The Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District school committee convened Sept. 8 for the first in-person meeting members and administrators said they considered “normal” in a year and a half. Except for Chair Stephanie Hawke who had to attend remotely, all members and nearly all administrators were there.

Kudos went out to all staff who made the first day of school possible, most notably custodial and maintenance who worked tirelessly to prepare the buildings and grounds and help teachers get their classrooms ready. Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler also had his first school day as a superintendent in a new district.

“This being my first year in the district (I was) just going around to the different buildings … Frankly, I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself not having a building, but everyone was top notch, well prepared and it was a relaxed but excited feeling and that was throughout the whole AOS.”

Boothbay Region High School Principal Tricia Campbell said freshmen were excited to start orientation and upperclassmen were good about coming in to guide their new peers. Since BRHS students were split up into cohorts all last year, the school never had all its students in the building at once. It was a strange feeling, Campbell said. “So to have all of our kids in the building at once was really, really exciting.”

Boothbay Region Elementary School Principal Shawna Kurr said drop-offs in the morning will need some work, but opening the doors to mark the beginning of the first day was a relief.

“The BRES crew (was) nothing but magic to be able to open a building to welcome well over 300 kids. The day before, you're not sure everything's going to be ready and teachers are worried about that last strip of bulletin board, but it happens, the kids come, and it's a magical thing.”

“Thank you for all your hard work to get the schools open,” said Vice Chair Peggy Splaine.

Members talked briefly about the Building Exploratory Committee and how subcommittees will need to be created as soon as possible. Member Ruth Macy said architectural firm Lavallee Brensinger is pushing for community outreach to start as soon as possible. So far, subcommittees on curriculum, fields and grounds and communication have been mentioned.

Hawke announced she was stepping down from the building exploratory committee. Splaine said she would be willing to fill Hawke's spot, but anyone else on the board who is interested can speak up before the next BEC meeting Sept. 29.

The committee was briefed on two resignations, educational technician Smith Climo and Spanish teacher Nora Segovia Reed, and four new hires: Heidi Stevens, food service director; Laurie Brewer, food service manager; Angelica Murray, also in food service; and Madeleine McLellan, educational technician III.