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The RSU 78 Board of Education met on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School. Shawn Russell, Director of Technology and Communications, and Abby Thompson, School Librarian/Media Specialist and PowerSchool SIS Admin, presented their pilot digital citizenship program that they are co-teaching. This is a new program for students in grades 4 through 10 that focuses on how to engage ethically and responsibly with technology. There is a great need for this curriculum as evidenced by increasing concerns about student behavior online. Mr Russell and Ms Thompson will return to the board with a formal curriculum before the start of the 2023-2024  school year.

RLRS junior, Torina White, performed the solo piece that was selected to represent all of the vocal soloists at the NMFA Solo & Ensemble Festival. This honor is shared with three other soloists from across New England. The formal performance will be at the beginning of the New England Chorus Concert on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at The Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, CT.

Chair Mary Richards thanked board members for their commitment to the board and subcommittees as there have been many meetings lately. Superintendent Georgia Campbell shared that the budget process has begun. A warm welcome was extended to two new student representatives: senior Cheyenne Avery and sophomore Nichole Lemay. Principal Seth Laliberte reminded the board that the first Portrait of a Learner meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2023, from 4-6:30PM at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School. Student Representatives shared that Ski Tuesday begins soon and that WinterKids has been an exciting time. Juniors have chosen a theme for prom which will be announced soon. The food drive continues through the end of January. Sophomores toured Foster Career & Technical Education Center at Mt Blue, and the varsity ski team had their first race.

Committee reports consisted of Policy Committee updated that their next meeting is on February 6, 2023 at 2:30PM, Finance Committee discussed a few budget items and expressed that they feel confident about this process for this year’s budget, Facilities Committee reported that the heaters are being replaced in the portable, bids have been reopened for the middle school science classroom renovation, a section of new shelving for the library was approved, and provided an update on the 14 passenger van that was ordered last year, and lastly Negotiations Committee shared that they received the teacher’s proposed contract and hope to get to work this coming week.

There were two resignations: Natausha Cogley and Logan Abbott, and one retirement announcement for middle school math teacher, Janet Welch. Ms Welch began her career at RLRS in 1990 and will be missed.

Action items included the approval of RSU 78’s LAU Plan. The Board adopted revisions to policies EEAB-Student Transportation in a Private Vehicle and EBCC-Bomb Threats, adopted policy ECB-E-Notice of Planned Pesticide Application, and rescinded policy EFE-Competitive Food Sales-Sales of Food in Competition with the School Food Service Program and BEDJ-Broadcasting and Taping of Board Meeting

The Board entered into an executive session and the meeting was formally adjourned at 8:00PM.

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