The RSU #78 Board of Education met on April 5, 2022. There were two presentations on how staff utilized the additional planning time from the early release for the Ski Tuesday program. The first presentation was from Doris Mitchell, representing grades 3 through 5, and the second presentation was from the High School Team. Holly Haggan Austin also presented on bullying prevention and the SecondStep program for social-emotional learning. Full presentations can be viewed on the school’s YouTube channel. School Board Chair Mary Richards shared remarks on the improvements to the school’s website and highlighted the new library site as well as the weekly videos from Principal Seth Laliberte. Confidential superintendent evaluation forms will be distributed shortly to all staff. Board members must email the Board Chair if they would like to be on the evaluation committee. The committee will meet with the superintendent in an executive session at the June meeting. Superintendent Georgia Campbell shared that RLRS had their first all school assembly in two years. On April 1st, Sonja Johnson and School Board members presented the Scholastic Art awards at the Lakeside Theatre. Principal Seth Laliberte shared that various staff have met with gardening coach Laura Hoeft. She is helping students and staff connect with gardening resources and starting a gardening club here at the school. Middle School science classes had their dissection unit with roughly 90% participation from students. State assessments begin in May. Data will be presented to the board by August. Student Representative Angelica Chavaree-Woodward shared that high school singers went to a performance/competition, varsity softball has begun, and that AP Art students along with Spanish III/IV students went on an overnight trip to Boston, MA. While in Boston they went to the immersive Frieda Kahlo exhibit, the New England Aquarium, and the Isabella Stewart Gardiner Museum.

Committee Reports were brief and included updates from Policy, Finance, Facilities, Curriculum, and Communications committees. There were three appointments: Chad Nickerson (Middle School baseball), Brittany Russell for Middle School softball, and Kate Quimby (High School softball).

The 2022-2023 school year calendar was presented to the Board. After vigorous discussion, the calendar was voted in. First day of school is Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Foster Tech students will attend beginning August 31, 2022.

Warrants were signed for the 2022-2023 RSU #78 School Budget, and a number of policies were updated, revised, or rescinded as needed.

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The RSU #78 Board of Education met on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. There were two presentations on how staff utilized the additional planning time from the early release for the Ski Tuesday program. The first presentation was from Michelle Laliberte and Katie Willis, representing the K through grade 2 grade span, and the second presentation was from the Middle School Team. Full presentations can be viewed on the school’s YouTube channel.

School Board Chair Mary Richards shared personal appreciation to Board Vice-Chair Deb Ladd for organizing a Teacher Appreciation celebration last week and for representing the board. Superintendent Georgia Campbell shared that this year’s teacher evaluations are just about complete and there is lots of planning happening for end of the school year events. Watch the events calendar on the school website closely for updates. The Spring Concert is set for June 1 at 6:00PM. Interviews continue for the three open teaching positions. Mrs Campbell also shared an emotional and moving letter from fifth grade teacher Doris Mitchell, reflecting on 35 years of teaching at RLRS. Principal Seth Laliberte shared that softball and baseball teams are doing well. 8th grade recently went to the Maine School Masonry and tried their hand at the mason trade. Mr Laliberte also noted that state testing continues. Student Representatives Mya Laliberte and Angelica Chavaree-Woodward shared that prom is May 28th, seniors have begun planning for class day (June 9th) and graduation (June 10th), and that AP exams wrapped up last week. There were 7 students who took the AP exams in either Art of US History.

Committee reports were brief and included updates from Facilities committee. Five second year teacher contracts were unanimously approved: Sarita Crandall (Middle School Science), Rebecca Ellis (1st grade), Kim Hockmeyer (4th grade), Ashley Ferrara (PreK), and Katie Willis (Intervention and Gifted & Talented) One new appointment was announced: Kevin Banfield (bus driver) Four resignations were tendered: Russ Brooks (bus driver), Tina LoRusso (therapist), Brittany Russell (PreK-8 Guidance & 6-8 Intervention), and Heidi Deery (Director of Student Services) There was also a unanimous motion to approve continuing teacher contracts for Rowenna Hathaway (High School Math) and Lindsay Richards (PreK-12 Physical Education & Health). Two overnight trips were also approved: one to Six Flags Music in in the Parks Music Festival, and one senor overnight trip to Old Orchard Beach. RSU #78 2022-2023 RSU #78 Budget Hearing is June 7, 2022 6:00PM at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School, and voting is on June 14 at your local town offices. The RSU #78 Board of Education will meet again on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

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