Superintendent Bob Kahler reported Alternative Organizational Structure 98 is overall “in good financial” position Nov. 7. Then he updated Edgecomb School Committee members about a “budget freeze.” Kahler explained the addition of extra accountants in the business office necessitated the action. “We’re still in good shape, but we will be taking second and third looks at purchases. We’re going to tighten our belt as we approach the remainder of the year,” he said.

In his report, Kahler also sought committee support about upcoming administrator evaluations. He is ready to begin first-year principal Tom Landberg’s evaluation. Kahler sought the board’s preference on whether he should explain the evaluation process at a future meeting. Board Chairman Heather Sinclair recommended the explanation occur next spring.

Kahler, as the local superintendent, is on Bath Regional Career and Technical Center’s board of directors. He reported the board is considering higher tuition rates. “For years, the center hasn’t received enough of a subsidy to match operating costs. So they may ask members to ‘kick in’ by a rate based on their percentage of attending students,” he said.

Kahler is also in discussions to make Boothbay Region High School a Bath CTE satellite center. He has proposed adding two new programs: marine trades and outdoor learning. “This is still in the preliminary stage, and probably two to three years away, but we are discussing making Boothbay a satellite site for a couple programs not offered in Bath,” he said.

Special Education Director Chris Baribeau reported more post-pandemic behavioral problems in AOS 98 schools since students returned to full-time in-person learning. “I don’t see a correlation between the two, but there are more social and emotional behavioral concerns than a couple years ago,” he said. 

Landberg updated committee members on a couple school building projects. He reported a 20-foot by 30-foot building is being constructed for outside cold storage. A paving project is also being considered. Landberg and Facilities Director Dave Benner are discussing a plan which would separate the project into sections. “This would allow us to set a priority list of where to start. We are now waiting for estimates,” Landberg said. There are also reported problems with the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. Landberg is checking to see if both appliances are covered by the school’s contract with Hunnewell. 

The committee voted to table 32 policy updates. Sinclair recommended tabling all updates to give the committee more time to review changes. Last fall, the committee held a workshop and discussed how best to deal with reviewing policy changes. But the committee reached a consensus Monday night to seek more time. “My goal is to ID a packet of policies, and bring them back in December for a first read, and a second read in January,” she said. “This gives us three opportunities to clarify the policies, tweak them and possibly take a deeper dive before voting.”  

The committee also had a special guest. Selectman Mike Smith invited Edgecomb Eddy School to participate in two municipal celebrations. He invited them to participate in the annual Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Decorating contest which began in 2017. Smith envisioned students decorating trees on an upcoming Friday morning with judging occurring later than night. Selectmen also want school participation in the planning of Edgecomb’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2024. Smith explained the celebration would have six events hosted by the town and school and historical committees. 

Selectmen believe both celebrations are important so students could create a special bond with their hometown. “Part of this is to draw people back to the town. This helps to establish roots to the town. We’ve done this by involving students placing flags on the cemetery on Memorial Day,” he said. “We’ve seen young people move away, and come back to raise their families. We want that to continue.” 

The school committee meets next at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 in the cafeteria.