Chebeague Island School Committee appoints Penny Wahlstrom as foreign-language facilitator; pursues federal free lunch participation

The Chebeague Island School Committee on Sept. 6 appointed Penny Wahlstrom as the district’s foreign-language facilitator and discussed steps to enroll the district in the federal free lunch program.

Jeff Putnam, chair of the Chebeague Island School Committee, called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. and reported the district’s new website is on track for late September; committee members said they are gathering photos and testimonials for the site.

Superintendent and Principal Ann Kirkpatrick told the committee she has begun editing the district’s digital handbook before posting it online and that staff and students will meet this week to review safety and dismissal procedures. Kirkpatrick said the oil tank in the furnace room has been filled for colder weather and that the school’s generator will be serviced on Friday. She also noted the committee is considering the web-based Spanish program Muzzy for student use.

Sarah Klein, the lead teacher, said the first day of school “was successful,” and described classroom adjustments she made for the year. Justina Warren outlined after-school offerings: cooperative games every other Wednesday (3–5 p.m.), alternating with Anja Haubs’ 3-D printing and technology sessions; Penny Wahlstrom will oversee Monday after-school movement and games.

On curriculum and policy, the committee agreed that any curriculum changes must return to the committee for approval. Members also said the district is working with the state Department of Education to complete paperwork required to participate in the federal free lunch program; no enrollment timeline was specified.

Courtney Doughty moved to have Penny Wahlstrom serve as the foreign-language facilitator; Nancy Earnest seconded the motion, which passed 5-0-0. The committee also approved the meeting agenda and the Aug. 23 minutes earlier in the session (motions passed 4-0-0 each).

The committee received a correspondence update: an email from Carol White describing the water treatment and the decision not to seek grant funding, and a thank-you to Dr. Dolloff for facilitating a School Committee workshop. The committee noted it will receive a template copy of Policy KE (Resolving Complaints) from MSMA before the next meeting. Two warrants were presented for signature, and the meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.