May 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 (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The meeting is called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a reading of the rules of procedure for the meeting.
• 0:02
  Superintendent Search Update (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The chair reports that the search process has been narrowed to two finalists and the board has identified its preferred candidate. No further information can be shared until negotiations are complete.
• 0:02
  Vote on Superintendent Negotiations (Ms. DeAngelis)

  A motion is made to authorize the chair to enter into negotiations with the preferred superintendent candidate. The motion passes unanimously.
• 0:03
  Farewell to Student Representatives

  The board chair and members thank departing student representatives Alex Davison and Angela Kabisa for their service, praising their maturity, insight, and courage during a challenging year.

  • 0:03 Ms. DeAngelis
    The chair thanks the students for their remarkable and outstanding service, noting their maturity, dedication, and the benefit their insights provided to the board.
  • 0:04 Mr. Feller
    Mr. Feller states it was a pleasure to serve with them and that they provided a fresh perspective that helped the board see around corners.
  • 0:05 Ms. Richardson
    Ms. Richardson expresses her admiration for the students' contributions to the community and wishes them well in college.
  • 0:05 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman praises their persistence and courage, particularly noting Angela Kabisa's three terms of service, and looks forward to seeing them in future leadership roles.
  • 0:06 Angela Kabisa
    Angela Kabisa thanks the board for creating a welcoming community where she felt able to speak up. She also thanks the community for their support and feedback.
  • 0:07 Alex Davison
    Alex Davison echoes the thanks, appreciating that the board treated the student representatives as fellow adults and members through many challenging moments.
  • 0:08 Mr. Smith
    Mr. Smith says he wishes the students had an official vote, as their perspective was just as valuable as any board member's.
• 0:09
  Chair's Announcements (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The chair announces the next regular meeting on June 8th and the details for the South Portland High School graduation at Martin Field on June 5th.
• 0:09
  Student Representative's Report (Alex Davison)

  Alex Davison gives his final report, sharing updates from all the schools in the district. He covers recent events like poetry slams, character parades, cultural days, and preparations for graduation.
• 0:14
  Recognition of South Portland High School Top Scholars 2026

  Dr. Entwistle and Ms. DeAngelis begin the ceremony to recognize the top academic students of the 2026 graduating class, presenting each with a certificate.
• 0:19
  Top Scholars Introductions

  Following the awards presentation, the top scholars take turns at the podium to introduce one of their peers. They share personal anecdotes and highlight each other's academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and future plans.
• 0:36
  FY26-27 Budget Update (Abigail Ketchen)

  The Director of Finance provides a brief update, stating the budget has been approved by the City Council and the next step is the voter referendum on June 9th.
• 0:36
  Elementary Reconfiguration Update (Dr. Entwistle)

  The superintendent announces the formation of the 23-member Elementary Reconfiguration Steering Committee. He confirms that it is a public committee and directs the public to the district website for more information.
• 0:38
  Enrollment and Staffing Update (Dr. Entwistle)

  The superintendent presents the latest enrollment figures, which stand at 2,776 students, and notes several recent staff resignations.
• 0:40
  Public Comment (Part 1)

  During the first public comment period, a district staff member asks for an update on the superintendent search.

  • 0:44 Laura Stevens
    A staff member asks about the status of the superintendent search, noting the district website had indicated an announcement would be made at the meeting.
• 0:45
  Finance Committee Report

  The Finance Committee chair and the Director of Finance provide an update on the current fiscal year's budget, audit findings, and MaineCare billing.

  • 0:45 Ms. Holman
    Ms. Holman reports that 83% of the fiscal year has elapsed and that additional revenue has lowered the projected deficit range. She also notes the ongoing implementation of payroll encumbrance software.
  • 0:47 Abigail Ketchen
    The finance director explains that resolving all audit findings is a multi-year effort. She anticipates continued findings for the current fiscal year but expects significant progress to be shown in the FY27 audit.
  • 0:55 Kat Cox
    The Director of Instructional Support explains the complexities of MaineCare billing. She details the current process, the requirement for parental consent, and the significant regulatory hurdles and audit risks involved in expanding billing to new areas like in-district day treatment.
• 1:04
  Policy Committee Report (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The chair of the Policy Committee reports that the committee reviewed two policies for a first read: Policy BEDB: Agenda and the Educational Equity Policy.
• 1:05
  Buildings & Grounds Committee Update (Mr. Feller)

  The committee chair announces the next meeting is on May 27th. Topics will include the high school and middle school athletic fields, the Skillin Elementary boiler, and summer maintenance requests.
• 1:08
  Consent Agenda Approval (Ms. DeAngelis)

  The board unanimously approves the consent agenda. This includes meeting minutes, numerous donations and scholarships, and the issuance of secondary probationary and first continuing contracts for teachers and staff.
• 1:18
  Public Comment (Part 2)

  During the second public comment period, three speakers raise urgent safety concerns about severe overcrowding on school buses. They describe students sitting in aisles and on laps during transport to athletic events and on regular morning routes.

  • 1:19 Jennifer Christensen
    A parent of a track athlete describes a dangerous bus shortage for the spring sports season, with 132 athletes traveling long distances. She reports students sitting on laps and the floor on overcrowded buses and expresses concern for their safety.
  • 1:21 Jennifer Marshall
    The SPSEA President confirms the overcrowding issue, stating that buses are being filled beyond their safe capacity for high schoolers. She notes that the issue has been raised with transportation leadership but has not been resolved.
  • 1:23 Connie DiSanto
    Another parent of a track athlete expresses unease about students standing in aisles and sitting on laps. She asks the board how it will ensure student safety and prevent injury when transportation regulations are not being followed.
• 1:25
  Board Discussion on Bus Safety

  Following public comment, the board and superintendent discuss the bus overcrowding issue. The superintendent commits to an immediate investigation and a student representative adds that the problem also occurs on morning routes.

  • 1:25 Dr. Entwistle
    The superintendent states this is the first he has heard of the issue and that he will be looking into it the next day and will be in touch with the parents who spoke.
  • 1:26 Angela Kabisa
    The student representative adds that she has also seen overcrowding on buses, not just for sports but also on regular morning routes, particularly in the Red Bank area.
• 1:28
  Kaler Student Placement Update

  A board member asks for an update on the placement of Kaler Elementary students, and the principal on special assignment provides details on the process.

  • 1:29 Myra Caron
    The principal leading the Kaler transition explains that minimizing future transitions is difficult due to uncertainties with the final reconfiguration plan. A survey was sent to Kaler parents to gather their preferences on placement criteria, and the goal is still to finalize placements by the end of May.
• 1:32
  Adjournment (Ms. DeAngelis)

  With no further business or communications, the meeting is adjourned.