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 6:00 p.m. 

1.  Opening:

          A.  Motion to amend the agenda to remove item 3 “Consent Agenda”; add a motion to support

                the plan for conducting fall sports in compliance with the guidelines from the MPA as reviewed

                by the Maine Department of Education; add a vote to approve the agreement between the

                Augusta Board of Education and the Augusta Education Association Custodial Unit.

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.

3.  Fall Sports Discussion:

Mr. Anastasio said he would like to proceed with participation in fall athletics with the guidelines established by the CDC, MPA and DOE.  He said he has always been a supporter of athletics and feels athletics, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are extremely necessary in any school.  He said with the guidelines established, the risks have been minimized to the point where it makes sense to give it a go.

Athletic Director Jon Millett supplied information to the board (attached).

     Attachment 1

Mr. Millett said he is supportive of proceeding with athletics because he believes it is in the best interest of students.  He said athletics does have some risks and COVID has made it more challenging; however, with the safety precautions implemented the risks can be mitigated.  He said having conducted the summer programs over the last two months shows solid evidence that if safety precautions are implemented, it can be done safely.  Some of the guidelines include sports specific modifications, social distancing, masking, prescreening, cleaning, sanitation, and changing the way competition is done to only outdoor activities.  He said he has a real concern about not offering athletics because our athletes will turn to travel and community teams where there is less diligence paid to the guidelines and it will place our student body at a greater risk.  Many of the other schools in Kennebec Valley have chosen to participate in athletics. 

Kim Silsby, Principal of Cony Middle/High School is also in support of offering athletics.

Mr. Hastings asked that the guidelines be posted on the website.

4.  New Business:

          A.  Motion to support the plan for conducting fall sports in compliance with the guidelines from the

                MPA as reviewed by the Maine Department of Education.

          B.  Motion to approve the agreement between the Augusta Board of Education and the Augusta

                Education Association Custodial Unit.

5.  Adjourn:

          A.  Motion to Adjourn.