Maine School Administrative District 49

The meeting included a review and approval of the Comprehensive Health and Safety Emergency Management Plan. The Superintendent reported on the schedule for staff safety training and provided updates on the school construction project, including the connection of water and power, and paving progress. The Board was informed that the ARP ESSER III application funds have been fully obligated, with allocations towards various projects such as credit recovery, tutoring, mental health services, technology, and facility improvements. The Policy and Educational Program Planning Committee shared their work on policy updates related to Title IX, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, bidding and purchasing, and federal procurement procedures.

The meeting included a review of the 2025-2026 ED 279 Subsidy, noting Debt Service Allocation, and discussion of the Albion Elementary consolidation timeline, considering programs, services, enrollment, and facility. The board also discussed news from schools, as reported by Building Principals. The Superintendent reported on the MSAD 49 MMTC Governance Board meeting and dinner, and reviewed correspondence from MEA Benefits Trust regarding the 2025-2025 rates for insurance renewal. The Policy and Educational Program Planning Committee will review affected policies and revise to comply with the 2020 Title IX rules for the Board to consider and adopt. There was also a report from the Board Negotiator regarding a meeting with the Education Association on March 13.

The meeting included discussions and votes on managing existing scholarship amounts and the first reading of several policies related to nondiscrimination, harassment, grievance procedures, ethical behavior, tobacco use, learning results, board responsibilities, conflict of interest, bidding requirements, emergency management, and pregnant students. The Superintendent provided updates on lockout protocols, district responses to incidents, building access, security measures, school construction, and budget considerations. The Finance and Facilities Committee reviewed new prices for gas, diesel, and oil, explored general storage solutions, and discussed safety and security measures.

The meeting included a presentation on the Lawrence Education Alternative Program (LEAP) and an update on the District PreK Program. The Superintendent reported on the Fairfield Town Council's rejection of the District's offer to convey the Fairfield Primary School property and is consulting with DrummondWoodsum on the disposition of the property. Updates were provided on charitable donations from New Balance and the Brady Martin Memorial Thanksgiving Food Drive. The MMTC Governance Meeting was attended, and students recognized by the Center were highlighted. CSTAG Risk Assessment Training for administrators was scheduled, and an Elementary Intervention Programming and Supports Committee was established. Delayed Start professional development activities were reviewed, including HMH ELA training and Business Office protocol training for secretaries. New School construction is on track, and the Percent for Art Committee will participate in a kick-off meeting with the Maine Arts Commission and CHA. The Finance and Facilities Committee reviewed the budget report, health insurance estimates, student enrollment, facility updates, and the Capital Improvement Plan.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. An extended leave of absence was approved for a support staff employee. The Superintendent reported on the statutory requirement regarding the disposal of real property closed for school purposes and the progress of the new school construction project. The board went into executive session for the evaluation of the Superintendent and subsequently approved the Superintendent's contract as negotiated. Additionally, the board ratified the Bargaining Agreement between the Board of Directors and Council #93, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO.