SAD 41 combining finance, capital improvement committee meetings

MILO — Much of the work done by SAD 41 Board of Directors’ finance and capital improvement committees overlaps, such as looking into budgeting projects at district schools. To help with efficiency, the plan is for the two groups to meet together moving forward prior to the regular monthly meetings of the school board.

“I think both of the reasons for these committees means we should talk together if we could,” Superintendent Darcie Fournier said during the Sept. 4 school board meeting at the Penquis Valley School.

Fournier said legal counsel Drummond and Woodsum recommended having a printed agenda for the finance/capital improvement committee meeting. “It is a public meeting and we have to inform the public,” Fournier said.

She suggested the committee meeting be held at 6 p.m. with the full school board meeting to follow at approximately 6:30 p.m. with adjustments to be made if needed. This schedule is planned for the next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

In other business, Fournier said a human resources manager/executive assistant to the superintendent position has been posted at www.servingschools.com. The start date will be as soon as possible and the position is open until it can be filled.

Per the description AOS 43, SAD 41 partners with the neighboring Howland-based SAD 31 on a central office, is seeking a human resource manager to oversee and administer the daily functions of human resources. This full-time confidential position assists with internal and external human resources related requests and inquiries, administers employee benefits, and serves as the Title IX/affirmative action officer for the district. The position is responsible for employee onboarding and serves as the primary contact for new employees. The position communicates effectively with employees regarding benefits and human resources while ensuring compliance with labor laws, and internal specific policies and procedures. 

The executive assistant provides executive level administrative support for the ongoing operations of the superintendent of schools. The ideal candidate for this position will have a broad knowledge of human resources as well as general administrative responsibilities.

Fournier said applications have come in and early next week interviews will be scheduled. 

She said she is leaning toward not filling the assistant superintendent position.

“We may need to reflect on what we need for personnel,” Fournier said. “We need people who are experienced and have expertise in areas such as HR.”

Board Chair Mary Lynn Kazyaka said the night before she received the resignation of board member Tony Bavelaar, who mentioned the time needed for other commitments in his life as his reason for stepping down.

“So we said thank you for your time here,” Kazyaka said. “Of course Tony was instrumental in getting that playground out there.”

She said Bavelaar and his wife Cheana both contributed a great deal of time toward establishing the Penquis Valley Community Playground and they care deeply about their community.

Bavelaar was one of five Milo representatives to the SAD 41 School Board. He was elected to a 3-year term at the 2023 annual town meeting. The Milo Select Board can choose to appoint a resident to fill Bavelaar’s seat through the next annual town meeting.