School board approves 2025–26 goals focused on facilities planning and staff retention, with indicators to be set later
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Summary
The RSU 06/MSAD 06 School Board accepted draft goals on Oct. 6 that prioritize facilities planning, community engagement on potential school consolidation, and employee satisfaction and retention. The board approved the goals with an amendment that success indicators will be developed following further work.
The RSU 06/MSAD 06 School Board voted Oct. 6 to accept draft board goals for the 2025–26 school year that emphasize facilities planning and employee satisfaction and retention.
Director Kreutz moved to adopt the goals as presented and amended her motion during debate to make the success indicators a starting point to be refined after further work; Director Mazer seconded the amended motion. The chair announced the motion carried.
Superintendent Gleason told the board the draft goals were compiled from a recent board prioritization exercise and staff work. The facilities goal proposes "roadshow" presentations in each town to share the condition of district facilities, launch at least one community survey to gather input on priorities and possible bond measures, and track attendance and participation to ensure broad representation. The superintendent noted the district’s recent application to the state (submitted to Augusta) for school-construction funding; he told the board Georgie Jack finished fourth on the state list and that the state review team has signaled a preference for consolidation-based solutions.
Gleason said the state’s process typically requires an initial concept and that, if the district advances in the process, it must be prepared to cover up-front permitting and application fees that will be reimbursed later. The superintendent also said Harrim and Associates (the district’s consultant for the state application) was continuing to provide guidance during the pre‑planning stage.
On workforce retention, the draft goal calls for improved communication during contract negotiations, recognition of staff accomplishments, and an annual staff satisfaction survey to track progress. Board members asked for clearer success measures for both goals; several directors cautioned that numeric targets should be set only after the survey instruments and outreach plans are finalized.
Board members discussed consolidation scenarios described in the superintendent’s remarks, including a minimum state expectation that the three Standish elementary buildings (Georgie Jack, Steep Falls and Edna Libby) be considered for consolidation into one building. Superintendent Gleason said concrete work with the state is likely a year away.
The board approved the goals with the amendment that success indicators be refined as the work proceeds. The approval was presented as an initial policy direction; staff were directed to return with more specific survey designs and outreach plans for future board consideration.
