Biddeford panel approves probationary contract renewals, moves meeting and votes to expel a student
May 23, 2024 | Biddeford Public Schools, School Districts, Maine
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The Biddeford School Committee voted unanimously on several personnel and procedural actions Tuesday, approving recommended probationary contract changes, moving the committee’s June meeting, and voting to expel a student following a closed session.
The committee approved a slate of probationary contract actions after Superintendent Jeremy Gray explained state law changes that affect teacher probationary periods, saying, "So by law, as you know, teachers spend 2 years on probation, and you will see 3 year probationary because there was a law change a couple of sessions ago…" The committee then voted to accept the list of recommended renewals and promotions to continuing contract. The agenda contained the list of affected employees; specific names were not read aloud in the public discussion recorded in the minutes.
After the committee returned from executive session, a member moved "to expel a student from school pursuant to 20‑A M.R.S.A. section 1001‑9 on the grounds that the expulsion is necessary for the peace and usefulness of the schools and to direct the superintendent to provide the student and parents written notice of this action and develop a reentry plan for the student as required by law." The motion was seconded, clarified as an indefinite expulsion, and approved unanimously. The committee did not disclose the student’s identity or details of the case in the public record.
The committee also approved a separate motion to move its June 12 meeting to June 11 at 7 p.m.; that motion, too, passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned following those votes.
What happens next: The superintendent was directed to notify the student and family in writing and to develop a reentry plan consistent with statutory requirements. The committee’s next meeting date was updated on the public calendar.
Sources: The actions and motions are recorded in the committee’s public meeting transcript and agenda. The committee cited "20 a MRSA section 1001 9" in the motion; here the reference is presented as 20‑A M.R.S.A. section 1001‑9 consistent with state statute citation formatting.
The committee approved a slate of probationary contract actions after Superintendent Jeremy Gray explained state law changes that affect teacher probationary periods, saying, "So by law, as you know, teachers spend 2 years on probation, and you will see 3 year probationary because there was a law change a couple of sessions ago…" The committee then voted to accept the list of recommended renewals and promotions to continuing contract. The agenda contained the list of affected employees; specific names were not read aloud in the public discussion recorded in the minutes.
After the committee returned from executive session, a member moved "to expel a student from school pursuant to 20‑A M.R.S.A. section 1001‑9 on the grounds that the expulsion is necessary for the peace and usefulness of the schools and to direct the superintendent to provide the student and parents written notice of this action and develop a reentry plan for the student as required by law." The motion was seconded, clarified as an indefinite expulsion, and approved unanimously. The committee did not disclose the student’s identity or details of the case in the public record.
The committee also approved a separate motion to move its June 12 meeting to June 11 at 7 p.m.; that motion, too, passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned following those votes.
What happens next: The superintendent was directed to notify the student and family in writing and to develop a reentry plan consistent with statutory requirements. The committee’s next meeting date was updated on the public calendar.
Sources: The actions and motions are recorded in the committee’s public meeting transcript and agenda. The committee cited "20 a MRSA section 1001 9" in the motion; here the reference is presented as 20‑A M.R.S.A. section 1001‑9 consistent with state statute citation formatting.
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