Jennifer Gochee

The Task Force reviewed and discussed the conceptual order-of-magnitude budgets for projects at Valley View and Gildersleeve schools, including detailed reviews of contingency factors, state reimbursement percentages, and project scope considerations such as the exclusion of generators unless life-saving devices are present. Discussion also covered reviewing plans for HVAC and roof work at the Secondary School, noting this would be a separate referendum item, and considering items like the roof, electrical work, and tennis courts for potential bond inclusion. Next steps involve the Superintendent drafting educational specification plans for GS and VV, sharing them with the group and FRIAR, aiming for approval at the February 10 BOE meeting, followed by community outreach in March. It was confirmed that the educational specification plan is locked upon BOE approval. Concerns were raised regarding student traffic safety during construction at Gildersleeve.

The key discussion centered on the review of the Education Specification Plan for two areas: Gildersleeve and Valley View. For Gildersleeve, the Board discussed including a section detailing community concerns to demonstrate responsiveness and debated listing furniture generally rather than specifically. For Valley View, topics included state reimbursement benefits, factoring in space for play-based instructional materials, the potential need for a stage in a PreK-2 building, and the substitution of cubbies with hallway lockers. There was also discussion regarding the inclusion and specifics of water bottle filling stations in every classroom. Next steps involve a second reading/possible vote on February 10 and a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen on February 18, with the Finance Director and David Rosenthal invited to discuss bonding. Contingency planning confirmed the continued use of GS as swing space if the timeline slips.

The regular meeting of the board was called to order, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The agenda and consent agenda were approved unanimously. The consent agenda included approvals for minutes from a December 9th special meeting and a December 16th retreat meeting, as well as various donations and a bus reimbursement for a civics-related field trip. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Portland Public School spotlight, featuring the Portland Middle School Student Council. The student council presented on their accomplishments, including successfully managing monthly assemblies, raising funds for breast cancer awareness during a spirit week, implementing the Tartan Passes system, and hosting an advisory Olympics. Future goals discussed included a Student Night Out event, a leadership conference, and increased fundraising efforts. Student representatives also reported on recent activities, such as holiday music performances by the acapella group and jazz band, preparation for a winter chamber concert, updates on girls' basketball, indoor track, wrestling, and the math league competition. Student Senate held a winter pep rally with traditional events. Additionally, student representatives discussed their participation in the CAS Legislative Day in Hartford, where they debated a bill concerning the voting age, ultimately compromising to limit voting eligibility to local elections for 16-year-olds who would turn 18 that year. Old news included updates on the success of a previous 'shatter night' event and parent-teacher conferences.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda, with the ratification of the Custodians and Maintenance Employees Bargaining Unit Agreement 2026-2029 removed. Key discussions included updates on boiler decommissioning and installation, personnel changes such as a resignation, and review of the Special Education Excess Cost Grant presentation. The Director of Teaching & Learning reported on intervention numbers, mathematics program details, and chronic absenteeism data, emphasizing communication regarding unexcused absences. New business focused on the approval of the Project Oceanology 2026-2027 Interdistrict Grant Program Application and the approval of three new high school courses: AP Computer Science A, Intro to Computer Science, and Oceanography. In old business, the Board approved the 2026-2027 school district calendar as amended, addressing several timing issues for delays and professional development days. The Board also adopted the 2026-2027 Superintendent of Schools Proposed Budget, despite concerns regarding insurance uncertainty and proposed consolidation. The Superintendent's mid-year review was discussed and finalized during an executive session.

The policy subcommittee discussed several new business items related to policy updates provided by CABE. Key discussions included updating forms for Homebound/Hospital Instruction (R6173), where it was confirmed that form updates do not require Board approval but will be shared with the Board. The committee reviewed updates to policy P5113.13 regarding Work-Study Student Employment/Work-Release, deciding to benchmark with other districts regarding implementation feasibility and mandate. Policies P0521 (Philosophy Non-Discrimination) and P6161.12 & P6161.13 & P6161.14 (Instruction/Community Relations) had required verbiage added and were scheduled for a first read at the next Board meeting, with staff reviews requested for support and librarian input. Discussion also occurred on policy 9230 (Orientation of Board Members Bylaw), suggesting the inclusion of language regarding Board member education. Old business items regarding policies for Diploma Distribution and Breathalyzer Testing were tabled, and the committee decided to conduct a side-by-side comparison of the current policy and the CABE model policy for P1312 (Public Complaints).