Board Chair Dr Mary Richards opened the meeting by congratulating Maine Principals’ Award recipient, senior Brooke Laliberte, and thanked senior Nichola Lemay for her service to the board as a student representative. Lemay shared that the highlight of her time was learning how the school runs. She shared that her time on the board helped her to grow and know that she can have a say and make a difference. Richards also thanked outgoing board members Bob Greene of Sandy River Plantation, and Amber Haley of Rangeley Plantation. Green brought a wealth of knowledge to his service on the board and the finance committee. Haley has served on the board for many years and her no-nonsense problem solving skills will be greatly missed. Lastly, the June board meeting will be on Wednesday, June 11, in order to certify the votes.
Superintendent Georgia Campbell shared that the FY25 Title I Summer Reallocated application was approved for $12,161.39. This funding will support RSU 78’s Extended Year program. On May 1, students in the 3-5 Critical Thinkers program attended a reception in honor of third grader Liam Watkin who won first place in a state-wide poster competition. Watkin was awarded a special certificate from the Secretary of State and the group was given a special tour of the state house and legislative chambers. On May 12, upper elementary students in the new Book Club run by Abigail Thompson and Alison Loud had the amazing opportunity to virtually meet with Dr Jessica Meir, NASA astronaut from Caribou, ME. This was an extension to the book they are currently reading, “A Rover’s Story” by Jasmine Warga. Students learned a lot about what it takes to be an astronaut, what life is like on the International Space Station, and what is coming up for the future of space exploration.
Principal Seth Laliberte shared updates from the Varsity baseball team and from the senior class. He extended thank yous to the board for their teacher appreciation lunch. Other updates included state assessments are nearing completion, and school climate and perception surveys have gone out to students. Family surveys should be coming shortly, as well as for staff.
Student Representative Nichole Lemay (class of 2025) shared a number of calendar updates, including National Honor Society induction on May 13, prom May 17, Senior class trip May 22-26, Baccalaureate June 1, Foster Tech graduation June 2 at Mt. Blue, Class Day on June 5, and Graduation on June 7. The following students have made post-secondary commitments: Ana Orazi to Bridgewater State, Gracie Feeny to Husson, Natalie Stokes to UMO, Brooke Laliberte to UNE, Parker Smith to Bates, Zak Madrid to South Carolina Technical Community College, and Nichole Lemay to Clemson.
Student Representative Natalie Alves shared that NWEA assessments were wrapping up, juniors took the state science test, there was a pep rally on Thursday, May 15, and the varsity baseball team was playing well and having fun.
Committee reports included updates from the Finance Committee, which had a successful budget hearing and all articles were approved; Facilities Committee, Vortex finished plumbing work over April break, three bids were received for paving, and two bids were received for brick work.
There was one retirement announced: Betsy Hallweaver. Hallweaver has served in the Special Education department for many years. Her laugh and ready smile will be greatly missed by all.
The following teachers were recommended for continuing contracts after the mandatory 2 year probationary period: Karen Murphy (1st grade), Vanessa Bisson (2nd grade), and Ian West (middle school math). The vote was unanimous.
The following first year teachers were recommended to move to their second year: Meghan Murphy (5th grade), and Kelly Price (middle school ELA). The vote was unanimous.
Action items included a motion to purchase coverage from Guardian to provide a private PFML plan in lieu of participating in the Maine state PFML program. After robust discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
The next meeting of the RSU 78 Board of Education will be on Wednesday, June 11, at 5:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School. Don’t forget to vote at your local polling place on Tuesday, June 10.