Minutes
Augusta School Department
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
April 2, 2018
7:30 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Chair-Staci Fortunato; Christopher Clarke, Pia Holmes
Other Board Members Present: Jason Bersani, Tom Connors, Edward Hastings
Administrators Present: James Anastasio, Kathy Casparius, Donna Madore, Kim Silsby, Maureen Thompson
Other Present: Judith Plano, Mary Mohammed, Rabbi Erica Asch
Motion by Pia Holmes to amend the agenda and move item #9 to the first item on the agenda. Second by Christopher Clarke, so moved 3-0.
9. Discussion of religious observances
Federal holidays in the United States
Maine State Government Holidays
Public Holidays in Maine
Lewiston Public Schools policy IMDC – Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs
Augusta School Department policy JEA: Compulsory Attendance
Suggested observances
Suggested policy updates
Committee Chair, Staci Fortunato, was approached by community members regarding the need to build more awareness in the Augusta School Department and community around our emerging population and their cultural and religious observations. Mary Mohammed distributed suggested observances and suggestions for a policy update. They would also like these holidays listed on school calendars. Our policy JEA: Compulsory Attendance states “observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day is an excusable absence”. Mr. Anastasio said it would be worthwhile to get feedback from all the principals and bring it back to the May 7 Policy Committee meeting.
Motion by Christopher Clarke to review policies EFDA and EFC and table the remaining policies. Second by Pia Holmes, so moved 3-0.
1. Review policy EFDA: Unpaid Meal Charges.
The committee reviewed revisions to policy EFDA. Motion by Pia Holmes to move policy EFDA: Unpaid Meal Charges with revisions to the board for a first reading, second by Christopher Clarke, so moved 3-0.
2. Review existing policy EFC: Free and Reduced Price Food Services
Existing policy EFC
The committee reviewed policy EFC: Free and Reduced Price Food Services and made revisions. Motion by Christopher Clarke to move policy EFC with revisions to the board for a first reading, second by Pia Holmes, so moved 3-0.
The following policies were tabled.
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
3. Review new policy DJH: Purchasing and Contracting: Procurement Staff Code of Conduct.
New Policy DJH
Existing Policy DJH
4. Review new policy JLF: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.
New Policy JLF
New Policy JLF-E
New Policy JLF-R
Existing Policy JLF
Existing Policy JLF-E
Existing Policy JLF-R
5. Review existing policy ACAD: Hazing and existing policy JICFA: Student Hazing.
Existing Policy ACAD
Existing Policy JICFA
6. Review new policy JLIB: Student Dismissal Precautions.
Rationale
New Policy JLIB
7. Review new policy JLIE: Student Automobile Use and Parking.
Rationale
New Policy JLIE
Existing Policy JHFD
8. Review new policy JO: Employment of Students
Rationale
New Policy JO