Scotland Board of Education approves minutes and financial report; hears updates on special education and programs

The Scotland Board of Education met Sept. 2, 2025, approved the Aug. 5, 2025 meeting minutes and the district financial report, and received updates on special education services, school programming and upcoming community events.

Chair Cassidy Martin called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. The board approved the Aug. 5 minutes on a motion by Board member Lisa LaBelle, seconded by Beth Troeger; the motion carried with Clark Stearns recorded as abstaining. Later in the evening the board unanimously approved the financial report after Finance Coordinator Michele Demicco reported end-of-year status and that 6% of the budget had been spent to date.

Superintendent Valerie Bruneau told the board that mandatory facility inspections are complete and that the district is still awaiting an Afterschool Grant decision. She said staff are organizing a regional Wellness Resource Fair for Oct. 4 with an expected 20–25 tables and that ESY billing will be processed for towns that used Scotland’s program. Bruneau also noted disposal of older records from 2011–2019.

Principal Ann Knowles described enrollment as stable, with an increase in PreK and one returning homeschool family, and outlined a new multiage “lion dens” structure (Mufasa, Sarabi, Simba, Nala) that will group roughly 22 students across four dens with 7–8 adults to foster belonging and monthly spirit activities. Knowles said SBAC assessment results are below desired targets but show growth and that staff will continue to use benchmark tests and professional development to improve instruction.

Special Education Director Dawn Davis reported a successful Extended School Year (ESY) program with about 90–95% daily attendance and positive exit surveys. She told the board that 25.6% of students in the district are identified with special education needs, compared with the state rate of 17.8%, and that individual staff caseloads cover 21 students; regional Special Ed directors are discussing a small collaborative among six interested towns.

Board business included planning a Dec. 3 collaborative BOE Meet & Greet with neighboring districts to discuss ESY collaboration, behavioral room needs at CES, a SERAC grant, and the October resource fair. The board also agreed to keep the current BOE vacancy open for appointment after the November elections. Policy reviews for the 9000s will continue with a vote next month, and the 2000s packet was presented for first review.

Board member Beth Troeger proposed using the town email distribution (about 500 addresses) to share monthly school news; the board agreed to staff a Wellness Fair table to sign up community members. A motion to adjourn at 8:09 p.m., made by Lisa LaBelle and seconded by Clark Stearns, carried unanimously. The minutes were submitted by Recording Clerk Kathleen Scott.