June 19, the Community School District (CSD) school committee voted 5-1 to authorize Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler to issue 2026/2027 contracts to CSD administrators and directors, at a salary negotiated in executive session. Tom Perkins opposed.  

 

Stephanie Hawke asked why the salary was not listed on the agenda, as it had been in the past. Kahler said he wasn’t sure, as he wasn’t aware that used to be procedure, but he would add it in the future.  

 

The board then voted 4-2 to approve each contract extension for 2027/2028 separately. Jenn Whitney and Tory Paxson opposed.  

 

The contracts for Boothbay Region Elementary School Assistant Principal Kim Dionne and Boothbay Region High School Principal Tricia Campbell were approved. Perkins abstained and did not give his reasoning when prompted. Director of Adult Education Raye Leonard and Director of Transportation Tracey Brown-Gysi's contracts were approved unanimously. Director of Facilities David Brenner was not included, as his continuing contract was already approved by the CSD trustees.  

 

In other business, the committee shared items that will be included in future agendas, such as updating the policy for public comment at meetings, and the possible switch of the director of transportation contract approvals to the trustees' purview. Perkins said he wanted to see financials, as well as either a final or draft version of the audit.

 

The request for the audit caused some frustration amongst the committee.

 

Whitney said the audit will be public information when it is available, but the school has yet to receive it.  

 

During public comment, Lori Perkins urged the CSD committee to discuss student transfer agreements (superintendent agreements). Under these agreements, the children of non-residential CSD employees can attend CSD schools and are not legally required to pay tuition. Perkins suggested introducing parameters, pointing out that doors have been opened for more non-local employees to bring their children due to recent retirements.