Waterville Public Schools

The Strategic Planning Team (SPT) kick-off meeting included introductions, adoption of meeting norms, and a review of the proposed charge for the Board's consideration. The team discussed the development of a five-year strategic plan for WPS, including a mission statement, core beliefs, goals, and action steps. The strategic planning process and timeline were reviewed, and the team examined highlights of sample strategic plans. Participants engaged in a Thought Exchange activity to identify key focus areas, such as core values, continuity between K-12, fostering a culture of belonging, transparent processes and balancing academic achievement with student well-being.

The Board of Education meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected and re-elected members and student representatives. The board elected a new Board Chair and Executive Secretary, and announced committee assignments for 2025. The Curriculum Committee reviewed a recommendation regarding integrated credits for MMTC courses, and an update was shared about the work being done with Open Sci-Ed at Waterville Junior High School. The board also discussed administrators' reports, the Finance Director's Report, the Assistant Superintendent Report, and old and new business, including policy amendments and approvals for various programs and trips. Appointments, resignations and retirements were also discussed.

The Waterville Board of Education meeting included reports from the Principal of WSHS and the Director of MMTC, highlighting student achievements and upcoming events. The Finance Director reviewed the latest Budget Abstract. The Superintendent informed the Board about the rescinded resignation of a 4th Grade Teacher. The Board discussed and presented the proposed 2025-26 Central Office Budget, GJMS Budget, and Special Education Budget. The Board also discussed and approved a Schedule C Position: ESOL K-12 Coordinator, and an Out-of-State Trip Request for MMTC. The board also voted on appointments and discussed resignations.

The Board of Education meeting included administrators' reports, highlighting activities planned for Read Across America Week. The board approved the second reading of Policy DJH - Purchasing and Contracting: Procurement Staff Code of Conduct, Policy DJ - Bidding and Purchasing, and DJ-R - Federal Procurement Manual for Maine School Units. Presentations of the proposed 2025-26 Health Budget, WJHS Budget, WSHS Budget, and Alternative Education budget were given. A staff member's resignation was acknowledged. Public comment guidelines were reviewed, but no public comments were made.

The Board of Education meeting included administrators' reports, highlighting a school nurse's training in providing basic dental services and students sending cards to children affected by wildfires. Updates were provided on the Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) program and a successful 8th Grade Parent Night. The Finance Director shared the latest budget abstract. The Assistant Superintendent provided an update on the Professional Development Day. The meeting also involved presentations of proposed budgets for transportation, district coordinators, district certification, ELL, adult education, ASHS, and technology. The Board discussed and approved the first reading of policies related to purchasing, contracting, and federal procurement. Appointments, resignations, and retirements were addressed. The board entered into three executive sessions regarding labor contract discussions, a student waiver of attendance, and the employment of the Superintendent of Schools. The grievance presented by AFSCME Local 2178-00 was denied, the student waiver of attendance was approved, and the Superintendent of Schools Contract for 2025-2026 was approved.