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Pursuant to Section G-1 1 MRSA § 403-A – Public proceedings through remote access. Public can access meeting via CTV7 Spectrum Channel 1301 and available on line at www.augustaschoolboard.com. Public input available using the chat feature via livestream. Reference Policy BEDH: Public Participation at Board Meetings

 

The following board members were present:
Chair:	Amanda Olson
Board Members:	Jennifer Dumond, Pia Holmes, Kevin Lamoreau, Kimberly Martin, Kati McCormick, Jan Michaud, Martha Witham

 

Board member absent:
	Staci Fortunato

 

Also present were:
Superintendent:	James Anastasio
Assistant Superintendent	Katy Grondin
Business Manager	Kathy Casparius

 

 

7:00 p.m.

 

1. Opening:

 

2. Call to Order:

             Pursuant to 1 MRSA§ 403-A, we will now confirm that each member of the Augusta School

             Board can both hear and be heard. We will do this by calling the role, members present are asked

             to say yea. I ask all other members to listen and report any audio difficulties when the roll call is

             complete.

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	--
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea
Mandy Cooper	Student Representative	Yea

 

3. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

4. Presentations: None

      5.  Approval of Minutes:

           A.  Motion to approve the minutes of the Augusta Board of Education Business Meeting of

               January 13, 2021.

     http://www.augustaschools.org/board_of_education/BoardMinutes210113.php

Move to approve the minutes of the Augusta Board of Education Business Meeting of January 13, 2021.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Martha Witham Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 6 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	--
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

          B.  Motion to approve the minutes of the Augusta Board of Education Special Meeting of

               January 27, 2021.

     http://www.augustaschools.org/board_of_education/SpecialBoardMeetingMinutes210227.php

Move to approve the minutes of the Augusta Board of Education Special Meeting of January 27, 2021.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

6. Superintendent’s Report:

Mr. Anastasio congratulated the six teachers nominated for 2021 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year. They are Lauren Dow, Jane Moore and Meghan Marston from Gilbert Elementary; April Hartford from Hussey Elementary; Laurie Rodrigue from Cony High School; and Heidi Parent from Capital Area Technical Center.

Next week is a vacation week and Mr. Anastasio encouraged staff to enjoy their vacation but to be cautious and use good judgement as it relates to COVID. He said the ASD will return to the hybrid model after vacation.

7. Assistant Superintendent’s Report:

Assistant Superintendent Grondin said they have had discussions on how to respond when COVID-19 vaccines become available to educators. Staff were sent a survey asking if they are interested in the vaccine. Each school will put their staff in priority groups and once the data is collected, the ASD will reach out to local medical organizations. Currently, there is no mandate for employees to take the vaccine.

There is a planning group working on the March 19 workshop day using the great work that Donna Madore did for last year’s workshop that had to be cancelled. DOE Deputy Commissioner Dan Chuhta will be the morning keynote speaker. Four sessions will be running during the day. The final speaker will be Stephen “Dr. Bird” Birchak and his topic is called “Juggling Feathers in a Hurricane”.

Summer programming will expand beyond Title 1 to students K-12 to address their readiness of learning moving forward and the pandemic impact. There will be discussions as well on how to help support students coming out of a hybrid model.

Onsite COVID testing is available. A person has to have a COVID symptom and a possible reason for having those symptoms to be tested at school. The CDC specifies that even if a student has a negative COVID test after being a close contact, it does not release them from the mandatory 10-day quarantine. A student can test out of quarantine if the negative test is a result of travel.

8. Business Manager’s Report:

                Attachment 1

Ms. Casparius said the W2s have gone out. She recognized Jackie Willard in payroll and Kim Willard in accounts payable for their excellent work.

9. Reports from Other School Officials:

Heather Gauthier, Principal at Lincoln Elementary said the DOE kicked off their “Read to me Challenge.” The challenge brings awareness to childhood literacy. This year the challenge encourages students to be readers to each other. She said Lincoln school is recording student guest readers and uploading the videos to YouTube and their Facebook page.

Sarah Landry, Principal at Gilbert Elementary said they had a student read a story for the “Read to me Challenge” and the DOE uploaded it to their Facebook page. During February break, students are challenged to do 30 minutes of reading and 30 minutes of movement every day. She said a parent spearheaded a book fundraiser asking area businesses to donate money to purchase books for every elementary student K-6 so they could have a book to read during February break.

Theresa Violette, Title I Director, thanked students who have volunteered their time to organize the Community Closet and fill orders. Last week, there was a Title I Parent Advisory meeting and she thanked parents who provided feedback about what their wants and needs are. She said they are seeing some bright spots in student assessments.

Troy Alexander, Principal at Hussey Elementary, did a shout out to students for their involvement in the school’s incentive program for work completion. They gave out a number of awards and students were excited.

Nicholas Gannon, CATC Director, said starting tomorrow night at 6 p.m. is the first of six informational sessions that are part of their recruitment efforts for next year. He thanked Stephanie Turgeon and Jaime Clark for coordinating those efforts. Information will be posted on CATC’s Facebook page.

Kim Silsby, Principal of Cony Middle/High School, said parent/teacher conferences will be held March 4 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The conferences will be virtual and families will be sent a link to sign up.

Teresa Beaudoin, Principal of Farrington Elementary School, said because it is black history month they have been featuring a different person each day on their announcements. Paula Bourque, Literacy Coach, picked out a library of books of diverse populations where children of color were featured. 

10. Communications:

 

                          1.  James Gay, Science Teacher, Cony Middle School
               B.  Retirements
                         1.  Susan Walters, Special Education Director

 

12. Recognitions:

 

13. Student Council Report: Mandy Cooper

Ms. Cooper reported that quarter 3 began at the end of January. Boys basketball is having a successful season as is the girls basketball team. National Honors Society members have been helping tutor younger students. Chizzle Wizzle acts submissions for this year’s show will be accepted until February 22. Last week was National School Counseling week. Last night there was a Coping with COVID Zoom meeting that talked about the importance of maintaining good mental health and safety during this time. Students are looking forward to the February break.

 

15. Committee Reports:

           http://www.augustaschools.org/board_of_education/FinanceCommMinutes210111.php

                          2.  Finance Committee Meeting Minutes, February 1, 2021

           http://www.augustaschools.org/board_of_education/FinanceCommMinutes210201.php

 

                B.  Curriculum and Education Committee Report:  Pia Holmes
                          1.  Curriculum and Education Committee, January 13, 2021 – No Meeting

 

               C.  Personnel Committee Report: Kimberly Martin
                         1.  Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes, January 11, 2021

 

                 D.  Policy Committee Report: Staci Fortunato
                           1.  Policy Committee Meeting Minutes, January 11, 2021

           http://www.augustaschools.org/board_of_education/PolicyCommMinutes210201.php

 

16. Consent Items: (all matters listed under this item will be considered routine and will be enacted by

       one motion. A Board Member may ask to have an item(s) removed and considered individually.)

1. Wesley Daunis, Grade 4 Teacher, Gilbert Elementary School
2. Nicholas Hart, Elementary Gifted and Talented Teacher
3. Nicole Sawyer, LCPC, Farrington Elementary School

       Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Move to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

17. Board Member Comment and/or Discussion on Non-Agenda Items:

 

18. Public Comment on Non-Personnel Agenda Items:

 

                      Electronic Smoking Devices.

                       Attachment 2

Move to adopt policy ADC: Tobacco-Free Schools: Use and Possession of Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

                          Attachment 2

Move to approve the 2020-2021 Capital Area Technical Center Cooperative Agreement.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

              B.  Motion to approve a $5,000 donation from Full Plates Full Potential for the Nutrition

                   Program.

                       Attachment 3

Move to approve a $5,000 donation from Full Plates Full Potential for the Nutrition Program.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

             C.  Motion to approve a donation of $3,575 from local businesses for books to give to all

                  elementary students.

                       Attachment 4

Move to approve a donation of $3,575 from local businesses for books to give to all elementary students.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

                   Motion to group Items D – M.

Move to group Items D – M.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Kimberly Martin   Second: Jan Michaud     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

                   Motion to approve the first reading of policies in items D – M.

Move to approve the first reading of policies in items D – M.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Martha Witham Second: Kevin Lamoreau     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

              D.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy GDPC: Retirement Benefits for

                   Non-Represented and Central Office Staff Not Covered Under Individual Contracts.

                       Attachment 5

Move to approve the first reading of policy GDPC: Retirement Benefits for Non-Represented and Central Office Staff Not Covered Under Individual Contracts.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

             E.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy ADAA: School System Commitment to

                 Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior.

                       Attachment 6

Move to approve the first reading of policy ADAA: School System Commitment to Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

              F.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy GBA: Affirmative Action Policy.

                       Attachment 7

Move to approve the first reading of policy GBA: Affirmative Action Policy.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

              G.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy JIC: Student Code of Conduct.

                       Attachment 8

Move to approve the first reading of policy JIC: Student Code of Conduct.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

              H.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy JKD: Suspension of Students.

                       Attachment 9

Move to approve the first reading of policy JKD: Suspension of Students.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

               I.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy KHB: Advertising in the Schools.

                       Attachment 10

Move to approve the first reading of policy KHB:   Advertising in the Schools.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

              J.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy BB: School Board Legal Status.

                      Attachment 11

Move to approve the first reading of policy BB: School Board Legal Status.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

              K.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy ADF: School Commitment to Learning Results.

                       Attachment 12

Move to approve the first reading of policy ADF: School Commitment to Learning Results.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

 

              L.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy AEC: Accountability-Reporting to the Board and

                 Public.

                       Attachment 13

Move to approve the first reading of policy AEC: Accountability-Reporting to the Board and Public.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

              M.  Motion to approve the first reading of policy BDB: Board Officers.

                       Attachment 14

Move to approve the first reading of policy BDB: Board Officers.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

____________ Second: ______________     Motion (Passed/Failed) __ to __

 

Move to opt out of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea

 

21. Audience Recognition for Non-Agenda Items:

 

Move to Adjourn.

Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote: Time:

Jennifer Dumond Second: Kimberly Martin     Motion passed 7 to 0 8:22 p.m.

 

Member	Representing	Response
Staci Fortunato	Ward 1	--
Martha Witham	Ward 2	Yea
Jan Michaud	Ward 3	Yea
Kati McCormick	Ward 4	Yea
Pia Holmes	At-Large	Yea
Jennifer Dumond	At-Large	Yea
Kevin Lamoreau	At-Large	Yea
Kimberly Martin	At-Large	Yea