The RSU 78 Board of Education met on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School.
The meeting opened with a presentation from middle school Social Studies teacher Kelsey Orestis. Ms. Orestis shared that eighth grader Silvi Emami-Griefendorf won the Junior Scholastic “Where’s Mapman?” competition. Silvi has previously placed in the top 25 in her 6th and 7th grade years. This year, she placed first out of 1500 submissions nationwide. Junior Scholastic has invited Silvi for an online interview with the editors of the publication. Middle school celebrated Silvi’s achievement with a party that served traditional Portuguese foods (the subject of this year’s Mapman challenge). Congratulations, Silvi!
Board Chair Dr. Mary Richards shared that last week was teacher appreciation week. Vice-chair and Classic Provisions owner Joanna Farrar generously provided goodies for staff to thank them for their hard work. It was a gesture much appreciated by RLRS staff. Dr. Richards also noted that US News & World Report shared that RLRS is the 4th best High School in Maine. Way to go, RLRS!
Superintendent Georgia Campbell reported that she has attended numerous meetings in the past month, including the Regional Educational Collaborative of Northern Franklin County, the Western Maine Education Collaborative, and the Drummond and Woodsum Annual Seminar. All of which provided multiple opportunities for collaboration and learning. Mrs. Campbell also shared that our Local Entitlement Grant for Special Education has been approved. We have been awarded $58,658.57, up $3,692.97 over last year. She also shared that the Board of Directors has asked to have an audit done on the special education department. There is a highly recommended consulting firm that will be starting the process in June. One final announcement was that on May 16 RLRS will welcome multi-award winning Maine author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen. Mr. Van Dusen will meet with students and sign books. Lastly, this is Angie Woodward’s last meeting with the board. Mrs. Campbell shared that it has been a pleasure having her serve. Angie has been accepted into her top school choice for the fall and we wish her all the best.
Principal Seth Laliberte shared that state testing is mostly complete, despite a lot of stress around the technology around testing. Most everything is now digital, with the exception of AP Seminar. Even the SATs and AP US History have gone digital for the first time. Middle school baseball and softball games have begun. At the time of this reporting, the boys are currently undefeated. Game schedule is available on the school’s website. On May 30th, RLRS students will all participate in a series of planetarium presentations by Northern Stars Planetarium and the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. Finally, Mr. Laliberte noted that the new greenhouse is coming along with a lot of support from community volunteers.
Student representatives Angie Woodward (class of 2024) and Nichole Lemay (class of 2025) reported that 9 students participated in AP finals (Art, US History, Seminar), the senior class trip to Boston is coming up, along with the chorus trip to Six Flags for the Music in the Park competition, Foster Tech recognition is June 3, and June 8 is graduation. Student reps also note that prom is June 1, the National Honor Society induction ceremony was last week, and a number of students attended a college fair at the Civic Center in Augusta.
Committee reports included updates from Policy Committee – no changes for this meeting; Finance Committee – special education audit is set to begin in June, budget is done and ready for budget hearing. Committee Chair Chis Farmer notes that RLRS is in great shape in regards to the 24/25 budget; Facilities Committee – getting quotes for new oven, dishwasher, and milk cooler for the cafeteria, Koob’s was able to take most of the fuel from the old fuel tank, new fuel tank replacement begins soon, summer projects include softball field and bathroom grout, COPS grant updates include adding additional security cameras; Negotiations Committee – nothing to report.
There was one resignation: Reed Stevens has resigned from his position as fifth grade teacher. Mr. Stevens has accepted a new position with the Stratton school district. We wish him all the best!
Two new nominations were made: Middle School English teacher Kelly Price. Ms. Price comes to us from Connecticut and has ties to Rangeley. She’s a veteran teacher and we are excited to welcome her to RLRS. The nomination passed unanimously. Lastly, Interim Middle School Social Studies teacher Beth Carroll was nominated. Ms. Carroll has been working at RLRS for two years in Special Education. She is excited for the new challenge of being a classroom teacher. The nomination passed unanimously.
Other personnel information is that High School English teacher William (Pete) St. John moves from a probationary to continuing contract. Mr. Laliberte shared that Pete has filled an important role in the high school team and we are seeing an improvement in many skill areas for students with Pete’s guidance.
There was one action item: a motion to amend the 24/25 school calendar to move graduation from June 14 to June 7, 2025. The motion passes unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10PM.
The next meeting is Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 5:30PM at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School in the multipurpose room.
Please remember to vote on June 11, 2024.
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