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RSU 06/MSAD 06 board: district grieving two student deaths, transportation review and volunteer "bus buddies" program discussed
Summary
Superintendent Gleason told the RSU 06 board the district is "still grieving" two recent elementary student deaths and is reviewing transportation policies, equipment and training; temporary "bus buddies" were put in place and the district is asking for volunteer help while investigations continue.
The RSU 06/MSAD 06 Board of Directors opened the meeting with moments of silence for two elementary students who died in separate incidents this month, then heard from Superintendent Gleason on the district's response.
"Our school community is still grieving after the sudden loss of 2 of our elementary students," Gleason said, noting that investigations are ongoing and that the district cannot comment on specific details while those inquiries proceed. He said the district has "been and will continue to review all aspects of our operation related to student transportation from policies to hiring and training" and that it has completed "a full review of the physical condition of all buses and equipment" beyond routine state inspection.
In the immediate aftermath of the December 16 bus accident, the district temporarily implemented a volunteer "bus buddies" program to support students and drivers. Gleason said the program's sustainability is under review because "we haven't had a huge response for volunteers," and invited people interested in helping to contact Iva Davenport in the business office. "There would be training provided," he added, and noted a physical requirement to be able to get up and down bus steps.
Gleason also described broader steps the district is taking to support students, families and staff and encouraged anybody struggling to reach out for help. He framed safety as "the utmost priority" and said the district will use findings from completed investigations to make further improvements where possible.
Board members asked follow-up questions. Director Craig asked whether improving truancy numbers were the result of district interventions; Gleason said he could not be sure but that school efforts to engage families likely contributed.
Gleason concluded by announcing several small grant awards to elementary schools: author-visit grants of $1,000 (Steve/Steep Falls and Georgie Jack) from the Maine Community Foundation and two $750 grants from the Maine Environmental Education Association for outdoor learning (Georgie Jack and Hollis Elementary). He also reminded the community about storm-day procedures and how closure decisions are communicated.
The board dedicated the meeting to the two students and moved into executive session later in the evening to discuss a personnel matter.
