Questions abounded at the Community School District (CSD) school committee's Oct. 13 meeting. As reported in the Register, the board was concerned that CSD schools lacked heat or hot water for five weeks and questioned how the situation escalated. However, that wasn't the only issue brought forth.  

During public comment, Michelle Bryer of Timber's Tire and Auto asked why Bus #3 was removed from her property without permission, alleging the decision was illegal.  

"Whoever removed the bus did not know if that bus was safe to drive. They did not know if that (bus') work had been done, and they did not know if it was safe to put children on," she said. Additionally, Bryer said multiple bills to the school have gone unpaid.  

In a post-meeting interview, Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler said the bus was removed because it required additional repairs, and the school needed it back on the road as soon as possible. Work was completed by O'Connor Auto Park in Augusta. As for the unpaid bills, the school is confirming what work was done at Timber's and what at O'Connor's to avoid double payment. 

Relaying information she was given from a parent, member Stephanie Hawke had concerns about a 12-year-old student on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who participated in a survey that allegedly went out to BRES students with questions about sexuality and pronouns. 

"Why are kids being asked to fill that out when they should be talking about other things? ... That's not what we're here for," she said. 

Kahler told the Register he is compiling more in-depth information for the board. However, in sum, these were anonymous surveys related to participating in and using grant funds. Students are not required to take the surveys and, if they do, they don't have to answer all the questions. The school also doesn't get individual responses, only a summary.   

During discussion on the Sept. 8 minutes, board member Tom Perkins asked if his prior "yes" vote allowing Kahler to accept donations for the BRES renovations on behalf of the board could be changed, explaining he felt "coerced" into making the decision unanimous. Otherwise, he'd vote "no" on accepting the minutes.  

The CSD is taking donations to meet the about $7 million funding gap caused by the lawsuit delay and rising material/labor costs. If a naming request is attached to the donation, the matter will go to the board for approval. 

While fairly certain the deadline to change a vote had passed, Kahler said he'd double-check. The board tabled the minutes. 

On Election Day, there will be a survey for voters regarding Boothbay Region High School's future, and what options residents want to see explored. The board discussed providing as much additional information as possible, so people can make an informed decision based on cost comparisons and other factors.  

The CSD received $19,760 from the state, since reported data shows that more than 40% of students were found to be economically disadvantaged. Chair Jenn Whitney highlighted this reimbursement as one benefit of families filling out the Economic Status Form sent out in early September.  

BRES recently received a $5,000 grant from Education Boothbay for PreK-first grade curriculum materials to support the new “4ME” curriculum that focuses on theme-based, hands-on, community-based learning. The Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation gave a $150,000 grant to continue developing creative play opportunities for the PreK to second grade playground.  

BRES Principal Shawna Kurr clarified that the McEvoy grant's purpose is to address urgent needs in the lower playground, such as making it Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Meanwhile, the upper playground for older students will be moved and rebuilt due to renovations.  

The board did a second read of several policies: IEPs, Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting, Prevention and Education, Procedure for Reporting Child Abuse, and Use of Physical Restraint. Temperature Standards for Schools was moved back to first read. Policies on public comment at board meetings and automated external defibrillators also went through a first read.