Southport Lead Teacher Shawn Gallagher has embarked on an important task in his first year in his new position. Gallagher is leading a community effort to create a "Mission-Vision" statement for the kindergarten through grade six school. Gallagher has recruited community members and local educators in an effort to create a statement detailing the school's purpose.

"We are looking at something that guides us toward what direction we want the school to take, and help us with our future decision-making," Gallagher said.

On Nov. 6, the group held its initial meeting. Participants started by searching for an appropriate statement which defined both the school's mission and vision. Discussions included what makes the island community and school unique and special. On Nov. 20, the ad hoc committee began wordsmithing a statement. 

The committee is mostly former educators. Members include Joan Chatterton, who moved to Southport from California. She has a background in early childhood education and her two children both attended Southport Central School. 

Charlie Britton graduated the eighth grade in 1976 at SCS. He formerly served as a private school headmaster and now works as a strategic education analyst. Lisa Clarke is the currrent school administrator. She previously served as the school's principal and lead teacher. 

The team has two teachers. Kim Burnham has taught special education at the school for six years. She also graduated from the Boothbay region school system. Caroline Ivens is the physical education and healthy living teacher. She also works as the healthy living director at Boothbay Region YMCA. 

Maddie Kaler is a parent of two middle-schoolers who attended the school. She also attended the school. Bonita Johnson works at Southport Central Store as a food specialist. 

For the Nov. 20 meeting, Gallagher's hope was to reflect upon progress made at the first meeting and begin writing a first draft. The group discussed a poster designed by art teacher Jennifer McIvor. The poster's caption  asked "What do you love about our community and our school?" The posters were placed at the library and post office requesting residents to respond. 

Also on Nov. 20, the group reviewed various responses and used them in crafting a "Mission-Vision" statement. The group planned to continue its search for an appropriate statement on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The group plans to a present a recommended statement to the school committee in January. "That is an ambitious goal, so I wouldn't be disappointed if we wait until February," Gallagher said.