School Board Grapples With Title IX Protections and Staffing Shortages at RSU Number 10

The RSU 10 board meeting held on July 21, 2025, addressed several pressing issues affecting the school district, including Title IX protections, staffing shortages, and the overall working conditions for employees.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding Title IX, where concerns were raised about the balance of protections for all students, particularly regarding gender identity. One speaker emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students are respected and protected, arguing that focusing on one group to the exclusion of others is not a viable solution. The speaker urged the board to consider the motivations behind any proposed changes to existing policies, highlighting that current state laws already provide protections against discrimination based on gender identity.

Following this, Jim Hodgkins, the assistant director of buildings, grounds, and transportation, addressed the board regarding staffing challenges within his department. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his role but noted significant operational difficulties due to being eight staff members short. Hodgkins explained that this shortage has forced custodians to take on additional responsibilities, such as driving buses, which detracts from their primary duties of maintaining school facilities. He pointed out that the district's pay scale is the lowest in the area, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff. He urged the board to consider revising the collective bargaining agreement to allow for credit for experience from other districts, which could help improve recruitment efforts.

Hodgkins also highlighted the potential long-term implications of the current staffing situation, warning that continued shortages could compromise the safety and cleanliness of school environments. He called for immediate action from the board to address these staffing issues, emphasizing the need for a supportive work culture to retain existing employees and attract new ones.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the staff within RSU 10, underscoring the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure a safe and effective educational environment for students. The board is expected to consider the discussed issues and explore potential solutions in future meetings.