DEER ISLE-STONINGTON CSD

SCHOOL BOARD        

“Creating resourceful, knowledgeable and compassionate citizens of tomorrow.”

SPECIAL MEETING Approved Minutes

Monday, September 14, 2020 - 4:45 PM

Deer Isle-Stonington High School Gymnasium

Board Members Present: Jane Osborne, Tracie Morey, Liz Perez, Darrell Williams, William Shepard

Staff: Chris Elkington Dennis Duquette, Tara McKechnie, Betsy Woodward, Eric Beachy

Guests: Tara Perez, Jackie Carter, Denise Rytky, Leslie Landrigan

1. Call to Order and Declaration of Quorum under emergency legislation 

The Chair called the meeting to order and declared a quorum at 4:55 p.m.

2. Moment of Silence
3. Introductions
4. Approval of the Agenda

Motion by Shepard to approve the agenda.  Second by Perez.  Vote:  5/Y 0/N

5. Review of Policy 2.01P Public Participation at School Board Meetings

The Chair reviewed the policy with the public

6. Citizen’s Comments on non-agenda items

7. Action Item:

a.     Reconsideration of Varsity Soccer Competition Status

Superintendent Elkington sent out a recommendation to reconsider prior to the meeting.  The Superintendent added that last week Ellsworth voted to participate in fall sports, Bucksport will vote tomorrow night and GSA will decide in a couple of weeks.  MDI has not made a decision yet as school has not opened in-person yet for them.  The Superintendent recommends that we only schedule with schools from Hancock County, Washington County and with Searsport High School.

i.  Review of the updated Community Sports Guidelines & MPA changes for competitive soccer.

Superintendent Elkington reviewed the updated guidelines.

ii.  Medical professional thoughts

Medical professionals were invited to the meeting to provide information and answer any medical questions that may arise.  The medical professional guests were Tara Perez and Jackie Carter from Northern Light.  They began by stating that coaches and students need to understand the guidelines are for themselves and everyone around them in their community.  Guidelines are extensive but all are very needed.  Medicine also recognizes that schools and students need normalcy as well for their social well-being.  Never let your guard down.  Jackie Carter says the guidelines are good and thorough.  Coaching staff should review the guidelines and make themselves familiar with all rules and regulations.  Education of COVID 19 needs to happen.  After much discussion Superintendent Elkington says that the MPA has made it mandatory for ADs and Coaches to watch a video on the guidelines and COVID-19.  The Superintendent suggested to AD Woodward and the Principal Duquette that it would be valuable to have a medical professional speak with our teams. He suggested that the school schedule this meeting.  Tara Perez also stated that it is extremely important to take attendance for every game and/or practice.  This includes everyone present not just athletes but officials and spectators as well.

1.     Board questions

Board member Williams asked for clarification on tier testing.  The three tiers were explained and how testing could be expedited.  Board member Shepard asked if there was any data of other schools who may have participated in competitive sports.  There was no data.  Chair Osborne thanked the medical staff.

Superintendent Elkington says it is beneficial for all staff to hear the information the medical staff provided.

2.     Citizen questions

                        iii.  Citizen’s Comments

                                    Denise Rytky was present to represent and advocate for parents and athletes.  Ms

Rytky read a statement to the Board.  The Board thanked Ms. Rytky for her statement.

                        iv.  DISHS Principal and AD thoughts

                                    Principal Duquette and AD Woodward shared their thoughts.

                        v.  Superintendent’s Recommendation

                                    Was shared in his previous memo.

b.     Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405 (6)(E)Consultation w/Attorney

Motion by Morey to enter into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405 (6)(E)Consultation w/Attorney @ 5:52 p.m..  Second by Perez.  Vote: 5/Y 0/N

Back to regular session @ 6:09 p.m.

c.     Motion to Approve Superintendent’s Recommendation on Varsity Soccer Competition:

i. Moved by:  Morey    Seconded by: Perez

ii. Vote: 4/Y 1/N (Shepard)

Board member Morey asked if there was a way to fence the area of where spectators and participants can be.  Board member Shepard says this is a hard decision because students need sports but we have to keep our community in mind as well.

8. Adjournment

Motion by Morey to adjourn at 6:22 p.m.  Second by Williams.  Vote: 5/Y 0/N

Respectfully submitted,

Rhonda Eaton, Secretary