Sanford School Committee Highlights 11/6/22  

By Kendra Williams 

Members Present: Paula Cote, Jennifer Davie and Melissa Simpson 

Student Representatives: Aiden Gendron, Emma Adawadkar and Elise Gendron   

Communications 

Chairwoman Cote announced and read the resignation letter of member Kelly Termath and expressed appreciation for her time on the board. There was a brief discussion about how the vacancy would be filled. 

Committee Reports 

Special Education Advisory and Stipend Committee updates were provided.  An insurance update was also provided.    

Student Representative Reports 

Aiden Gendron provided a summary of the recent homecoming week activities. 

Elise Gendron announced that the SHS Math team has had a good start. They’ve scored the highest of all teams in the first two meets.  She also announced that an arts honor society is being developed. Emma Adawadkar reported on the efforts of each class to contribute items for 60 Thanksgiving baskets and the friendly competition amongst them to bring in the most items. The Civil Rights Team held a day of welcome last week including encouragement for students to wear a different color each day to encourage acceptance of differences. 

Superintendent’s Report  

Superintendent Nelson reviewed the November Spotlight Newsletter.  It includes stories and pictures of the many recent happenings in the Sanford Schools, including the first-place honors the SHS Marching Band achieved Saturday night at the regional competition held here at Alumni Stadium. You can read the entire Spotlight Newsletter Here 

 
Upcoming field trips, including the Skills USA Leadership Conference; Science Bowl and varsity boys’ basketball team building were announced.   

The final student enrollment figures, used to determine state subsidy for the coming year, were presented. The numbers include student counts, economic status, special education and English Language learners. The numbers in all areas have increased this year, which benefits the subsidy to be received.

Directors Reports 

School Nutrition Program Director David Boger reported on breakfast and lunch participation numbers and processes. The number of meals being served has increased steadily since 2019, in part due to meals being free for all students. He explained the strategies being used to further increase breakfast participation. Challenges include students getting meals from local competitors or bringing snacks from home, many of which are not nearly as nutritious as the food being provided free of charge to the students. Other successful meal programs that are having good participation are after school and summer meals programs.       

Sanford Community Adult Education Director Jayne Perkins provided an update and overview of the varied opportunities and many successes that are taking place at SCAE. Last year, 16 students prepared for and passed the test to receive their high school equivalency credential.  So far this year, there have been 7 more with 20 students in progress.  Obtaining this credential enables people to advance their careers, join the military or pursue higher education.
 

Additional SCAE offerings include a diploma program, multi-language learning program, and a toddler program once a week. In addition, there are 315 enrichment offerings which include 150 workplace courses.  See more information about SCAE Here 

Assistant Superintendent Steve Bussiere summarized the work of the Vape and Tobacco Committee to date. The response to infractions has been finalized and was explained. 

He also provided an update about the English Speakers of Other Language Program (ESOL). The numbers have increased from 103 to 105 this past month. He outlined the many successes that are taking place as well as some of the challenges. An additional $61,000, based on the number of ESOL students, has been received from the Maine Department of Education to provide extra programming supports. 

Finally, Mr. Bussiere provided an update regarding the current status of the transportation bid process and timeline.  

Business Administrator Cheryl Fournier presented and explained the August and September financial statements and highlights.  

Staffing and Stipends 

Mr. Nelson announced resignations and retirements, staff and coaching appointments, stipends and staff transfers. 

Policies and Procedures 

Mr. Bussiere presented the first readings of the School Committee Standing Committees and School Committee Conflict of Interest policies which were approved unanimously. 

Calendar Announcements 

Mr. Nelson reviewed calendar announcements of workshops and committee meetings. 

The full meeting may be viewed  Here 

Note: There were sound issues at the beginning of the meeting.