Portland school board to schedule hearing under Title 20‑A §13202 after executive session

The Portland Board of Public Education on Jan. 7 voted unanimously to schedule a hearing under section 13202 of Title 20‑A of the Maine Revised Statutes to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to dismiss an employee.

The action followed two executive sessions. "I have a motion on the floor to enter executive session pursuant to 1 MRS. 4056 e for consultation with legal counsel concerning legal rights and duties of the Portland School Department," Chair Lentz said before the board voted to enter executive session. The board later entered a second executive session "pursuant to 1 MRS 4056 a for consideration of a personnel matter," Lentz said.

After the executive sessions, Chair Lentz moved the motion to set a hearing date under Title 20‑A §13202; Board Member Bridal seconded. Doctor Warren conducted a roll call; those present voted in the affirmative. "So the votes are unanimous with those here in person," Warren announced. The board said it will be in touch about the date for the hearing.

The board noted there is no public comment on personnel matters, and the motion was presented as a formal next step following the closed deliberations. No further details about the employee, grounds under consideration, or the hearing date were provided during the public meeting.

The board did not identify a target hearing date at the meeting. Members said they will notify the board and public when the date is set.

Ending: The action establishes a formal process under state law; the board will provide further scheduling and procedural details when available.