Kati Grass

The agenda for this meeting included several key items for discussion. These topics covered the approval of the previous School Committee meeting minutes, administrative reports from the Principal, staff, and Superintendent, and a public comment period. New business items scheduled for consideration included a discussion regarding the Senior Class Trip, an elevator replacement project, the consolidation of the Shead Scholarship Checking Account into the Student Activity Checking Account, and the reappointment of a probationary teacher. Furthermore, the committee planned to enter executive sessions to discuss negotiations with Roberta Clark and Melissa Mitchell, as well as to address confidential matters, and to discuss the 2026 - 2027 Second Draft Budget.

Key discussions during the meeting included administrative reports, such as the current enrollment of 43 students and the appointment of the Principal as both Technology Coordinator and McKinney Vento and Foster Care Liaison. The committee proceeded with the second reading and approval of revisions for several policies related to bidding, purchasing, and expense authorization, specifically policies DJ, DJ-R, DJH, and DKC. Additionally, the committee approved the second reading to adopt a new procedure, DKC-R, Expense Reimbursement Procedure: Travel, and approved the Cash Management Procedure and Forms.

Key discussions during the meeting included administrative reports from the Principal, covering enrollment numbers, chronic absenteeism status, and an exploratory discussion regarding implementing early release on Wednesdays for collaborative data analysis under the MTSS model. The Principal also provided an update on winter sports, noting that the anticipated combination with Edmunds did not materialize, requiring adjustments to team composition. The Superintendent reported on changes to substitute teacher pay, coaching appointments, and upcoming budget meetings. New business included the 4-0 approval to purchase a 77-passenger school bus, the adoption of the Cash Management Procedure and Forms, the adoption of the School Nutrition Program - Procurement Procedures and Code of Conduct, and the first reading of the DIDA, Fixed Assets policy. A discussion was held regarding the 2026-2027 first draft budget, followed by an executive session.

Key discussions included the Principal's Report, which covered enrollment statistics, the implementation of a new attendance recognition program to combat chronic absenteeism, updates on Winter STAR and NWEA testing, and details regarding the combined Winter sports season with Edmunds school, including jersey assignments for basketball teams. The report also highlighted recent school events such as the Christmas concert and Spirit Week, technology upgrades including new email domains and the completion of the camera project, and securing a $5,000 Full Plates, Full Potential grant for a refrigerator repair. The Superintendent's Report noted the December revenue/expense report, an application for bus subsidy, the appointment of a McKinney Vento Liaison, and noted pending tuition contract signatures. New business involved a discussion of the FY25 Audit and the second reading and approval of several policy revisions and adoptions concerning bidding, purchasing requirements, and expense authorization/reimbursement. The Committee also entered an executive session to discuss negotiations with the Pembroke Education Association/MEA/NEA, resulting in an agreement to pay $1,500 monthly towards health insurance for educational technicians and support staff beginning January 1, 2026.

The meeting included Superintendent's Reports detailing the revenue and expense report for November, home school student counts, and updates from the November AOS meeting. Public participation involved inquiries regarding student counts, tuition contracts, vouchers, and a petition to reverse the town vote on school choice. New business primarily focused on policy actions: the committee conducted the second reading and approved five new policies related to bidding, purchasing, contracting, and expense authorization/reimbursement. Additionally, the second reading and approval were granted for the revision of two policies concerning the use of physical restraint and seclusion. A cost analysis regarding continuing the tuition contract with Pembroke was reviewed without action, and the discussion on renewing the Pembroke/Dennysville Tuition Contract for subsequent school years was tabled.