Board advances policy first readings, approves special-education job description and names new vice chair

The Rochester School Board on July 10 advanced several governance items for further consideration, approved an updated special-education coordinator job description, completed multiple staff nominations and hires, and selected a new vice chair and a new TLSS (teaching, learning and student services) chair.

At the governance committee update, Board member Patrick Pappas said the committee recommended first reading of policy EEA (student transportation), GCI (transfer staff) and an updated GBEC (drug-free workplace and drug-free schools) to replace an earlier alcohol-and-drug policy. Pappas summarized the policies and noted the student-transportation item clarifies Salmon Falls School students’ eligibility to ride district buses. Those items were moved for first reading; no final action was taken July 10.

The TLSS committee recommended that the board approve an updated special-education coordinator job description. Board members approved that recommendation on a voice vote (motion by Mr. Pappas; second by Ms. Wigan). The committee also reviewed attendance data, the student code of conduct and spring testing results; committee members said some schools showed gains while others showed declines.

On operations, Director of Operations David Raiklich (reported to the committee) outlined ongoing capital work, including the start of an athletic field complex at Spalding High School and continued closure work at School Street and William Allen schools. A modular building at Chamberlain is scheduled for removal and repair in July, and work orders and meal pricing issues were passed to finance for follow-up.

The board approved multiple personnel actions during the meeting: resignations and nominations were accepted, stipend and position changes approved (including approvals for classroom and administrative hires listed in the meeting packet). Specific motions approved included appointing Jennifer Labicher as Climate Control Specialist for Gonic and approving Caroline Allen as assistant principal at Rochester Middle School; motions passed by voice vote.

The board also filled internal leadership roles. Following a ballot vote to fill the vacant vice-chair position, Member McGowan was elected vice chair by the board. The TLSS committee chair was named as Mr. White.

What happens next: Governance-policy items will return for subsequent readings as required; the operations committee will proceed with planned projects and report progress; staffing approvals take effect as listed in personnel documentation.