The RSU 78 Board of Education met on September 12, 2023 at the new time of 5:30PM at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School. There was one public comment from middle school science teacher Sarita Crandall who shared her thanks to Jeff LaRochelle and to the Board for the successful renovation of the middle school science classroom.

Board Chair Dr Mary Richards welcomed the board to the new school year and offered thanks to Joanna Farrar for providing breakfast for the staff and to Deb Ladd for coffee and treats. Dr Richards also reminded the board of the upcoming law conference from Drummond and Woodsum on September 20th. Board member Deb Ladd and Superintendent Georgia Campbell plan to attend.

Superintendent Georgia Campbell shared that the school year is off to a good start and that there will be an Open House on Wednesday, October 18th from 5-6pm. Families and the greater community are encouraged to attend.

Principal Seth Laliberte shared that he will have information for the community about Portrait of a Learner at the Open House. Mr Laliberte also shared that RLRS has received a Maine School Garden Grant for $2000 and a Whole Foods Grant for $2000 to assist in the construction of a school greenhouse. They are currently seeking someone to help assist with the construction of the greenhouse. State assessments will occur in October. More information to come about schedules for each grade span.

Student representative Angelica Chavaree-Woodward (class of 2024) shared that seniors have begun planning their senior trip and that campaigns for student council president and vice-president are underway. Also, Seussical is the fall musical and rehearsals have begun. Student representative Nichole Lemay (class of 2025) shares that class elections are complete and online college classes have begun. She also shared that soccer games are underway and teams are getting used to the 8v8 set up. Lastly, the junior class car wash raised approximately $1,400. Thank you to all those who came!

Committee reports included updates from Policy Committee with four action items later in the meeting and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 2, 2023 at 3:00pm; Finance Committee with one action item to transfer funds, fuel tank update, and an update on ongoing sewer line issues, the proposed child care center, and the completion of the middle school science classroom renovations; Negotiations Committee will be headed up by Bob Greene. RLRS Support Staff are in the process of forming their committee.

There were two appointments: Skyela Burgess for Special Education Ed Tech III and Adam Varney as the Assistant Varsity Boys Soccer Coach.

The Board approved via unanimous vote for the middle school to attend Camp Kieve as part of their annual team building. Camp Kieve is geared towards building community through experiential programming and the Camp underwrites 50% of the cost. The trip will be October 12 and 13, 2023. The Board also approved via unanimous vote for an out of state field trip for select high school students to attend the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington D.C.

Three revised policies, IKE: Promotion, Retention, and Acceleration of Students, EEB-R: Special Use of District Transportation Vehicles Procedure and Fee Schedule, and BBA-R: School Board By-Laws were unanimously approved. EEB: Special Use of District Transportation Vehicles was tabled to the October meeting.

A motion to transfer funds within the 2022-2023 budget from Regular Instruction and Special Ed to cover the overages in School Administration and Facilities Maintenance was unanimously approved.

Lastly, the Board unanimously voted to approve an easement for the future Rangeley Children’s Development Center.

The meeting adjourned at 6:50PM. The next RSU 78 Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 5:30PM in the multi-purpose room at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

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