Camela Deschene

The Eastport School Committee meeting included discussions on a partnership with the Eastport Arts Center to develop the former Boynton High School, and the appointment of a representative to negotiate with support staff. Concerns were raised about communication and STAR testing data, as well as the implementation of the Gifted and Talented Program. The committee also considered rescheduling the April meeting, the draft of the 2017-2018 school calendar, scheduling dates for negotiations with teachers, Ed Techs, and support staff, and the draft of the 2017-2018 Eastport School Department Budget. An executive session was held to discuss a personnel issue.

The City Council meeting included discussions and actions regarding several key items. The council authorized legal counsel to issue a Notice to Quit for a property at the airport and approved a request for burial arrangements at Hillside West Cemetery. They also accepted an EPA grant for Broadband Planning and approved an extension to raise the wharf above the flood elevation at 87 Water Street, contingent upon Army Corp of Engineers approval. Additionally, the council authorized the transfer of FY2017 Boat Excise Tax to the Harbor Revenue Account and scheduled a public hearing for a special hunt of anterless deer. The council also addressed a request for Council Packets delivery times.

The meeting included discussions on Eastport's Recycling Center, student involvement as a community service project, and the use of IReady Testing to track PBE. The committee re-bid bus fuel for 2017-2018 and awarded the heating fuel to Bay City for 2017-2018. Revisions of policies related to nondiscrimination, harassment, and public's right to know were considered. The committee entered executive sessions to discuss a personnel issue and confidential records.

The meeting included discussions and reports from the Principal and Superintendent. The School Committee discussed the purpose and function of cameras, I Ready assessments reports, and enrollment data format. The committee also elected officers for 2017-2018, with Will Bradbury as Chair and Richard Clark as Vice Chair. Additionally, the committee reviewed and discussed the English Department Restructuring Proposal and adopted policy ACAB, Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students, and ACAB-R, Employee and Third Party Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure.

The council held an executive session to discuss personnel matters, real property or economic development, and consultation with legal counsel. The regular meeting included discussion and action on scheduling a public hearing for the sale of city property, approving refunds for overpayment of real estate taxes, and adopting issuance compliance procedures for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Bond Anticipation Note. A request was made for a study to regionalize local schools, and the council discussed the potential for economic development and concerns about the tax burden on residents. The council also approved repairs for the Dog Island and Cannery pump stations, authorized the signing of the Election Warrant for the State Primary Election, and accepted a demolition bid for 76 High Street. Additionally, a councilor stepped down as the liaison to the School Board, and a former councilor was appointed to fill the position.