Board ratifies teachers’ contract, approves concussion policy; public urges prompt support-staff deal

At its meeting Tuesday evening the South Portland School Board ratified a multi‑year contract for the South Portland Teachers Association (SPTA) and approved an updated policy on concussion and head‑injury management, while members of the public urged the board to prioritize a separate contract for education-support staff.

The board moved and seconded a motion to ratify the FY2025–28 SPTA contract (motion initiated by a board member identified in the meeting); the board voted in favor with no roll‑call tally reported in the transcript. Board members thanked both sides for collaborative negotiations.

In the next item, the board approved policy JJIF, updating management of concussions and other head injuries. Members said they expected to continue refining the language so it applies beyond athletics to other student activities where head injuries might occur.

Public comment: Several speakers used the audience‑of‑citizens portion to press for support-staff contracts and to thank negotiators for the teachers’ agreement. Abby Anderson, vice president of the South Portland Teachers Association, said the contract’s release brought “relief” to buildings and energizing effects for teachers; she urged the board to extend the same urgency to ed techs, clerks and office managers who are represented by SPESPA. Sarah Gay, a parent and SPTA president, and the SPESPA president also spoke in support of swift action on support‑staff negotiations.

What’s next: The teachers’ contract is now ratified and policy JJIF is approved; public speakers urged the board to continue negotiations with SPESPA to finalize a contract for ed techs, clerks and office managers.