PARIS — School Administrative District 17 guidance counselors and social workers are seeing an increase in adverse childhood experiences fueled by the pandemic, opioid and substance abuse at home, domestic violence and the economic downturn, the board of directors was told Monday night.
Erin Flynn, K-12 coordinator of counseling and academics, reported on the emotional needs of students and how the district is approaching student social and behavioral programs and supports through the COVID-9 pandemic. She said the focus has been on meeting immediate needs of students affected by related issues like isolation and technology overload.
Support at the high school has been compounded by two key social worker positions going unfilled. One, provided to SAD 17 in collaboration with Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, has been open since last year. A second, through a similar arrangement with Community Concepts, was only recently hired.
In another report to the board, Jodi Truman, food service director, provided statistics showing that participation in school meals during the pandemic has dropped by 40% — more than 71,000 this year. She said she anticipates that subsidies to pay for school meals will decrease as well. Still, she said, from the start of the school year through Feb. 28 cafeteria staff has served 121,748 lunch and 103,382 breakfast meals.
There is a seven-day breakfast and lunch pick-up program every Monday; Truman said more than 3,000 meals are distributed each week. Parents who wish to participate may call call 207-743-8914 ext. 1509 for more information or go online to sign up. Since this program began on Mar. 1 about 350 families have enrolled.
SAD 17 will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to any student in the district from 0-18 under the guidelines of the Unites States Department of Agriculture’s extended Summer Feeding Program.
Board Chairperson Diana Olsen of Otisfield reported the committee charged with finding a superintendent to succeed Rick Colpitts is on target for hiring by June.
Given the timeline to fill the position by June 30, the date Colpitts is retiring, Director Troy Ripley of Paris asked that the committee consider the possibility of hiring an interim superintendent.
The position was posted Monday, the same day a survey was sent districtwide to get people’s input on the search. Responses are due March 26.
In his report, Colpitts updated directors on the changing guidelines as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, making it possible to extend the time that students can spend in school.
All eight elementary schools will continue to be open for full-time in-person learning.
Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Oxford Hills Middle School will continue hybrid learning, but add an additional in-person day each week and alternating between pods starting March 26
The new guidelines for indoor gatherings will increase from 50 people to 50% of space capacity, as long as social distancing and face coverings are observed. By May 24, indoor gatherings will increase to 75% of capacity. Outdoor events will be allowed at 75% of capacity on March 26 and 100% of capacity by May 24.
Colpitts advised the board that holding graduation at Gouin Field may be possible, although social distancing requirements would still be enforced.
He also announced that vaccination clinics for educators started March 12 and will continue weekly. Vaccinations are being administered to staff 60 years and older. When that has been completed, it will be extended to those 50 years and older.
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