Heather Gauthier

The special meeting addressed urgent business that could not wait until January. Key discussion points included a Building Committee update regarding a successful meeting with the state board of education's construction committee concerning the closure of Huzzy School and the proposed site selection for a new facility at Ferington Elementary School, noting that the referendum date might shift to November instead of June. Updates were provided on budgetary implications due to an increase of 88 students requiring ESOL services since July 1st, potentially necessitating the addition of staff positions, as the refugee grant funding for the cultural liaison position will cease. Another item discussed was the English Language Arts pilot program (CKLA/Amplify), where data suggested a phased adoption approach rather than full K-8 adoption immediately, citing budget concerns ($22,000 for K-8 adoption) and the need for further staff training. Updates also covered administrative contract changes with Tyler Technologies regarding time and attendance systems, upcoming implementation of a QR code on newsletters linking to an intake form, and staff recognition efforts through a 'glimmers' program. Finally, three resignations were noted, and approval was sought and granted for two new hires and an overnight out-of-state trip for a German class to Boston in January 2026.

The meeting, which served as the reorganization meeting for the Augusta School Board committees, established procedures for nominating and electing committee chairs, referencing Robert's Rules of Order. The order of agenda items for committee meetings was also adjusted to prioritize the personnel item for scheduling convenience. Key financial discussions included a review of the December financials, noting that several categories, such as special education and instructional technology, were tracking lower than 50% remaining due to encumbrances or one-time summer purchases. Transportation expenditures were flagged as high due to increased out-of-district placements, prompting a review of projections for running out of funds around April, with the possibility of fund transfers from overages in other accounts at year-end. The committee also discussed the proposed budget calendar for the upcoming fiscal year, noting it largely mirrors the previous year's schedule with budget workshops commencing in February. Consideration of a contract with the BAR Institute for a school resilience framework was tabled due to a significant potential financial commitment ($80,000 annually after the initial grant year). Finally, an update was provided on the ropes course proposal, noting that the trees supporting the course are dying, necessitating an estimated $60,000 project to replace them with rated telephone poles and requiring new teacher training.

The primary purpose of the workshop was to conduct a conversation and draft amendments or a new policy regarding public participation at board meetings (BEDH). Discussions centered on feedback received from Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) concerning the First Amendment implications of the current policy, and considerations regarding a suggested policy revision from the law firm Brandis Isacson. Key points addressed included redefining board meetings as a limited public forum rather than a public forum, broadening the scope of commentable educational matters beyond only Augusta schools to align with state statute, and maintaining restrictions on discussing individual personnel or student matters. The board also discussed prioritizing Augusta residents and school department employees during public comment sessions, while noting legal constraints on discussing specific staff or student confidentiality.

The committee meeting included signing the warrants. Financial reports for September were reviewed, noting changes in reporting for certain services and fund movements, with Instructional Technology and Maintenance expenditures detailed. An update on Tyler Technology indicated progress, although an issue with data transfer from Time and Attendance to MUNIS may require on-site support from Tyler Tech. Discussions also covered updates on the Public Law for EPL and FMLA, including changes regarding intermittent leave and insurance quotes being sought from Cross Insurance to potentially join the city's plan. A significant topic was the proposal for the Augusta School Department to join the KV Regional Service Center, with potential financial benefits detailed, prompting a request for the last three years of RSC audits.

The Building Committee meeting focused on updates following community forums where resident concerns and success criteria for the school project were discussed, forming a 'to-do list' for addressing fears such as equity and maintaining community identity. The committee reviewed the results of a straw poll supporting the existing Fington site for an addition/renovation project, which is now part of the site application package for the State Board of Education. Preliminary work regarding the site application requires obtaining a traffic movement permit from the Department of Transportation, likely involving a new left turn lane on Eastern Avenue, and a D permit since the disturbed area exceeds three acres. The committee also presented initial site test fits, showing conceptual layouts for an addition on the northeast side of the building and a new cafeteria/kitchen area, which involves relocating the playground and maintaining access points for student drop-off and emergency access.