Deborah Bryan

The meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget for Lewiston Public Schools. Key discussion topics included the budget development process, the various versions of the budget involving the Superintendent, School Committee, and City Council, and primary cost drivers such as special education, transportation, utilities, workers' compensation, health insurance, and salaries. The workshop also addressed school safety, programming growth initiatives, a multi-year phased approach to special education in-house programs, and funding strategies for facilities including 287 Main Street.

The discussion involved ensuring a recording was made of the proceedings for subsequent posting on the web. A motion was made and seconded, receiving affirmation votes from Ward One and Ward Two, related to the conclusion of the meeting or a specific agenda item.

The meeting involved discussions regarding the second reading of the regional service center agreement, specifically addressing concerns about the pilot site location (RSU 10) and implications for other regional service units (RSU 16 and RSU 52). A significant portion of the discussion centered on the direct cost of a director to oversee the work related to the CFES grant, defining employee status (Lewiston Public Schools employee vs. grant-funded), and contingency planning should the grant funding cease. Board members debated the implications of taking over Child Development Services (CDS) responsibilities, including funding models, provider compensation rates, and the low graduation rates for students receiving special education services. Concerns were raised about the financial impact on taxpayers due to absorbing CDS costs and the uncertainty of state funding, especially considering ongoing budget cuts and the need for cooperation (regionalization efforts). The process for withdrawal from the agreement was also reviewed.

The meeting involved several key discussions, including budgetary matters presented by the Chief Administrative Officer, Bobby Avery. The discussion centered on a running list of budget items for board consideration, including specific details for Martell Elementary School concerning various instruction articles (Regular Instruction, Guidance/Nursing, Office of the Principal) and line items such as Professional Development. Financial data presented included FY 18-19 budget requests, FY 17-18 adopted budgets, and year-to-date actuals. Detailed data on the daily substitute fill rates and their fluctuation throughout the year, particularly after transitioning from outside service to employee recruitment, was reviewed. Furthermore, budget details for the Athletic Trainer services were presented. A significant portion of the meeting focused on staffing requests and considerations for Farwell Elementary School, including requests for an additional fourth-grade teacher to manage class size, an interventionist teacher for literacy and math support, a stipend for an EdTech focusing on STEM, a subscription for recycling resources, and stipends for Special Education teacher leadership positions to alleviate administrative load. Discussions also covered potential new advisory positions (Math Team, Photo Club) and the need for additional EdTech support for inclusion efforts and kindergarten classrooms.

The meeting addressed virtual programming efforts, educator compensation, and remote learning challenges. Discussions included informing families about the 2020-2021 school year entry approach, solidifying remote learning plans, and summer school being virtual. Maintenance projects, hiring, and laptop collection plans were reviewed. The City Council budget discussion and a request for Longley as a COVID-19 testing site were mentioned. The committee also discussed internet access for students, tablet distribution, and portable hotspot deployment. Updates were provided on a special education audit involving focus groups with teachers, administrators, staff, and parents.