JAY — Regional School Unit 73 board of directors were told on Thursday, April 25, that a long term substitute is needed at Spruce Mountain High School for special education.
“We are continuing to look for special education staff at the high school,” Jenna Cote, Section 504 coordinator/assistant special services director, said. “I was a special education teacher at the high school before I took over as the Section 504 coordinator and assistant special education director in January.”
The long term substitute in that position will be leaving May 10, Cote noted.
“If you know of anybody who wants to long term sub, reach out to us,” Cote said.
Director Roger Moulton of Livermore Falls asked what the prerequisites were for a long term substitute.
Superintendent Scott Albert said the individual does not need to be one of the district’s substitutes.
The person needs to be qualified by the state, have a background check, Cote said.
“I find a lot of people are scared to sub at the high school,” Cote noted. “Once they are up there they love it. They are scared of the content, feel it is over their heads.”
It is not the substitute’s responsibility to know all subject content, students can be sent to get help from the teacher, she added.
In other business, student representative Avery Ryder spoke of a Red Cross blood drive scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Spruce Mountain High School. The drive is being sponsored by Jobs for Maine Graduates [JMG] and appointments are needed, she noted. Those wishing to donate should contact advisor Zach Keene at 207-897-4336 or zkeene@rsu73.com to arrange a time, she noted.
“Any student 16 or older or member of the community can donate blood,” Ryder added.
Resignations were accepted for Jayne Costa, a high school English teacher at the end of the school year, and Jane DiPompo, a primary school physical education and health teacher effective Dec. 31.
“I am very sad to see Mrs. DiPompo leaving,” Andrew Sylvester, a director from Livermore stated. “I have known her for the better part of the last 15 years. She helped us coach the junior ski team, the high school ski team. She was always there, very enthusiastic. As a parent, a coach, you couldn’t ask for a better supporter and we will miss her.”
Moulton said he had her as a gym teacher. He thanked her and wished her well.
Following a closed door session, directors also unanimously voted to allow student Z to reenter school starting Monday. The student was expelled Dec. 4 “for an indefinite time, until completion of a reentry plan, pursuant to 20-A M.R.S.A. section 1001(9), on the grounds that such an expulsion is necessary for the peace and usefulness of the schools, and to direct the Superintendent to provide the student’s parents written notice of this action and develop a reentry plan for the student as required by law,” according to information provided Dec. 5, by Albert.
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