Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 is making progress in reassembling its finance department. Superintendent Bob Kahler told Southport School Committee members Nov. 20 the central office has advertised for a director of finance and a payroll and finance assistant. “We’ve already had a few inquiries, and I’m hoping we assemble a good pool of candidates. I will keep you posted,” he said.

The next step is forming an interview committee. Kahler is hoping to assemble a well-rounded group of administrators and school committee members. Chairman Adam Harkins recommended the best committee would include the most experienced personnel. For school committee members, he proposed either Kathy Tibbetts or himself. For administrators, he recommended Principal Lisa Clarke, the AOS’s longest serving administrator and who has worked in two schools.

“It’s a little bit like choosing a wine. The best one is likely to cost a bit more because it's been on the shelf longer. I think it’s important to have a hiring committee with plenty of institutional knowledge,” he said.

Kahler agreed a committee “with a little dust on the bottle” would be preferrable in making such an important decision. The current finance team Royer, formerly Berry, Talbot, and Royer, is responsible for backend business work including payroll, accounts payable and state financial reporting. Royer’s contract ends Jan. 31. Kahler told committee members this was enough time to prepare for a smooth transition regarding the current-year financial work. 

In other action, Clarke reported the Southport Community Project Committee is working toward purchasing a portable community ice rink. Clarke is a member of the committee which formed to build a community playground at the school. At a recent fundraiser, the committee raised more funds than it needed to purchase ice skates and helmets for students to skate at the local pond. The committee is now considering using the surplus in fundraising to purchase a portable rink. “We’ve met with people who are excited about the possibilities. We will continue with the project, and report back with more details,” she said.

In her principal’s report, she told committee members Nov. 9 was PD (professional development) Day in which the staff spent time focusing on the curriculum. One of the day’s topics focused on literacy. The current program “Journeys” is being discontinued after the school year. “We are looking into another curriculum by the same publisher, Houghton Mifflin. Funds to support this will be in the 2024-25 school budget,” she said.

The staff also discussed a new math program called “Illustrative Mathematics,” introduced this year at no cost. “We see many benefits to this curriculum and are going to focus more time and energy on it this year in more classrooms,” she said. 

Nov. 3 was “Rock Your School Day.” The staff surprised students with a day filled with fun activities of science experiments, physical challenges, Candy Land games and puzzles. Music teacher Jennifer McIvor led an activity where students posed as rock stars, then their pictures were pixelated using an app. The pictures were printed, framed and now hang on the bulletin board leading to the lunchroom. 

Clarke also reported Dec. 1 marked the first trimester’s end. Staff is preparing to send out report cards and schedule parent-teacher conferences. 

Harkins updated the committee on the purchasing of a new gas-powered school bus. The committee received two bids for a bus with a maximum passenger capacity of 70.  O’Connor’s of Augusta submitted the lowest bid, at $131,750. “I spoke to the selectmen, and they gave me their blessing,” Harkins said. He expects the bus delivered in June. 

The committee meets next at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at Southport Central School.