Chebeague Island School Committee reviews drinking-water remediation, accepts staff changes and introduces new bookkeeper

The Chebeague Island School Committee on July 12 reviewed a remediation letter about the school’s drinking water, accepted a teacher’s resignation and introduced a new bookkeeper, while approving routine business and signing warrants.

The committee reviewed a letter from Carol White to the compliance inspector that outlined a remedy and timeline for the school’s drinking-water issue. Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick said the school will continue to supply a water bubbler and bottled water until tests show the tap water is safe to drink. The committee did not adopt any new policy at the meeting but noted the remediation steps described in the correspondence.

Chair Jeff Putnam called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The committee approved the meeting agenda on a motion from Nancy Earnest, seconded by Courtney Doughty; the vote was recorded as 4-0-0. The committee also approved the minutes of June 21, 2022 on a motion from Elizabeth Doughty, seconded by Nancy Earnest; that vote was also 4-0-0.

The committee acknowledged receipt of a resignation from Christine Englund, who will not teach art next year. Members discussed additional ways to advertise the vacancy beyond Serving Schools, including posting on a local website.

The School Committee introduced Tim Opalenik as the new bookkeeper jointly hired by the town and the school. Committee members reviewed a proposed Boardmanship workshop date and asked Superintendent Kirkpatrick to confirm whether the facilitator was available on Aug. 23, 2022, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Warrants were signed before the committee adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

The meeting included routine summer updates from Superintendent Kirkpatrick and a written note from Lead Teacher Sarah Klien that teachers were meeting to plan for the fall. No public comments were offered.