PARIS — Oxford Hills School District Superintendent Rick Colpitts told the board of directors Monday night that he expects to submit a report to the Curriculum Committee next month on starting classes at the middle and high schools later in the morning.

Directors could vote on the plan as soon as February.

The decision to pursue a late start was initiated by directors earlier this year, after reading reports about the educational and health merits of such a move. Several schools in the state with later start times have shown positive results.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement two years ago that said high schools and middle schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. The majority of Maine schools, including Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Oxford Hills Middle School, start at about 7 a.m.

Committee members had been told earlier in the year it would take an additional 10 buses to get the plan going.

In other news, Colpitts announced that Clyde Clark, director of Adult and Community Education, has resigned effective Jan. 6, 2017, and will retire after 46 years in education.

Colpitts has taken over the administrative duties of the position with help from Judy Green, who was adult education director for many years. 

The job has been advertised and Colpitts said he hopes to have interviews in January.

In other action, directors approved:

• A bid from Jason Edwards of Otisfield to plow Oxford Elementary School for $400 per storm, plus $125 for extra sanding. He was the only bidder;

• The appointment of Rachel Coburn as full-time custodian at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in Paris;

• The appointment of Nicole Cleveland as a part-time custodian at Guy E. Rowe Elementary School in Norway;

• The first reading of policies, including student dress, weapons violence and school safety, student conduct on school buses, and drug and alcohol use by students.

ldixon@sunmedigroup.net

Copy the Story Link