Vassalboro school board briefed on full day, in-person classes

Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members held their regular monthly meeting April 13, followed by a meeting with the budget committee to answer questions about their proposed 2021-22 budget.

Vassalboro Community School Principal Megan Allen said the second full day with classes back in person just ended, and went smoothly. The schedule called for one more full day Wednesday, April 14, followed by parent-teacher conferences taking part of the two days before vacation week, April 19 through 23.

Setting up the cafeteria had been a challenge, she said, with tables spaced at marked intervals and individual seats marked at the tables.

Total VCS enrollment is 395 students, Allen said, of whom 62 are learning fully remotely. The fourth grade has the largest proportion of remote learners, 12 out of 42; only one eighth-grader is learning on-line.

After weeks of having students coming to the building in cohorts on alternate days, “It feels really good to be able to say ‘See you tomorrow,'” Allen said.

School nurse MaryAnn Fortin continues monitoring and testing as needed, Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer added.

Pfeiffer and Assistant Principal Greg Hughes reported on two personnel shortages.

Pfeiffer said bus drivers are in short supply. Retired driver Ellie Lessard has again un-retired to help out, he said, but more drivers would be welcome.

And, Hughes said, baseball will not start unless a baseball coach appears. Sixteen boys have signed up and are waiting.

Softball has already started, Hughes said. He expects the VCS team will begin playing against other area schools in May.

In other business April 13, school board members accepted the resignation of math specialist Erica Millett; gave preliminary approval to the 2021-22 school calendar; and continued their ongoing review of school policies.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 18.