RSU 40/MSAD 40 members discuss Miller School staffing, curriculum choices and facility needs

RSU 40/MSAD 40 school committee members and staff discussed Miller School staffing, curriculum priorities and facility needs during a community meeting that featured reports from school staff and questions from committee members.

A staff member opened the conversation by introducing a planned first-grade presentation, saying, "I will just say welcome to Miller School. We will be having a presentation done in first grade with, mister Moten and missus Black." The meeting then moved into a broader discussion of curriculum time and program priorities.

Committee and staff speakers said they intend to focus instructional time on reading and math while also reviewing alternative programming and the appropriate role of technology. A staff member summarized that the committee would "stick with reading, math" while also "looking at the alternative programs, the Rams and Adel Ed, the use of technology to liberate curriculum," adding that screen time could be included within those discussions.

A topic repeatedly raised was arts and related subjects. One committee member asked that art be included alongside music, noting those subjects are "hand in hand." Another committee member said she wants a conversation during the budget process about programming for next year, listing "art, music, foreign language, health, all of it." The same speaker said she plans to consult school principals before advancing detailed budget recommendations.

The meeting included updates on the district's math software rollout. Staff described an iReady math pilot that involved four to five teachers last year and expanded districtwide this year. One staff member said, "Clint came on board and was like, I used iReady. I love iReady," and described the program as being used across classrooms. A separate speaker noted a "certification glitch" related to DMA that could slow some aspects of implementation.

Staffing and hiring were a prominent focus. A staff member reported that the district had been "down 12 at the start of school" in a category discussed at the meeting and said the number was improving: "We had one who started this Monday. We have one starting to lead on Tuesday, and we have a candidate for [a role] in the works." Separately, a speaker said there are currently two EdTech positions open.

Custodial and transportation staffing shortfalls were also discussed. A committee speaker described being "down 50% of our custodians" and called the bus-driver situation "super challenging." The meeting named two custodians, James and Ursula, and a staff member praised their work: "They're really doing double duty. Couldn't be happier with them and and thank grateful for them." The meeting also noted that some bus drivers have assisted with other tasks during runs.

Participants raised a facilities item described in the meeting as "Permethian boards." A speaker said Warren and Prescott "need Permethian boards," that they make about 40 total and cost about $1,500 apiece, and offered an estimate of roughly $60,000 to supply all locations; the same speaker later suggested Prescott would need approximately 44. The speaker characterized the price as lower than expected but said funding would be "a very tight issue." (The transcript uses the term "Permethian boards"; the committee did not provide additional documentation about the item during the recorded discussion.)

The meeting concluded with organizers planning future agenda items, including updates from "Justin," a presentation of math programming (iReady demos), and further discussion of special education and hiring. One staff member said Julia "is usually at our community meetings," and committee members asked that principals be invited for detailed operational input.

Votes or formal outcomes were not recorded in the transcript excerpt for the substantive items above; the meeting did include a motion and second on an administrative scheduling item earlier in the record but no vote tally or final disposition for that motion appears in the provided transcript excerpt.