The Community School District School Committee (CSD) Nov. 4 eyed upcoming work. The committee discussed FY 27 budgeting and a joint meeting with the Board of Trustees over potential CSD charter changes. 

The board reviewed a draft timeline for the FY 27 budget process, which proposed starting Nov. 27 with the creation of a CSD budget subcommittee. It would end June 9 with a budget validation referendum. The subcommittee would include members of the school committee, trustees, and district administrators. It would help guide the early stages of the process and detailed work with school administrators before bringing the budget to the full CSD boards in a joint meeting. A similar approach was used last year. However, this year's plan is for the trustees to vote on their portion of the budget before the school committee votes on the entirety. 

Both boards also plan a joint meeting Nov. 13 to discuss potential changes to the CSD charter. The move is part of an ongoing process after 2023 charter revisions removed much of the board’s authority, according to the trustees. Alternative Organizational Structure 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler presented draft charter changes made as part of work with the trustees. The language included wording that would grant or restore their authority.    

“I hope everyone is in the spirit of ‘let's get this settled,’” Kahler said.   

A placeholder bill has been submitted to the state legislature with draft language. However, the boards said they hope to agree on finalized language. If approved by both boards, changes would be sent to the Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor selectboards for their endorsement.  

In other business, Kahler reported that the 2024 financial audit has been received and is available. It will be discussed at the next school committee meeting.   

Kahler also reported the district filed an application with the state for a consolidated grades 9-16 pilot project, which would include career and technical training and integration with higher education. Both boards were supportive of the application. The district is awaiting feedback on its application before the board decides whether to continue the process. The second phase of the application is due in October 2026.   

In addition, the board reviewed policies around member authority and responsibilities, their code of ethics, and use of email and social media. Each member also has to commit that they are not using personal emails for board topics, according to Chair Jenn Whitney.