Freeport High School Community Advocates for Multilingual Teacher Support and Assistant Principal Retention

In a recent meeting of the RSU 05 Board, the atmosphere was charged with emotion as community members passionately advocated for the retention of key educational staff at Freeport High School and Moore Street School. The discussions highlighted the critical role that multilingual and special education teachers play in supporting students and families, particularly those facing unique challenges.

Rosa Fuma, a multilingual student at Freeport High, took the floor to address the board about the potential removal of a multilingual teacher from the school. With heartfelt conviction, she described the teacher as not just an educator but an advocate and a source of unwavering support for students navigating the complexities of learning English and adapting to a new cultural environment. Rosa recounted her own experience, emphasizing how this teacher had made a significant impact on her life and the lives of her peers, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience among multilingual students.

The meeting also featured voices from the special education community, including Bethany Howard, a special education teacher at Moore Street School. She underscored the necessity of having an assistant principal to support the diverse needs of students in special education programs. Howard detailed how the presence of an assistant principal has transformed the school environment, allowing for better management of behavioral issues and more effective support for both students and staff.

Melissa Gadbois, a literacy specialist, echoed these sentiments, sharing her observations of the positive changes brought about by the assistant principal's role. She highlighted the importance of administrative support in addressing the academic and behavioral needs of students, noting that the school has seen improvements in literacy data since the assistant principal's arrival.

Michelle Bossi, a long-time staff member at Moore Street School, added her perspective, emphasizing the need for stability and consistency in leadership roles. She argued against the idea of sharing an assistant principal, asserting that the direct involvement of an assistant principal with students is crucial for their success.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community is united in its call for the board to reconsider any plans to cut essential staff positions. The voices of students and educators alike painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by multilingual and special education students, underscoring the importance of maintaining a supportive and stable educational environment.

The board's decisions in the coming weeks will not only impact the immediate educational landscape but will also resonate deeply within the community, shaping the future of its students and their families. The heartfelt testimonies from the meeting serve as a reminder of the vital role that dedicated educators play in fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment.