Scarborough School Dept.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to memorializing two staff members who recently passed away: Elizabeth Cummings, an administrative assistant in the facilities department, and Justin Stebins, a world language teacher and former SEA president who served as a middle school tech coach. The board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 18th workshop and business meeting. Discussions covered non-action items regarding resignations, retirements, and new hires. Agenda adjustments included moving the spotlight recognition to the following week. The Superintendent's report provided an update on stable enrollment figures (an increase of 12 students since November 30th) and reminded the board about snow day usage, noting that two traditional snow days had already been used in January, leaving only one before the district must resort to asynchronous remote days. Information was shared regarding career and technical education (CTE) program visits, including rescheduling a visit for the PATHS program and confirming the WVRC visit date. The board was alerted to a forthcoming discussion regarding a proposed new STEM endorsement pathway for high school students. Committee reports included updates on community outreach efforts, such as promoting the post-referendum committee and sending out a community forum survey. The curriculum committee discussed the main through-year assessment (clarified as a required state assessment where winter testing is optional), curriculum changes for math, and planning for the visual and performing arts. They also began planning for the comprehensive needs assessment by developing a form and reviewing criteria for community member selection. The finance committee continued discussions on budget line item transfers and reporting policies, as well as upcoming budget changes related to open positions and contractors. The negotiations committee reported that substantive meetings for the special education contract renewal would begin on January 20th. The policy committee reviewed the majority of finance-related policies, planning to condense them into a single policy for later presentation. Student reports highlighted a high school National Honor Society food drive, a holiday cabaret event, and student caroling at senior living communities. Pleasant Hill students participated in a 'Holiday Around the World' activity before winter break.

The meeting included the recognition of the February 2026 student spotlight award winner, Eleanor Bannon, noted for her extensive extracurricular involvement and work ethic. The board also recognized achievements of academic and competitive groups, specifically the Math Team for winning first and second place in various categories of the annual stock market games, and for earning Gold School status in the AP Honor Roll. The Model United Nations program was highlighted for increased participation and success at conferences, including an honorable mention for a freshman delegate. The VEX Robotics club reported on building competition-ready robots, achieving finalist status in regional challenges, and emphasizing student leadership and skill development in engineering and communication. The Superintendent's report noted steady enrollment and celebrated the success of the middle school in the stock market games and the high school's promotion to a Gold AP school.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the Student Spotlight Award winner, Eleanor Bannon. The Superintendent's Report covered enrollment data as of January 31, 2026, noting celebrations such as Scarborough High School (SHS) achieving GOLD status on the AP Honor Roll and specific coaching milestones. Projections for early state subsidy indicated an anticipated General Purpose Aid of $8,941,422.82 for the FY27 School Budget, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year. Committee reports detailed ongoing work including curriculum discussions on Math and CNA formation, financial planning with a 0% mil rate goal, and negotiations progress on the Educational Support Professionals' contract. Policy reviews covered the 26-27 School Calendar and several purchasing and conduct policies. Liaison reports were provided, and updates were given on the Post Referendum Building Committee timeline. Finally, proposed changes to the 2026-27 SHS Program of Studies were presented for Science, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and English pathways.

The primary new business item discussed was the methodology utilized by the district for leveraging data to inform curriculum and instructional strategies. Key points included defining where data-driven decisions are made (classroom, school, and district levels) and outlining the informed data decision approach, which involves forming specific questions, determining necessary data, using repeatable review protocols, and fostering data literacy. The discussion referenced the School Reform Initiative's ATLAS Protocol for data review and included specific examples of data sources collected by the district, such as NWEA, Oral Reading Frequency scores, Mid-Terms, and Panorama Surveys.

The meeting included a presentation from the Middle School Principal and Instructional Coach detailing progress on two primary goals: implementation of RULER social and emotional lessons and increasing community engagement. Specific updates covered the RULER curriculum units, partnerships with non-profit organizations for outdoor life activities, and details about the recent Wellness Day featuring keynote speaker Rohan Murphy. Furthermore, details were provided regarding Scarborough Education Foundation Grants funding resources for a 'Maple Sugaring' unit expansion and the purchase of a Laser Cutter for STEM teaching, along with ongoing Climate Education Grant work. Continuing business involved accepting governance changes for the Post-Referendum Building Committee and approving the second reading of several policies related to student and employee computer/internet use, as well as school temperature standards. New business included the unanimous appointment of Jillian Daigle as Interim Blue Point Principal for the remainder of the school year and the approval of a Blue Point School Donation Request. The Board also suspended the rule regarding action deadlines to proceed into an executive session to discuss labor contracts.