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RSU 73 administrators report enrollment, staffing and program updates ahead of school year
Summary
Superintendent and building principals reported fall‑start details: high school enrollment at 417, middle school projected at 307, ongoing searches for a gifted & talented teacher, new intervention blocks, facility improvements and plans for curricula and assemblies.
School and district administrators at the RSU 73 board meeting provided a run‑through of staffing, enrollment and program preparations for the new year.
Key figures and operational updates: TJ Plourde (Spruce Mountain High School) said the high school’s current enrollment is 417 and noted the school will use a new sports website with live streaming; ninth‑grade orientation is set for Aug. 28 (8:00–11:30 a.m.) and the high‑school open house for Aug. 28 (5:30–6:30 p.m.). "It'll ebb and flow quite a bit these first three weeks," Plourde said of enrollment numbers. He also said the school will operate two lunch periods this year to increase instructional time.
Middle school principal Chris reported the middle school will open with about 307 students (112 in eighth grade, 103 in seventh and 92 in sixth), is still seeking a gifted and talented teacher, has scheduled a Sept. assembly on substance abuse, and requested future approval for a two‑night 7th‑grade trip Oct. 15–17 (no action taken on the trip at this meeting).
Elementary administration (Pat) said classroom positions were filled with experienced hires, the district hired an EdTech for healthy living to support a greenhouse program (accessibility improvements completed), and an intervention block was added so students can receive targeted reading, math or social/emotional support without missing core instruction.
Primary school administrator Darcy described facility changes (staff workroom, reflection rooms for students who need regulation, and dedicated computer‑teaching space) and said the building will introduce iReady for math assessment and a new writing program called Jump Into Writing.
Special education: Sherry reported the district begins the year with 357 students receiving special education services (down 15 from last year) with 15 students placed out of district in private day‑treatment programming; transportation arrangements for an anticipated incoming transfer were noted as in place.
Finance note: Finance chair Robin reported approximately $671,000 of ESSER III grant funds remained but said July/August bills were pending and the district expects to expend remaining ESSER funds by Sept. 30, the grant end date. Robin also said the district receives a regular credit from Camden Solar of roughly $7,000–$8,000 per month and that food service currently shows a surplus of roughly $269,000.
What’s next: Administrators will implement the approved handbooks and monitor substitute availability, enrollment shifts and discipline outcomes as the year begins. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the elementary school, with a building tour planned.
(Reporting based solely on RSU 73 meeting transcript.)
