The Sanford School Committee met January 9, 2023. Jen Davie was absent, all other members were present.
Superintendent of Schools Matt Nelson began the meeting by announcing some adjustments to the agenda. The swearing in of new members was deleted from the agenda as that had been accomplished the previous week. Other items were moved up in order to be respectful of people’s time. The agenda item on the collective bargaining agreement was tabled as administration was not ready to move forward with it.
Election of Officers: Paula Cote and Amy Sevigny were reelected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
Appointments to Standing Committees: Ms. Cote announced the following appointments:
MIYHS: A group of Sanford’s school counselors gave a presentation on the results of the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey. MIYHS is a survey of Maine students in grades 5-12 that monitors health behaviors and attitudes regarding tobacco, alcohol, substance use, mental health, nutrition, physical activity and protective factors. Local statistics are compared with the state as a whole and results from previous surveys. The most recent survey was done in the fall of 2021 but due to the pandemic, it took the Maine Department of Education longer than usual to tabulate and compile the results. Here are just a few of the takeaways from the presentation:
Assistant Superintendent Steve Bussiere said the Drug Free Community Task Force at Southern Maine Health Care is starting up again. A young adolescent who suffered health consequences of vaping will be coming to SMS to speak to students March 6.
Counseling: Ms. Letourneau and the other members of the counseling team gave a presentation on their work. The information they shared included:
There was much more information shared than can be summarized here. For more detailed info, view the meeting video at youtube.com/watch?v=TaGmj0e0l4Q.
Water Quality: Mr. Bussiere reported that the fixtures that failed water quality tests were all replaced over the fall, and retesting shows that all fixtures are now in compliance. The test results have been posted on the individual school websites and paper copies are available in the school offices as well.
Communications: Mr. Nelson said the Child Nutrition Director for the state sent word that Sanford has completed the necessary updates to policies and procedures for food service and no further action is necessary.
Student Representatives: John Paul Alexandre gave an update on the upcoming sporting events. He is counting the days until the senior class trip to Italy during February vacation. Aiden Gendron reported on the Winter Ball scheduled for January 21 and the recent wrestling tournament. Emma Adawadkar talked about Wes Woodson’s recent talk at SHS on normalizing mental health and coping with the pressures of life. Students are getting ready for finals.
Sanford Spotlight: Mr. Nelson previewed the new edition of the Sanford Spotlight newsletter. View it here: sanford.org/o/sanford-school-department/page/sanford-spotlight-newsletter.
Staff changes: Mr. Nelson reviewed the list of staff resignations, appointments and transfers. He noted that Facilities Director Don Nichols is leaving the district to take a position in New Hampshire closer to his family. Mr. Nelson said he is very appreciative of the work Mr. Nichols did with construction, moving and Covid protocols during his time here. The position has been advertised, and Assistant Director Jason Dudley will be filling in as Interim Director until a replacement is found.
Calendar: Budget workshops will be held January 21, 25 and 30; and February 6, 13 and 27. Regular School Committee meetings are scheduled for January 23, February 6 and February 27. The Safety Info Night for parents will be held January 19 at SPAC.
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