RSU 14 board expels student indefinitely; approves psychologist appointment and $25,000 backpack donation

An unidentified board member moved that the board find a student "deliberately disobedient" and expel the student "effective immediately for an indefinite period of time," and instructed the superintendent to notify the student and parents in writing and prepare written findings of fact and a reentry plan in consultation with the family. The motion text included a reentry-planning provision and a note that the parents and student have the right to request readmission "pursuant to law." The motion was seconded and the chair announced, "Motion carries. Student is expelled."

The board also approved the appointment of Amy Smith as psychologist for Windham High School and Windham Middle School for the 2025–26 school year. The motion to appoint Smith was made and seconded and the chair announced the motion carried.

Separately, the board voted to accept a $25,000 donation to the RSU 14 backpack program from donor Suresh Galley. In discussion, a board member described the donor as affiliated with a foundation that has invested in Portland and elsewhere and said the town economic-development director had connected the donor to the backpack program. Some board members asked for more information about the donor and the source of funds; the superintendent said he had conducted an initial review and did not find concerning issues. Administration explained that board policy requires board acceptance for gifts above $5,000 and that gifts to the backpack program are held in RSU 14 accounts outside the operating budget. The board discussed sending a formal thank-you letter and publicly acknowledging the donor; the motion to accept the gift carried.

The expulsions and the appointment are formal board actions recorded in the meeting minutes; the donation will be held and used by the district's nutrition/backpack program as described by staff.