PARIS — Superintendent Rick Colpitts told School Administrative District 17 directors Monday night that programs to improve success for students in grades 3 to 6 could cost at least $1 million.

Among the ideas from school leaders are hiring 18 educational technician IIIs for $720,000 and providing instruction for $22,400. They represent a wish list of what it would take to implement the changes.

The discussion was the first of four presentations on areas directors believe should have priority spending in the 2018-19 budget. The other three priorities are replacing the high school roof and HVAC systems, implementing a single bus run to accommodate a later start for middle and high school students, and looking at increasing access to psychological and social services for regular education students.

It’s a wish list

Colpitts stressed that the amount of state funding for education is unknown at this time, so no analysis has been done on the impact these ideas would have on taxpayers.

Colpitts said the district has a “strong foundation but a narrow footprint” in its efforts to address issues impacting struggling students. Those “strengths” include: adopting three new curriculums in math, reading and writing during the past several years; weekly early-release days for professional development; and mandating new teacher participation in mentoring and induction programs.

The district has also placed a coordinated and sustained focus on reading, allowed content-strong teachers to teach to their strengths where possible, and provided targeted interventions through the Reading Recovery Program and reading interventionists at grades 1 and 2.

The district also provides extra instructional time, such as the summer program at Roberts Farm in Norway and social, emotional and behavior supports through part-time guidance and social service programs.

The presentation prompted questions and comments from board members, including Director Bob Jewell, who said he would like to see money applied directly to the students.

Jewell said he believes many of the problems are caused by students’ disruptive behavior, and not resolving that issue.

The next discussion will be held at the Jan. 22 board meeting.

In other action, directors:

• Authorized the superintendent to arrange for purchasing a new school bus. The purchase and financing is contingent on the Department of Education’s approval of state subsidy for the bus; and

• Approved the lease/purchase of musical instruments, with financing through to Androscoggin Bank at 3.27 percent interest and an annual payment $5,960.06 for three years.

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net

SAD 17 Superintendent Rick Colpitts addressed the board of directors Monday night on programs to improve student success. (Leslie H. Dixon/Sun Journal)

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