RSU 25 board accepts retirements, approves nominations, student trips and adopts 2025–26 calendar

The RSU 25 school board handled multiple routine governance and personnel matters at its January meeting, approving retirements and resignations, confirming new hires and volunteers, electing officers and adopting the 2025–26 calendar.

Personnel actions: the board accepted a slate of retirements effective at the end of the school year (Marie Stubs; Roger Lenor; Kathy Bartley; Lester Cowen; Arthur Morrison; Tracy McAlear) and accepted resignations including George Watkins (JB baseball) and John Gagan (assistant outdoor track coach). A motion to accept the resignations and retirements passed unanimously with one absence.

Nominations and elections: the board approved new appointments and volunteers, including Aiyah Hartman (special education at the tech center), Michael Savage (BHS JV softball coach), Christine Schilz (robotics volunteer) and Arrina Patterson (robotics volunteer). The board also held its annual election of officers for the coming year: Mr. Foster was nominated for chair and was elected; Dave Burgess was nominated and voted vice chair (the record shows Burgess voted for but did not verbally accept on the record).

Student trips and activities: the board approved the senior class trip to Six Flags on May 23 (departure 6:00 a.m.; return mid‑afternoon) and a senior barbecue on May 30; meeting discussion noted 47 students indicated interest out of a class of 91 and that fundraising will cover student costs so inability to pay is not expected to bar participation. The board also approved an Outing Club overnight hiking excursion (tentatively Feb. 25–27) with 10 students and two chaperones; students will pay a $50 fee to cover lodging and meals and further costs will be supported by Aspire funds and fundraising.

Calendar: after discussion with the curriculum committee and teachers’ representatives, the board adopted the 2025–26 calendar. The district will start K–9 on Aug. 26 with staggered high‑school start days, keep parent‑teacher conferences before Thanksgiving, allow for four storm days, and set graduation for June 5. Board members said the schedule balances instructional days, professional time for staff and statutory constraints tied to the technical center schedule.

What’s next: the board noted several items will return during budget season (staffing and special‑education costs among them) and encouraged continuing planning to address the upcoming year’s operational needs.