| Janet Clemons |
The School Board’s March 5 meeting included a formal appointment of Dr. Chanda Turner as Superintendent, several policy changes, many recognitions and a memorial tribute.
The meeting opened with a remembrance and appreciation of the late Tracey Valente, of New Gloucester. Chair Penny Collins spoke of Valente’s service at Memorial School since 2004 in several roles, most recently as an Ed Tech in the Resource Room, and her dedication to the children of Memorial and to fellow staff. A moment of silence in her honor followed.
Recognitions. As Winter Athletics wrapped up, GNGHS athletes did a great job. A few of the highlights include:
– The Cheer Team completed the season as Class B South Regional Champions and Class B State Runners Up. They also won the Western Maine Conference championship this season.
– The Girls Basketball team finished the season as Class A South Runners-Up.
– GNGHS John Patenaude of the Boys Basketball team and Izzy Morelli of the Girls Basketball team both scored their 1,000th career points this season.
– Freshman Ida Waterman finished 4th overall in the Class B Nordic State Championship.
– Ava Beaudin finished 1st in the giant slalom and 2nd in the slalom at the Western Maine Conference Alpine Ski Championships.
– At the Class B Indoor Track and Field State Championship, Cole Ouellette placed 4th and Samantha Poulin placed 8th in the shot-put.
On February 26th a group of nine students from Dunn School volunteered at the Maine Special Olympics Winter Games, held this year at the Pineland Outdoor Center. Students packed lunches for athletes participating in the Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing competitions.
Hiring of a new Superintendent. The Board approved (nine in favor, one opposed, one absent) awarding Dr. Chanda Turner a 3-year contract as Superintendent of Schools.
Following a national search and interview process that began in December, Dr. Turner was unanimously put forward as the top candidate by both the Superintendent Search Committee and Board Personnel Committee, Chair Penny Collins said. The search committee included 12 members representing local parents, MSAD15 teachers and Board members, and community members.
Collins shared the following at the Board meeting and in a letter that went out to the community on March 7:
“Dr. Turner is an energetic and strategic leader with a focus on academic success and personal growth for all students. Chanda has been in school administration for 13 years, coming to Gray New Gloucester from the Portland School District part time in 2008 for two years and returning full time in 2015.
“Dr. Turner holds a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University; a Masters in Education from New England College; a Bachelor of Science from University of Maine Farmington; and an Associates in Applied Science from Andover College. She has most recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Staff Development for MSAD15 and the Director of Family and Community Engagement for Portland Public Schools.
“Dr. Turner is well respected and active in the Cumberland County Superintendents Association, Maine Curriculum Leaders Association, and the Greater Sebago Education Alliance, among others. Her colleagues describe her as a ‘true servant leader,’ an advocate for children and families, and a collaborative administrator. The MSAD15 Board is appreciative of her leadership during her time as the Interim Superintendent, where she worked to move the district forward throughout this transition without missing a beat.
“In addition to her career here, Chanda is a lifelong resident of the area and lives in Windham with her family. She is a founding member of the Windham High Performing Arts Boosters; a long time troop leader with the Girl Scouts of Maine; and volunteers with the Alagille Syndrome Alliance.”
School Calendars. The Board unanimously agreed to change Friday, May 30, 2025, to an Early Release Day districtwide for the benefit of district family and staff to attend GNGHS graduation. This will allow for everyone to have more time to get to the graduation celebration.
The Board also unanimously approved the 2025-26 School Calendar. The calendar was created with regional superintendents who send students to PATHS, the Portland Arts and Technology High School, to provide consistency for students who attend there.
Donation. The Board voted unanimously to accept a donation of $25,000 from Planson International of New Gloucester. Planson International has generously donated to the District over the years to benefit a variety of projects. This year’s donation is to be used for facilities in whatever way is most needed.
Policies. The Board considered and unanimously approved changes to Policy IKF: Graduation Requirements. Previously, students who finished all of their graduation requirements in January may not have been allowed to return in June to participate in graduation ceremonies. Changes to the policy clarified that students who complete their graduation requirements may now participate in the ceremonies with the rest of the Senior class.
The Board unanimously accepted changes to Policy KHB : Advertising in Schools. Changes were made to clarify the acceptance of advertisements.
The Board unanimously accepted Policy FF Naming of School Facilities. The policy now has a section on revenue enhancement /fundraising which allows the possibility that in the event of a large donation to upgrade sporting fields (the example given), the donor may be granting naming rights.
TITLE IX policies. The board revoked four recently developed policies involving procedures under Title IX. Policy Committee Chair Sam Pfeifle explained that the new policies were developed to comply with DOE guidance from the Biden administration. That guidance was overturned by a recent executive order and court decision, with the effect of restoring previous DOE guidance. The board’s action returns the District to earlier policies that were in place as of 2019.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on gender in educational programs that receive federal funds. It applies to all K-12 schools and colleges and universities that receive federal funding.
As recommended by the Policy Committee, the Board first revoked the District’s newer procedures associated with Title IX:
● ACAA R1 Student Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure
● ACAA R2 Student Sex Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure
● ACAB R1 Employee Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure
● ACAB R2 Employee Sex Discrimination /Harassment Complaint Procedure
The next step recommended by the Policy Committee was for the Board to accept reverting the Title IX policies back to the versions that were in place until they were revised three months ago. This keeps the District in compliance with State and Federal laws. Without discussion, the Board agreed to do so.
● AC Non Discrimination/ Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
● ACAA Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students
● ACAA-R Sturdent Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Compliance Procedures
● ACAB Harassment and Sexual Harassment of School Employees
● ACAB-R Employee Discrimination /Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Compliance Proceedures
Committee Reports. Adam Copp, Chair of the Facilities Committee, reported that the committee has been reviewing recommendations that were made by the ad hoc Transportation Committee last year. Several new employees have been hired at the Transportation Department, and ways to expand hiring are still needed.
Copp also gave a brief update on the Air Quality Management Grant. Mechanical Services has been working on some projects that won’t interrupt the school day. Most of the work will be completed during the summer months. In addition, Copp shared that the committee is looking into creating a five-year plan to complete the larger repairs that would have been addressed if that part of the Bond had passed.
Gary Harriman, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that the District has been assured by the State that all Federal funding (approximately $400,000 from Title I, Title 2A,Title 4, and Title 5) will remain in place at least for this school year.
School Board Chair Report. Board Chair Penny Collins shared that there are four seats on the School Board up for election in June. Each of the two towns will have two open seats. Nomination papers are available at the New Gloucester Town Office, 385 Intervale Road and the Gray Town Office at 24 Main Street in Gray during regular business hours. Papers must have a minimum of 25 registered voter signatures (35 signatures are highly recommended but there should be no more than 100). The deadline for submission of nomination papers is 12:00 pm, Friday, April 11, 2025 at each town office.
Pictures and write-ups about current Board members will be added to the District website soon.
Collins went on to speak about Board interactions since the beginning of the school year. Some things have improved, some challenges remain. In addition there was a suggestion that the Board find a way to bring in additional items to the group for discussions. Overall the Board is looking for ways to move forward more professionally as a group.
Superintendent Report. Sadie Grealish, GNGHS Principal, was covering for Dr. Turner who could not attend this meeting due to illness. Grealish reported that there have been two new hires: Cassandra Daggett has been hired as a Food Service Assistant at Dunn School. Robert Travis has been hired as a Bus Driver for the Transportation Department.
Grealish also reported that Michael Carolin, Teacher at GNG Middle School, has resigned, and she announced two retirements. Cinda-Lee Bragdon, an Ed Tech II at Dunn School, and Lizbeth Holdstein, a Bus Driver for the Transportation Department, are both retiring at the end of this school year.
