Public Comment (First Session)

  The Chair opens the floor for the first public comment session. No members of the public come forward to speak.
• 1:19
  Finance Committee Report: Budget Update (Abigail Ketchen)

  Finance Director Abigail Ketchen presents the finance report, explaining that due to a significant, ongoing deficit in the separate nutrition fund, all budget scenarios for the current fiscal year now project a year-end deficit for the district.
• 1:24
  Board Discussion on Nutrition Fund Deficit

  The board questions the Finance Director about the nutrition fund deficit, asking about per-meal costs versus state reimbursement and why the fund is managed separately.

  • 1:24 Richardson
    Asks for the per-pupil state reimbursement for meals versus the district's actual cost and questions why the nutrition budget is separate from the main school budget.
• 1:30
  Finance Committee Report: FY25 Audit (Abigail Ketchen)

  Ms. Ketchen reviews the FY25 audit findings, which include a material weakness in reconciliation procedures and budgetary non-compliance. She attributes these issues to high turnover in the business office and outlines a multi-year plan for correction.
• 1:34
  Finance Committee Report: Paid Family Medical Leave (Abigail Ketchen)

  The Finance Director explains that the City of South Portland has found a private option for Paid Family Medical Leave that is cheaper than the state plan. This would result in savings for both the district and employees.
• 1:38
  Policy Committee Report (Rosemary DeAngelis)

  The Chair reports on the Policy Committee's work, including first reads for policies on public participation and an addendum for the ethics policy. She also notes that discussion on a district-wide cell phone policy is being postponed.
• 1:44
  Consent Agenda and New Business Votes

  The board unanimously approves the consent agenda and a series of new business items. These include policy first reads, the 2026-27 calendar, the community school district designation, and two overnight field trips.
• 1:50
  Board Discussion on Student Reps in Superintendent Search

  The board discusses and unanimously approves a one-time exception to allow student representatives to participate in the confidential semi-finalist interviews for the new superintendent under strict conditions.
• 1:58
  Board Discussion on City Council Resolve

  The board discusses and unanimously votes to endorse the City Council's resolution regarding federal immigration enforcement and community safety. Members express pride in the community and staff response to recent events.
• 2:03
  Board Discussion on Elementary Reconfiguration

  The board discusses requesting a formal proposal on elementary school reconfiguration. Members emphasize the need for extensive data and community input, while the Chair expresses her personal support for the idea.
• 2:11
  Public Comment (Second Session)

  The Chair opens the second public comment session. Representatives from the teachers' association speak about the budget process and the community school model.

  • 2:12 Sarah Gay
    As SPTA President, she requests the board ask the City Council for a precise tax target to provide clarity on budget cuts. She also shares staff concerns about the timeline for major changes, potential job losses, and the impact on staff and student mental health.
  • 2:16 Abby Anderson
    As SPTA VP, she asks clarifying questions about the community school expansion, including whether funds can be used for classroom materials or staff salaries. She also thanks the Finance Director for her transparent work on the budget.
• 2:20
  Board Communications

  Board members share final thoughts on the budget crisis, the need for better public communication, and potential cost-saving measures.

  • 2:20 Feller
    States that a tax increase larger than 6% may be necessary to avoid "draconian" cuts and calls for better communication with the public about the budget reality. He also suggests exploring early retirement buyouts.
  • 2:22 Richardson
    Agrees on the need to "tell the story" of the $7 million shortfall better, including the impact of contract negotiations and changing student needs. She asks for clarification on the 6% tax increase target ahead of the City Council meeting.
  • 2:25 DeAngelis
    Explains the process for the upcoming joint meeting with the City Council, stating the board's need for specific guidance on a tax target. She also clarifies that early retirement buyout options are limited by Maine State Retirement System rules.
• 2:28
  Adjournment

  With no further business, the Chair adjourns the meeting.