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Home My WebLink About2020-12-09 School Committee MinutesMINUTES BANGOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING via ZOOM DECEMBER 9,2020 School Committee Members present:Chair Carin Sychterz;Vice Chair Marwa Hassanien; Warren Caruso;John Hiatt;Clare Mundell;Susan Sorg,and Timothy Surrette. A.1 &2.The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.by Chair Sychterz and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. B.Interim Superintendent Harris-Smedberg requested to amend the agenda to add D.I.d.to add the hiring of Maine School Management Association to lead the Bangor School Department in the 2021 Superintendent search. VOTED 6-I by roll call vote to approve the addition of the hiring of Maine School Management Association to lead the Bangor School Department in the 2021 Superintendent search.In favor:Members Caruso,Hassanien,Mundell,Sorg,and Surrette.Against:Member Hiatt. C.Member Surrette read public comment: Morgan Mazzei,128 Maple Street —Expressed her appreciation for five days a week school instruction. D.1.a.Interim Superintendent Harris-Smedberg recommended the approval of re admittance of Student X. VOTED 3-0-1 by roll call vote to allow the re-entry of Student X.In favor: Members Caruso,Sorg,and Sychterz.Abstained:Hiatt.Unable to vote:Members Hassanien,Mundell.Surrette Member Hiatt questioned why discussion was not held in Executive Session.It was explained that the re-entry plan stipulates that if the student met the conditions of the plan,re-entry would be allowed. Member Hiatt questioned why some members were not allowed to vote.It was explained that members who voted on the plan were knowledgeable of the circumstances and members who were not involved in the plan would not be able to vote on something they had no knowledge of. D.1 .b.Interim Superintendent Kathy Harris-Smedberg recommended approval of Bangor High School Winter Sports,Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities. VOTED 4-2-1 by roll call to approve the plan for High School Winter Sports, Co-Curricular Activities,and Extra Curricular Activities.In favor:Members Caruso,Sorg,Surrette.and Sychterz.Against:Hassanien and Hiatt.Abstained: Mundell. Member Hiatt requested a return to the re-entry of Student X to request further clarification of the voting procedures. D.I .c.Interim Superintendent Kathy’Harris-Smedberg recommended approval of middle school winter intramurals. VOTED 4-3 by roll call to approve the plan for Middle School Winter Sports. In favor:Members Caruso,Sorg,Surrette,and Sychterz.Against:Hassanien,Hiatt, and Mundell. Member Mundell questioned if teachers were required to coach or lead a sport or activity at the High School.Interim Superintendent Harris-Smedherg explained they were not. D.1.d.Interim Superintendent Kathy Harris-Smedberg recommended approval of Maine School Management Association to lead the Bangor School Department 2021 Superintendent search. VOTED 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the hiring of Maine School Management Association to lead the Bangor School Department 2021 Superintendent search. Once hired,the school committee will work with Maine School Management Association to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP)to hire a supplemental firm to provide additional consulting services with expertise in inclusive hiring processes. Member Hiatt expressed that he would still like to see a broad RFP and would like the proposal amended.There were no seconds. Chair Sychterz reported that this proposal upholds the law. D.2.a.Interim Superintendent Harris-Smedberg reviewed the Budget Filters in Policy DBA and the FY2022 Budget Timetable. Member Hiatt asked if there would be a reduction in funding due to the drop in enrollment.Interim Superintendent E-Iarris-Smedberg indicated there would be a drop in funding for the upcoming school year.Member Caruso advised School Committee members to prepare for a difficult budget. D.2.b.Interim Superintendent Harris-Smedberg updated the School Committee on Snow Days.There will be at least two snow days should weather conditions warrant calling a Snow Day. Vice Chair Hassanien requested the number be moved to three days.Interim Superintendent Harris-Smedberg explained why she suggested two days.Member Hiatt asked for thither clarification,which was provided by Interim Superintendent Harris-Smedberg. Member Mundell asked if professional development could occur on Snow Days. Interim Superintendent Harris-Srnedberg explained that the contract would not allow for that option. E.l.a.1.VOTED 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the draft Minutes of November 18,2020 Regular School Committee Meeting. E.I .b.I.Interim Superintendent Kathy Harris-Smedberg recommended approval of the June Audited 2020 Financial Report. VOTED 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the report as presented. E.I .c.I.Interim Superintendent Kathy I-larris-Srnedberg recommended approval of the following teacher nomination for the 2020-2021 school year,with one-year probationary contract. Samuel Picard Special Education (Self-Contained)Teacher JFDS VOTED 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the following teacher nomination for the 2020-2021 school year,with a one-year probationary contract. E.I .c.2.Interim Superintendent Kathy I-Iarris-Smedberg recommended approval of the following Extra Duty Assignments: Joseph Pelletier Debate Team Advisor Bangor High School Robert Young Coach Boys JV Basketball Bangor High School Garrett Johnson (2 yr.)Asst.Coach Winter Track Bangor High School VOTED 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the Extra-Duty Assignments: F.1.d.Committee Member Sue Sorg shared the following donations: To the Bangor School Department from Baldacci Law,a cash donation for youth programs,having a total dollar value of $616. To the Abraham Lincoln School from Tim and Lauren Surrette,a cash donation to support students,having a total dollar value ofSlOO. To Fourteenth Street School from the Charleston Church,Winter Coats for students,having a total dollar value of $570. To Downeast School from Pelkey’s Burner Service,12 Thanksgiving Day Meals, having a total dollar value of $475.20. To Downcast School from Jane Boudreau,snacks for students,having a total dollar value of$120. To Downcast School from Dianne Perro,60 sets of hats and mittens,having a total dollar value of $600. To James F.Doughty School from Danielle Thompson Fund,a cash donation, having a total dollar value of $400. To William S.Cohen School from Jonathan Cota and Family/Next Home Experience Bangor,a cash donation to support students,having a total dollar value of$1,000. To William S.Cohen School from Marlene and Frank Susi,a cash donation to support students during the holiday season,having a total dollar value of S250. To the following schools from Mexicali Blues,Face Masks,having a total dollar value of $10,690.00: •Abraham Lincoln School,180 Masks -$1,800 •Downcast School,255 Masks -$2,550 •14th Street School,148 Masks -$1,480 •Fruit Street School,314 Masks -$3,140 •Vine Street School,172 Masks -S 1,720 To the following schools from C &L Aviation,Maine Discovery Museum Exploration Boxes,having a total dollar value of $6,398.40: •Abraham Lincoln School,20 Boxes $799.80 •Downeast School.24 Boxes -$959.76 •14th Street School,12 Boxes -$479.88 - •Fruit Street School,24 Boxes -5959.76 •Vine Street School,20 Boxes -S799.80 •Fairmount School,32 Boxes -$1,279.68 •Mary Snow School,28 Boxes -$1,119.72 VOTED 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the donations.All members expressed great thanks and gratitude. F.1.Discussion was held regarding clarification of before/after school activities. Vice Chair Hassanien explained why she voted against adopting the Winter Sports/Extra/Co-Curricular Plan.Member Mundell agreed with Chair Hassanien. Member Hiatt explained why he voted against the reentry of Student X. F.2 Chair Sychterz shared a committee appointment needed to be moved to January. Clarifying questions were asked and answered. F.3.Member Surrette shared that Dr.Betsy Webb will provide leadership to SPRPCE for the 2020-2021 school year. Vice Chair Hassanien reported the Dec.4,2020 DEl committee was held and Dana Carver-Bialer and Sarah Twombly set a very positive tone.Member Mundell agreed. H.Chair Sychterz reviewed the upcoming dates. I.Member Hiatt and Chair Sychterz provided holiday wishes. J.At 8:09 pm,by roll call vote,VOTED 7-0 to adjourn. Respectfully submitted. Kath Hai-Smedberg,Ph.D. Interim Superintendent of Schools