Elementary School Reconfiguration
The board is considering two final redistricting maps and a proposal for an early learning campus at the former Kaler Elementary. Following a community survey on these options, a vote is anticipated at the November 9, 2026 meeting.
Explore Evolution
Student Demographics
The SPSD Board has unanimously recommended that the City Council include the School Department in a city-wide ordinance to protect vulnerable student populations, building on years of addressing rapid demographic shifts. This decision aligns with ongoing district initiatives to support immigrant families and establish clear protective protocols.
Explore Evolution
Artificial Intelligence Policy
The AI Advisory Committee is developing policy guidelines due in January 2027. A proposed moratorium on student AI use was recently withdrawn to allow for more community and staff engagement before the board takes action.
Explore Evolution
SPESPA Collective Bargaining
Negotiations between the school board and the South Portland School Department Service Employees Association remain stalled, with the union seeking mediation to address ongoing contract disputes and critical staffing shortages.
Explore Evolution
Public Participation Policy
The board has approved changes to the public participation policy, which eliminates the ability for speakers to yield their time to another person. The new policy was passed on a 4-2 vote and is now in effect.
Explore Evolution
FY26 Budget
The FY26 budget is projected to close with a minimal deficit of around $1,000 following a spending freeze. However, this leaves the district with virtually no fund balance, a situation some board members and citizens find concerning and irresponsible.
Explore Evolution
Student Cell Phone Policy 2026
The board has formally adopted and implemented a new 'away for the day' cell phone policy for the 2026-2027 school year. The administration reports a successful launch at secondary schools while addressing parent safety concerns.
Explore Evolution
SPHS Athletic Complex
The SPHS Athletic Complex project is in the design phase. It is reportedly on schedule and on budget for a groundbreaking planned for May 2027.
Explore Evolution
SPMS Athletic Field Remediation
The South Portland Middle School athletic field is safe and ready for use. Following a remediation plan involving aeration, overseeding, and fertilization, the field was declared ready for fall sports in August 2026.
Explore Evolution
Student Enrollment and Class Size
District enrollment saw a minor increase but the long-term trend remains downward. To address a kindergarten enrollment bubble at Small Elementary, the administration has added a portable classroom.
Explore Evolution
Superintendent Appointment 2026
Dr. Angela Atkinson Duina's contract has been approved and she has officially begun her tenure as the new Superintendent. She is currently implementing her entry plan to build relationships and understand district needs.
Explore Evolution
Assistant Superintendent Compensation
The Board is facing significant public and staff criticism for approving a $12,000 retirement contribution for the Assistant Superintendent. The Board Chair has defended the decision, citing the administrator's extra work during a difficult budget year.
Explore Evolution
Educational Equity Policy
The board has unanimously approved a new Educational Equity Policy. This policy provides a framework for using data to identify and address inequities within the district.
Explore Evolution
FY27 Budget
The FY27 operating budget, which includes a 6% tax increase, has been approved by both the Board of Education and the City Council. It is scheduled to go before voters for final approval on June 9, 2026.
Explore Evolution
Kaler Elementary School Closure
The closure of Kaler Elementary is proceeding as planned at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The board has approved a modified end-of-year schedule to facilitate the move and is arranging district-funded childcare for affected families.
Explore Evolution
Superintendent Transition 2026
The board has appointed Andy Wallace as a short-term interim superintendent to cover a two-week gap in July. Mr. Wallace declined a salary for the role and will receive vacation days as compensation.
Explore Evolution
Director of Operations and Safety Resignation
The Director of Operations and Security, Mike Nalli, has resigned from his position. The Board of Directors accepted the resignation with regret, praising his significant contributions to district safety.
Explore Evolution
Kaler Elementary Student Placement
The board has approved the administration's plan to reassign Kaler Elementary students to the district's four other elementary schools. A robust and prioritized waiver process will be implemented for affected Kaler families to provide them with options.
Explore Evolution
Superintendent Search 2026
The board has authorized negotiations with its preferred superintendent candidate following a search process that narrowed the field to two finalists. An official announcement is pending the completion of these negotiations.
Explore Evolution
Board Leadership Change
Following the resignation of the previous vice chair, the board unanimously elected Member Smith to the position. Tandy Ratliff remains the Board Chair.
Explore Evolution
Special Education Staffing
The district is facing critical safety and staffing shortages in special education classrooms due to recent budget cuts. Staff, union representatives, and the public have voiced significant concerns about the impact on students and educator morale.
Explore Evolution
Dyer Elementary School Closure
The administration has proposed closing Dyer Elementary School as part of the budget plan, citing higher facility repair costs compared to Kaler Elementary. The proposal is currently under debate by the board and has drawn significant public concern regarding health and safety.
Explore Evolution
Skillin Elementary School Closure
The administration has proposed closing Skillin Elementary as one of several cost-saving scenarios. However, the Board has directed the administration to cease exploring this option and focus on alternatives due to concerns about equity and the impact on west end families.
Explore Evolution
Community School Model
The board has unanimously approved a district-wide expansion of the community school model, beginning with the high school. This decision follows a successful implementation at South Portland Middle School that showed improved student outcomes.
Explore Evolution
School Calendar 2026-2027
The first reading of the 2026-2027 school calendar has been postponed. The board is negotiating with the service employees' union regarding the impact of a proposed additional school day.
Explore Evolution
Extended Learning Opportunities Program
The Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program is ongoing at South Portland High School through a partnership with JMG. The board recently received a positive update on the program, which included a student presentation.
Explore Evolution
Education Foundation
A committee is actively forming the South Portland Schools Education Foundation with community support. The group is developing a mission and board, and is working with the University of Maine Law School to establish its nonprofit status.
Explore Evolution
SPTA Contract 2025-2028
The board has unanimously ratified the new three-year contract with the South Portland Teachers’ Association (SPTA). The agreement was reached following a lengthy negotiation process that included filing for fact-finding.
Explore Evolution
SPHS Athletic Field Referendum
The district is weighing the tax implications of natural grass versus synthetic turf for the proposed SPHS athletic field referendum. Public input has been received on the options while the project moves forward.
Explore Evolution
Concussion Management Policy
The board is refining Policy JJIF to enhance parental notification and involvement in return-to-play decisions. The policy was sent back to committee for further work following the most recent discussion.
Explore Evolution
FY25 Budget Deficit
The administration is addressing a potential prior-year deficit and recent payroll errors with an external audit and proactive spending reviews. A projected FY25 deficit of approximately $1.6 million is being analyzed by the new Director of Finance.
Explore Evolution
School Safety
The district has successfully installed new safety vestibules at elementary schools and is implementing behavior programs. Following community concerns, the board has called for a new review of overall district security practices to address ongoing safety needs.
Explore Evolution
Administrators Collective Bargaining 2025-2028
The board has unanimously ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the South Portland Administrators Association. The agreement covers the period from 2025 to 2028.
Explore Evolution
SPMS Athletic Field Referendum
The board has approved revised wording for the upcoming municipal referendum on the SPMS athletic field. The changes are intended to clarify the choice between a natural grass field and a synthetic turf field for voters.
Explore Evolution
Superintendent Transition 2025
The Board has approved a separation agreement with Superintendent Matheney, effective August 8, 2025. Dr. George Entwistle has been unanimously appointed as the Interim Superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year.
Explore Evolution
Facilities Bond Referendum 2024
Following a successful referendum, the district is now actively implementing the funded facilities projects. Work is underway on security camera installation at Skillin Elementary, roofing at Small Elementary, and secure vestibules at several schools.
Explore Evolution
SPESPA Contract 2024-2027
The Board has unanimously approved a tentative agreement with the South Portland Educational Support Professionals Association (SPESPA). This agreement resolves a dispute regarding apprentices.
Explore Evolution
Interim Superintendent Search 2025
The board has engaged the Maine School Management Association to begin the search for an interim superintendent. The process is now officially underway.
Explore Evolution
Superintendent Resignation 2025
The board has authorized its chair and legal counsel to negotiate a separation agreement with Superintendent Matheney. This agreement is contingent upon the successful hiring of an interim superintendent.
Explore Evolution
Academic Performance
The district is showing significant academic improvement, with recent data indicating decreased chronic absenteeism, a dramatic reduction in suspensions, and SAT scores that now exceed the national average. Elementary schools are also demonstrating strong academic growth, particularly in math.
Explore Evolution
Community Partnerships
The district maintains extensive community partnerships providing volunteers, food security, and career exploration opportunities. The administration is now planning to establish a formal Education Foundation to further support school initiatives.
Explore Evolution
Federal Title Funding
The district has absorbed an unanticipated decrease in federal Title I and Title IV funding for the FY26 budget. This reduction, part of a cumulative loss of nearly $200,000 over three years, means fewer dollars for professional development and raises concerns for future budgets.
Explore Evolution
Curriculum Leadership Reorganization
The proposed reorganization is proceeding, as the Superintendent announced the resignation of the Director of Curriculum on June 3, 2025. This follows an April budget proposal to eliminate the position as part of a central office restructuring.
Explore Evolution
Social Emotional Learning Programs
The board has approved a budget that includes cuts to social-emotional learning funding. This decision came despite earlier board consensus and public support for restoring three elementary SEL teacher positions.
Explore Evolution
Central Office Reorganization
The board has approved new and revised job descriptions to implement a central office and high school reorganization. The changes are intended to improve efficiency and support structures while reducing overall salary expenditures.
Explore Evolution
Finance Director Appointment
The board has formally approved the hiring of Abigail Chen as the new district Finance Director. The Superintendent praised her impressive background and qualifications for the role.
Explore Evolution
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position is under scrutiny amid budget discussions. The administration is defending the role as essential for meeting student needs and legal obligations, while the board is questioning its retention over other positions and exploring cost-saving alternatives.
Explore Evolution
Student Mental Health
The Director of Mental/Behavioral Health position is currently under scrutiny during budget discussions. The Superintendent is defending the role as essential for providing specialized expertise, while some board members and citizens question its retention amid cuts to other student-facing positions.
Explore Evolution
Pre-Kindergarten Expansion
The board has unanimously approved the expansion of the pilot Pre-Kindergarten program. This expansion will be achieved through a public-private partnership at no cost to taxpayers.
Explore Evolution
Student Attendance
Chronic absenteeism has improved significantly, dropping to 18% in the current school year from a post-pandemic high of 26%. However, disparities persist for specific student groups, including those with IEPs, high school students, and those who are economically disadvantaged.
Explore Evolution
School Climate
Recent survey data from January 2025 shows that most school climate metrics are at or above national averages, with modest increases. The district continues to focus on bridging divides between student groups to improve the overall climate.
Explore Evolution
SPHS Graduation Venue
The 2025 SPHS graduation ceremony will remain at the high school's Martin Field. Based on recent survey results, the district is strongly considering a move to a larger, climate-controlled venue for the 2026 ceremony.
Explore Evolution
K-4 Math Curriculum Adoption
The board has formally adopted the 'Into Math' curriculum for grades K-4. The five-year, $250,000 implementation plan is now approved to move forward.
Explore Evolution
SPESPA Grievance
The Board of Education has unanimously denied a grievance from the South Portland Educational Support Staff Professionals Association (SPESPA). This decision was made following an Executive Session on January 8, 2025.
Explore Evolution
Adult Education
The Adult Education program, particularly its ESOL classes, is experiencing rapid growth and is now the third largest in Maine. The administration is highlighting the program's heavy reliance on unstable grant funding and is advocating for increased, sustainable local budget support.
Explore Evolution
SPTA Collective Bargaining
The board has entered into an executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the South Portland Teachers Association (SPTA). The SPTA is concurrently collaborating with the district on other workplace protocols and educating its members on the negotiation process.
Explore Evolution
Superintendent Evaluation
The board's Superintendent Evaluation and Support Committee has detailed its comprehensive annual evaluation process. This process utilizes multiple data sources, including staff surveys and leadership feedback.
Explore Evolution
Special Education
The board has received an overview of the Instructional Support department, which serves 649 students with disabilities. Public comment has been strongly supportive of the department and its programs.
Explore Evolution
SPHS Principal Appointment
SarahGlenn has been appointed as the new principal of South Portland High School. The appointment was made at the May 30, 2024 board meeting.
Explore Evolution
DEI Director Appointment
The district has filled the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position. Hermenegildo Paulo was appointed by the board on May 30, 2024.
Explore Evolution
FY25 Budget
The Board of Education approved the final FY25 school budget articles, totaling over $69 million. The budget maintains essential services while navigating the loss of federal funds and rising costs.
Explore Evolution
School Calendar 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 school calendar has been approved by the board. A revision on March 28, 2024, extended the final day of school by one day to June 13, 2025.
Explore Evolution
DEI Coordinator Resignation
The board has formally addressed the resignation of DEI Coordinator Mohammed Albehadli, which was prompted by a racist incident. The district has reaffirmed its commitment to DEI work and is facing public calls for comprehensive action to address systemic inequities and improve staff diversity.
Explore Evolution
Transportation Challenges
The district is experiencing transportation staffing shortages. To help address the issue, the board has approved a new transportation logistics specialist position.
Explore Evolution
Physical Restraint and Seclusion Policy
The board has given final approval to the Physical Restraint and Seclusion Policy. This policy is now officially adopted by the district.
Explore Evolution
Tobacco-Free Schools Policy
The board has given final approval to the Tobacco-Free Schools Policy. The policy is now officially adopted by the district.
Explore Evolution