RANGELEY -- The Rangeley Lakes Regional School District, RSU #78, Board of Education held a meeting Aug. 10. The minutes to that meeting were recently released.

Board Chairman Virginia Nuttall stated that since there was not a quorum of members present, the board could not hold an official meeting nor take action on any items on the agenda. The agenda items will be carried over to the next regular meeting. The board, however, did have a discussion of the items on the agenda.

Board members at that meeting included Pamela Ellis, Virginia Nuttall, Carol Hall, Jennifer Farmer and Rick Godaire. Board members who were absent were Laura Haley, Harold Schaetzle, William Roy, Barbara Burgess and Nicholas Gumprecht.

Other individuals present at the meeting included Superintendent Brian Foster, Principal Sherry Connally and Transportation Director Monica Gordon.

Beth Smith, the Rangeley Plantation Education Board Chairman, informed the RSU #78 members that her board of directors was interested in establishing a joint committee to explore joining the RSU. RSU board members present indicated their interest in exploring the idea. The Rangeley Plantation Board will begin the process with the Maine Department of Education. Also, Superintendent Susan Pratt will contact Superintendent Foster to discuss beginning the process.

Chairman Nuttall spoke to the board about the recently formed Alumni Association upcoming meeting. Nuttall also shared a recent postal flyer from the RLRS Playground Project regarding donations and noted that at the school budget meeting this June, $15,000 had been allocated to the project.

The chairman also reported on her findings concerning former RLRS student’s success in furthering their education and employment, noting that many have returned to the area to raise families and pursue a variety of careers.

Superintendent Foster provided a summary of the Board Goals Workshop, reviewed list of board meetings for the coming year, reported that the Juvenile Justice System grant application for the Collaborative Problem Solving will be re-issued as the state only received four applications, and also reported that attorneys are finalizing the deed transfer of property for the RSU.

Principal Connally reported on the purpose and results of the Design Team meeting, and noted that scheduling and professional development activities had been established.

She told the board that Infinite Campus will be going live soon, and that professional development will focus on implementation for staff.

The principal noted that Grandparents Day is Oct. 7, and that a letter to parents is being drafted for the upcoming year.

Nuttall spoke about the structure and function of each of the standing committees, and that each committee was charged with setting a meeting and electing a chairperson.

The Policy Committee will begin with a review of current policies, updating and aligning them with the new RSU structure and planned to meet Aug. 17.

The Facilities Committee will review the Soule report and update the status of the 10-year capital improvement plan and also planned to meet Aug. 17.

Nuttall stated that she would like to set a regular presentation of programs for the board including special education, adult education, technology, mentoring, library automation, etc. The superintendent and principal planned to develop a schedule.

The chairman expressed gratitude to several individuals for projects around the school.

Director of Transportation Gordon presented the transportation program for the coming year. She reviewed the new drivers hired and routes and pick-up points for the towns in the RSU. Because of safety and legal concerns, only buses will be allowed to pickup and drop-off in the circle. All other car traffic will use the parking lot and the main entrance. There will be new signage. Any cars passing buses with their red lights on will be reported to the state police; the fine is $1,300.

Connally distributed the draft Student Handbook and the Code of Conduct. Board members made several suggestions for changes and complimented her on the reduction in the size of the documents.

V. Nuttall summarized the recent Board Workshop on goal setting. She said that the meeting was very productive and worthwhile. Suggestions for changing some of the wording were discussed. The chair and principal planned to meet to work on wording of all of the goals for presentation at the next board meeting.