MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING, March 25, 2021
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held virtually and in person at Noble High School on March 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm, with all members present except Ms. Hopper and Ms. Manly and Ms. Schaeffer.
Workshop: 2021-22 Budget Review and Questions
Mr. Doiron, vice chair, shared the public input statement.
The Assistant Superintendent read the public input that had been posted on the public input form.
The board then discussed with the high school the three plans for increased time for the high school students.
Option #1 - Add (1) one in-person day for grade 9 on Wednesdays.
OutcomesTrade-Offs
One more in-person day for grade 9
Shorter implementation timeline
Minimal impact on lunch procedures
Minimal impact on transportation
Likely substitute teacher shortages and classroom coverage/supervision issues
No longer able to provide extra in-person academic support to grades 8, 9 & 10 on Wednesdays
Increased risk of shut down due to quarantining staff and students
Challenges providing IEP services as Wednesday is a day when many students receive services remotely from their case manager
Disruption to family schedules including issues with child care and transportation
Disruption to EXCEL theater and art schedule for grade 9 students
Option #2 - Add additional synchronous remote learning experiences for core* classes for students in grades (9)-12.
OutcomesTrade-Offs
Increases the amount of student/teacher synchronous remote “face-time” for students in grades (9)-12
All students in grades (9) -12 would receive synchronous learning experiences on an additional school day
All students attend synchronous core* classes (30 minutes each) during Block 1, and/or Block 2, and/or Block 3, and/or Block 4.
Scheduling changes may be challenging for students and families (schedule changes for all students in grades 9-12)
Potential disruption to family schedules including issues with child care
Potential schedule conflicts in providing extra in-person academic support to at-risk students
Disruption to EXCEL theater and art schedule for grade 9 students; art EXCEL for grades 10-12
Potential need for rescheduling IEP services
*core = non-elective courses in science, social studies, English, math (all courses); also includes AP Courses, Senior Project, SpEd Intervention
OutcomesTrade-Offs
After conversations around the options, Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to accept Option 3 going forward. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The board then discussed with the high school administration the plans for senior events for the end of the year. It was determined that many of the senior events were in the process of being finalized and that there would be a letter out to seniors in the near future to apprise them of what was to come.
Mr. Doiron asked about cases of Covid in the district in terms of numbers for staff vs. number of students who have been positively diagnosed. UP TO DATE as of today (March 25): 33 staff and 64 students.
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded to go into Executive Session: 1 MRSA§405(6)(A) Employment of Officials/Appointees/ Employees. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. In at 9:02. Out at 9:27 pm
Ms. Potter made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to Adjourn. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:28 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audra Beauvais