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Millinocket School Board approves payroll warrants, hires and two early-release staff days; reviews MSBA policy updates
Summary
The Millinocket School Board approved payroll and accounts-payable warrants, confirmed several hires including a junior-class student representative, authorized two early-release professional development days and discussed MSBA policy revisions on safety, equity and special education funding.
The Millinocket School Board met in a regularly scheduled session and approved a set of payroll and accounts-payable warrants, confirmed personnel moves, set two early-release days for staff professional development and reviewed a package of Maine School Boards Association (MSBA) policy revisions.
The board directed the superintendent to authorize a series of payroll warrants and accounts-payable warrants read into the record by the clerk and business manager, including examples recorded in the meeting such as payroll warrants (PR 25-7 $13,314.51; PR 25-8 $135,200) and an accounts-payable warrant (AP 25-11 $174,200). The motions were seconded and approved by voice vote.
On personnel, the board recorded several hires and appointments. Jesse Morrison was named freshman class advisor for a one-year term; Heather Gerson was appointed sixth-grade math team coach at a step‑one rate ($3,900); and Patty Roy was hired as an educational technician I in pre‑K effective Oct. 15 at step three ($16.38 per hour). The board also accepted Madison as the junior-class student representative.
The trustees approved two early-release days for staff professional development on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, and Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Administration explained the district had left some early-release days off the calendar to keep dates flexible so the district can schedule professional trainers and align with Region 3 and Department of Education requirements; board members noted the change remains consistent with regional scheduling.
The board approved allowing the Scholastic Book Fair to open Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, 2–4 p.m., as an addition to family night to accommodate parents who cannot attend evening events.
In a prolonged policy review, administration summarized an MSBA package of updates intended to modernize and consolidate district policy language. Notable topics included updated school-safety language emphasizing ongoing risk assessments and social-emotional supports; replacement of ‘bilingual education’ language with a broader ‘multilingual learners’ policy; and replacing the phrase ‘equal but not identical’ with language focused on equitable educational opportunities. The board also noted a proposed MSBA resolution on the use of artificial intelligence in schools, which would require AI use to adhere to existing academic-integrity policies, and a funding resolution urging the state to maintain 55% funding of EPS adjusted for inflation.
Safety and emergency planning featured prominently in several reports. Administration said the district is finalizing an emergency management plan and has continued regular fire, lockdown and evacuation drills. Plans are underway to practice off-campus evacuations (walking students to nearby parks and sites) with public notification to minimize community concern. Facilities updates include arrival of parts for an intercom system, new folding chairs and cafeteria tables, and ongoing installation work in science labs.
Business and operations staff reported financial monitoring items: an FY25 EPS rate (15.96%) and work on the FY24 audit; closure of the last round of ESSER expenditures with projects completed; and continued attention to substitute staffing shortages across custodial, office and instructional roles. Food services reported September meal counts (about 5,833 breakfasts and 5,872 lunches) and rollout of new nutrition software and a digital menu, with app integration planned.
The board distributed a working five‑year strategic plan for trustee review and invited edits; the plan was described as a draft, living document designed to guide priorities in staffing, safety, facilities and programs. The board set upcoming meeting dates and adjourned after routine business.
Next steps: the board will continue review of the MSBA policy package and the strategic plan; administration will carry out the announced staff-development days and scheduled facilities work; and the emergency-management plan will be finalized and shared with the public.
