SuperintendentÕs Report

May 7, 2008

Victoria Burns, Superintendent

 

 

1.              Russell School held its open house on April 30. I was impressed with the numbers of staff, students and parents who were present. Students were engaged in a scavenger hunt and rewarded with popcorn. It is clear that everyone was pleased with the renovated and updated building.

 

I also attended the Grade 5 Dunn School Breakfast. Music was provided by current students of Gray-New Gloucester as well as by former graduate, Chad Porter. Breakfast was served by the 5th grade teachers. It was an exceptional way to begin the day, and many parents and grandparents were present.

 

2.              The front entrance to the high school is nearing completion. Please take the opportunity to visit the new administrative space at the high school. The high school now has an entrance that connects the building and also facilitates safety; administration can now monitor who comes into the building.

 

3.              The Graduation Policy Committee presented its recommendations to the Policy Committee on May 7th.

 

4.              Negotiations with the TeacherÕs Association to develop a new contract began on Saturday, May 3rd. The Personnel Committee is representing the School Board in the negotiation process.

 

5.              My office is preparing the Budget Newsletter that will be mailed to all homes in Gray and New Gloucester at least a week prior to the June 5th Budget Meeting held at the Middle School. At the School Board meeting on May 21, a review of the Budget Meeting Process and the BoardÕs roles will be scheduled. Elaine Morrison, Central Office, is working with the Clerks of Gray and New Gloucester to coordinate the paperwork and meeting agenda for the Budget Meeting on June 5th and the Budget Validation Vote scheduled on June 10th.

 

6.              To date there has been no information from the Commissioner of Education regarding the status of MSAD #15Õs application to develop an Alternative Plan because we do not have a viable partner for consolidation.

 

7.              Resignations: Georgina Grenier, Teacher of the Gifted and Talented (K-5) resigned as of the end of the 07-08 contract year.