MINUTES
AUGUSTA BOARD OF EDUCATION
Special Board Meeting
August 26, 2020
6:00 p.m.
VIA Zoom
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 School Board Meetings.
The following board members were present: |
|
Chair: |
Edward Hastings |
Board Members: |
Jennifer Dumond, Pia Holmes, Staci Fortunato, Kevin Lamoreau, Kati McCormick, Jan Michaud, Amanda Olson |
Board member absent: |
|
Christopher Clarke |
Also present were: |
|
Superintendent: |
James Anastasio |
Assistant Superintendent |
Katy Grondin |
Business Manager |
Kathy Casparius |
6:00 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 |
Yea |
Christopher Clarke |
Ward 2 |
Absent |
Jan Michaud |
Ward 3 |
Yea |
Kati McCormick |
Ward 4 |
Yea |
Pia Holmes |
At-Large |
Yea |
Jennifer Dumond |
At-Large |
Yea |
Kevin Lamoreau |
At-Large |
No response |
Amanda Olson |
At-Large |
Yea |
3. 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.)
A. Candidates to be determined. Interviews will be taking place prior to meeting.
1. Karen Kidder, Kindergarten Teacher, Hussey Elementary School
2. Chad Strout, Re-Integration Specialist, Cony Middle/High School
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Move to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. |
Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote: |
Staci Fortunato Second: Amanda Olson
Motion passed 6 to 0 |
Member |
Representing |
Response |
Staci Fortunato |
Ward 1 |
Yea |
Christopher Clarke |
Ward 2 |
Absent |
Jan Michaud |
Ward 3 |
Yea |
Kati McCormick |
Ward 4 |
Yea |
Pia Holmes |
At-Large |
Yea |
Jennifer Dumond |
At-Large |
Yea |
Kevin Lamoreau |
At-Large |
No response |
Amanda Olson |
At-Large |
Yea |
4. Update on opening of Augusta schools:
Mr. Anastasio gave an update on the opening of schools. Administrators continue to work on cohorts
which is a tedious process. First Student is working to determine bus routes following safety guidelines. There is plenty of hand sanitizer within the schools. The ventilation system is being improved. Per attorney, everyone has to wear a mask. Students who refuse to wear masks will have to do remote learning. Plexiglas will be installed Friday. There was a discussion around concerns for staffing needs. 195 laptops have not been returned. Mr. Anastasio said they are working on getting all day childcare for 5 – 11 year olds while not in school. Mr. Millett is recommending we have sports. Susan gave an overview on what Special Education is working on. Nick Gannon said CATC will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for all sending schools. Kati Grondin said training is continuing on Seesaw, Google classroom and Moby Max. Theresa Violette said she received NWEA training. Jon Stonier said they are using the least dangerous disinfectants and stepping up cleaning. They are adding ventilation to some of Hussey’s classrooms. Monique Roy said Adult Education classes are starting September 28. Kim Silsby said Cony is very busy ensuring protocols are good to go. They are also getting NWEA training. They sent out two letters to families, created a quick reference guide and student schedules. Sarah Landry said elementary principals are busy preparing and working on our platforms. Letters to parents were sent out today along with the COVID-19 Parent Guide. She said all staff is working hard on protocols and it is important that parents take the time to look at all the information. She said staff showed amazing flexibility, understanding and adaptability. Mr. Anastasio said the MPA will make a public announcement on their decision regarding athletics.
5. Adjourn:
A. Motion to Adjourn.
Move to Adjourn.
|
Motion: Yeas: Nays: Vote: Time: |
Staci Fortunato Second: Amanda Olson
Motion passed 7 to 0 7:40 p.m. |
Member |
Representing |
Response |
Staci Fortunato |
Ward 1 |
Yea |
Chris Clarke |
Ward 2 |
Absent |
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 |
Amanda Olson |
At-Large |
Yea |