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.

• 0:00
  Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call (Ms. DeAngelis)

  Board Chair Ms. DeAngelis calls the meeting to order and requests the roll call. She reads the opening statement regarding public meeting accessibility and outlines the rules of order for board members and the audience.
• 0:02
  Superintendent Search Update (Mr. Smith)

  Board Vice Chair Mr. Smith announces that the South Portland School Board has selected two finalists for the superintendent position. He shares details about a community meet-and-greet event scheduled for May 6th at South Portland Middle School.
• 0:04
  Community Engagement Findings (Myra Caron)

  Kaler Principal Myra Caron presents findings from community engagement sessions regarding the elementary school reconfiguration. She details the participation numbers from listening sessions, thought exchanges, and surveys.
• 0:08
  Listening Session Themes (Allison Hopkins)

  Dyer Principal Allison Hopkins shares the major themes that emerged from the community surveys. She highlights the tension between those advocating for equity-driven reconfiguration and those prioritizing neighborhood schools.
• 0:10
  Reconfiguration Process Quality (Bethany Connolly)

  Skillin Principal Bethany Connolly wraps up the community engagement presentation by discussing the quality of the process. She emphasizes the need for consistent messaging, realistic planning time, and the creation of a Steering Committee.
• 0:16
  Final Budget Presentation (Abigail Ketchen)

  Finance Director Abigail Ketchen presents the final FY2027 budget proposal. She outlines the path to financial stability, discusses the City Council's agreement to forgive up to $2 million of the projected deficit, and recommends staying at a 6% tax increase.
• 0:23
  Board Discussion on Budget Details

  The Board of Education discusses the details of the final budget proposal. Members ask questions about MaineCare reimbursements, potential revenue generation from Kaler, and the allocation of contingency funds.

  • 0:23 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson asks about the process for MaineCare reimbursements and whether there is room for operational improvement. She also inquires about the timeline for receiving updates on these efficiencies.
  • 0:33 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman asks for clarification on the contingency notes for the Board of Education. She seeks to understand what specific expenses are included in that cost center.
  • 0:34 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller asks about potential revenue generation opportunities from renting out the Kaler building. He emphasizes that this revenue could support student-facing positions or pad the fund balance.
• 0:35
  Personnel Changes and Restorations (Dr. Jo Prince)

  Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jo Prince presents the final personnel changes for the upcoming fiscal year. She details the positions that were eliminated and highlights the restoration of four teaching positions on a one-time basis.
• 0:40
  Board Discussion on Personnel Reductions

  The Board discusses the personnel reductions and restorations presented by the administration. Members ask about special education staffing, instructional strategist roles, and custodial positions.

  • 0:40 Mr. Smith
    Mr. Smith asks if the restored special education ed tech positions are assumed to be stable moving forward. He notes the importance of these roles in light of upcoming child development services responsibilities.
  • 0:41 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson asks for a comparison between the current personnel list and the one presented at the previous meeting. She also inquires about vacancies in special education ed tech roles.
  • 0:48 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller asks for clarification on the status of bus drivers performing custodial work. He seeks confirmation that this proposal was deemed unviable and removed from the plan.
• 0:54
  Reconfiguration Roadmap and Steering Committee (Dr. Jo Prince)

  Dr. Jo Prince outlines the reconfiguration roadmap and the launch of the Steering Committee. She explains that the committee will consist of about 20 members representing families, teachers, and administrators, with a goal of concluding decisions by November 2026.
• 0:57
  Board Discussion on Reconfiguration Roadmap

  The Board discusses the timeline and logistics of the reconfiguration roadmap. Members ask about the format of steering committee meetings and the redrawing of attendance boundaries.

  • 0:57 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman asks whether the steering committee meetings will be hybrid or separate virtual and in-person sessions. She also inquires if these working group meetings will be open to the public.
  • 0:58 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller asks if the new attendance zones for the four remaining elementary schools will be published in May 2026. He seeks clarification on the calculus used to place Kaler students.
  • 0:59 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson asks about the process for redrawing boundaries and whether it will go through the policy committee. She also suggests reaching out to rising pre-K and kindergarten families for committee representation.
• 1:06
  Public Comment Period on Budget and Reconfiguration

  Citizens, teachers, and administrators address the Board during the first public comment period. Speakers express a wide range of perspectives on the closed superintendent search, the budget deficit, and the reconfiguration delay.

  • 1:06 Laura Stevens
    Laura Stevens shares her perspective as a math specialist with 27 years of experience in the district. She cautions the board about confounding variables in the listening session data and notes that not all specialists view the current configuration as an equity problem.
  • 1:09 Sonia Croft
    Sonia Croft criticizes the Board's decision to conduct a closed superintendent search process. She argues that limiting visibility and stakeholder engagement devalues the voices of administrators, teachers, and staff.
  • 1:12 Shea Cupit
    Shea Cupit urges the Board to remain committed to the reconfiguration process despite the proposed pause. She emphasizes that delaying the work only postpones addressing the real inequities that exist across elementary schools.
  • 1:15 Samantha Koetsier
    Samantha Koetsier asks how the Board will ensure continued progress toward reconfiguration during the pause. She poses specific questions regarding board member terms, reelection plans, and expectations for the new superintendent.
  • 1:17 Mindy Aloes
    Mindy Aloes expresses deep disappointment over the decision to delay reconfiguration. She argues that the delay repeats a pattern of appeasing privileged voices and asks how the Board will defend the more costly choice to taxpayers.
  • 1:20 Sarah Collins
    Sarah Collins acknowledges a sense of relief regarding the delay but expresses deep concern that it risks becoming a step away from reconfiguration altogether. She highlights the stark inequities between classrooms and schools in the district.
  • 1:23 Vladimir Korshin
    Vladimir Korshin supports the pause on reconfiguration, calling a rushed implementation irresponsible. He argues that the policy should be evaluated thoroughly and demands that the community be given a chance to vote on the issue.
  • 1:26 Aiden Renehan
    Aiden Renehan cautions the Board about the reality of the FY2027 budget and the small margin of contingency funds. He urges the district to focus on finding efficiencies and to integrate fiscal discipline into the reconfiguration planning.
  • 1:29 Victoria Libby
    Victoria Libby appreciates the increased community engagement but supports the pause to allow for thoughtful planning. She notes that nearby communities took years to plan their reconfigurations and urges the board to build trust.
  • 1:32 Sarah Gay
    Sarah Gay agrees with Sonia Croft's criticisms of the closed superintendent search process. She expresses concern about whether teachers and staff are valued enough for their voices to matter in critical decisions.
  • 1:34 Abby Anderson
    Abby Anderson asks for clarification on how the shifts from director positions to strategist roles are cost-neutral. She also urges the public to turn out and vote in the upcoming June budget referendum.
  • 1:37 Bethany Connolly
    Bethany Connolly criticizes the lack of transparency and stakeholder involvement in the superintendent search process. She compares South Portland's closed process to other Maine districts that included robust search committees.
  • 1:44 Alex Strube
    Alex Strube thanks the Board for the pause and asks how the district will use the time. He suggests revisiting the 2024 boundaries and configurations committee recommendations, including impact studies and comparable models.
  • 1:46 Julia Edwards
    Julia Edwards expresses frustration over the elimination of the DEI director position, noting that the role is crucial for achieving equity. She also questions how the district will reach families who do not yet have school-aged children.
  • 1:50 David Fullerton
    David Fullerton shares his experience growing up in MSAD 58, where a rushed reconfiguration fractured the community and led to towns voting to withdraw. He urges the Board to use the pause to build public buy-in and present a clear plan.
  • 1:52 Meredith Diamond
    Meredith Diamond calls for the resignation of Board Chair Rosemary DeAngelis, citing a lack of leadership during the financial crisis. She criticizes the Chair's handling of public comment and the closed superintendent search.
  • 1:58 Anna
    Anna thanks Board Chair Rosemary DeAngelis for her responsiveness and listening ear. She notes that many teachers support reconfiguration but are afraid to speak out due to the tense environment.
  • 2:00 Alexander Donegan
    Alexander Donegan shares his anxiety as a parent of an incoming kindergartner facing school closure and reconfiguration. He asks what steps will be taken to avoid multiple transitions for students.
  • 2:01 Jennifer Marshall
    Jennifer Marshall expresses shock over the lack of union involvement in the superintendent search process. She notes that support staff will have to work closely with the new leader and should have been included.
  • 2:03 Ishmeel Daniels
    Ishmeel Daniels expresses disappointment that Kaler is being used as a crutch by those opposing reconfiguration. He urges the Board to stick to its decision and move forward with reconfiguration to support the kids.
  • 2:06 Amy
    Amy echoes Ishmeel's comments and criticizes the classist rhetoric and hostile behavior directed at Kaler families. She thanks Board Chair Rosemary DeAngelis for her dedication and responsiveness.
• 2:08
  Board Response to Public Comment

  Board members respond to the questions and criticisms raised during the public comment period. They address board terms, the superintendent search process, and the rationale behind their decisions.

  • 2:08 Ms. DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis notes that board terms are posted on the city website and that running for reelection is an individual choice. She acknowledges that the closed superintendent search process looks difficult but defends the decision to invite the community to meet the finalists.
  • 2:09 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller states that his term is up in 2028 and that he expects the new superintendent to be excited to implement reconfiguration. He emphasizes that the board is taking a concrete step tonight to commit to the 2027 implementation.
  • 2:11 Mr. Smith
    Mr. Smith discusses the difficulty of the budget situation and the closed superintendent search. He explains that the board is doing its best in an impossible situation and denies that they are only listening to privileged voices.
  • 2:19 Mr. Risch
    Mr. Risch suggests that the board establish a formal policy for future superintendent searches to ensure a clear process is in place. He invites the public to continue providing constructive feedback.
  • 2:23 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson welcomes constructive feedback from the public and notes that she learns from reading emails and listening to constituents. She emphasizes the importance of representation.
• 2:30
  Approval of Consent Agenda (Ms. DeAngelis)

  Board Chair Ms. DeAngelis introduces the consent agenda, which contains the election of Helen Pelletier as Interim Principal at James O. Kaler Elementary School. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jo Prince explains the funding and responsibilities of the role.
• 2:35
  Board Discussion on Tax Impact Percentage

  The Board discusses the final percentage of tax impact for the FY2027 budget. Members debate whether to propose a 7% increase to build contingency funds or stick to the 6% guidance recommended by the City Council.

  • 2:36 Mr. Smith
    Mr. Smith proposes a 7% tax increase, arguing that it is crucial to take every opportunity to add to contingency accounts. He believes the board can make a compelling case to the public.
  • 2:37 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller agrees with Mr. Smith, stating that the district needs to raise contingency funds to prevent future staffing cuts in the event of unforeseen facility issues.
  • 2:39 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman supports keeping the tax increase at 6%, noting that the City Council's deficit forgiveness is a major help and that taxpayers are concerned about high taxes.
  • 2:40 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson expresses concern about going above 6%, noting that they did not have support for a higher increase last week. She discusses the potential of a 6.25% increase to restore a band ed tech position.
  • 2:42 Mr. Risch
    Mr. Risch supports staying at 6%, stating that it honors the promises made during the budget process. He believes changing the percentage now would be too complicated.
• 2:46
  Vote on Tax Impact Percentage (Ms. DeAngelis)

  Board Chair Ms. DeAngelis calls for a vote on the amended motion to identify a final tax impact percentage of 6%. The motion passes unanimously.
• 2:48
  Vote on Personnel Reductions (Ms. DeAngelis)

  Board Chair Ms. DeAngelis calls for a vote on the motion to adopt personnel reductions as presented. Board members express their sympathy for impacted staff and their commitment to district stability before voting unanimously to approve.
• 2:54
  Votes on Cost Centers 6.3 through 6.6 (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The Board votes on the expenditure categories for Regular Instruction, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, and Other Instruction. The motion passes unanimously after brief comments on special education staffing.
• 2:56
  Votes on Cost Centers 6.7 through 6.10 (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The Board votes on the expenditure categories for Student and Staff Support, System Administration, School Administration, and Transportation and Buses. The motion passes unanimously.
• 2:57
  Votes on Cost Centers 6.11 through 6.13 (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The Board votes on the expenditure categories for Facilities Maintenance, Debt Service and Other Commitments, and All Other Expenditures. The motion passes unanimously.
• 2:58
  Votes on Cost Centers 6.14 and 6.15 (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The Board votes on the appropriation for the total cost of funding public education under the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act and the local contribution. The motion passes unanimously.
• 3:00
  Votes on Cost Centers 6.16 and 6.17 (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The Board votes on raising additional local funds exceeding the state's allocation model and authorizing the total budget expenditure of $75,923,601. The motion passes unanimously.
• 3:03
  Votes on Cost Centers 6.18 through 6.20 (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The Board votes on the Adult Education appropriation, federal grants, and the use of additional state subsidies. The motion passes unanimously.
• 3:05
  Reading of Reconfiguration Timeline Resolution (Ms. DeAngelis)

  Board Chair Ms. DeAngelis reads the full text of the Resolution to Amend a Prior Board Action Regarding PK-4 Grade Configuration Timeline and Implementation Guidance, which delays implementation to the 2027-2028 school year.
• 3:10
  Board Discussion on Reconfiguration Timeline

  The Board debates the resolution to delay the elementary school reconfiguration. Members express deep conflict over the delay but emphasize the need to build trust and ensure a well-executed plan.

  • 3:10 Mr. Smith
    Mr. Smith states that he will vote for the resolution despite being an active proponent of reconfiguration. He explains that the lack of trust and support from teachers was the primary factor that tipped his decision.
  • 3:13 Mr. Risch
    Mr. Risch supports the resolution, viewing it as a learning opportunity and a compromise that allows for more community involvement. He hopes to have a clearer plan in place by November.
  • 3:18 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller outlines the educational and efficiency rationales for reconfiguration, including differentiated instruction and specialist distribution. He views the 2027 implementation as a necessary compromise to bring the city together.
  • 3:24 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson supports the delay, noting that the district administration needs more time to absorb staff cuts and school closures. She emphasizes the importance of showing enrollment projections and cost savings to the community.
  • 3:29 Ms. DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis strongly opposes the delay, arguing that the board is reneging on its promise to Kaler families. She believes that delaying reconfiguration increases the risk that it will never be implemented.
• 3:35
  Vote on Reconfiguration Timeline Resolution (Ms. DeAngelis)

  Board Chair Ms. DeAngelis calls for a vote on the resolution to delay reconfiguration. The motion passes 5-1, with Ms. DeAngelis voting in opposition.
• 3:37
  Second Public Comment Period

  Citizens and teachers address the Board during the second public comment period, focusing on the steering committee, parent engagement, and the next steps of the reconfiguration process.

  • 3:37 Julia Edwards
    Julia Edwards suggests adding seats to the steering committee for families with preschool-aged children. She urges the district to be creative and proactive in reaching out to families not yet in the school system.
  • 3:40 Sarah Gay
    Sarah Gay requests that the upcoming superintendent meet-and-greet sessions be live-streamed or recorded. She notes that many staff members have childcare and other obligations that prevent in-person attendance.
  • 3:40 Aiden Renehan
    Aiden Renehan echoes the need to use the next phase of planning to bring the community along. He urges the board to set clear, quantifiable goals and illustrate the resource and equity gaps that reconfiguration will solve.
  • 3:42 Alex Strube
    Alex Strube repeats his questions regarding whether the board will revisit the 2024 boundaries and configurations committee recommendations. He also asks how parents can engage in larger conversations about school investments.
  • 3:43 Sarah Collins
    Sarah Collins urges the community to focus on positives, possibilities, and common ground moving forward. She emphasizes the importance of being mindful of how community members speak to one another and to those who serve.
• 3:45
  Board Response to Second Public Comment

  Board members and the administration respond to the final public comments, addressing parent engagement, the steering committee timeline, and community outreach.

  • 3:45 Ms. DeAngelis
    Ms. DeAngelis suggests that parents can engage meaningfully by helping with the launch of the South Portland school foundation. She also notes that board committee meetings are public and open to attendance.
  • 3:47 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller suggests that parents advocate for responsible housing development in South Portland to address the root cause of the district's financial challenges.
  • 3:49 Dr. Jo Prince
    Dr. Jo Prince provides an update on the Steering Committee selection process, noting that they will begin reaching out to applicants tomorrow and expect to confirm all members by the next meeting.
• 3:50
  Board Communications and Adjournment (Mr. Feller)

  Mr. Feller provides an informal update on solar panel initiatives from the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Mr. Risch reiterates the need for a superintendent search policy, and the meeting is adjourned.