Addressing the Wiscasset school committee Nov. 9, school nurse Marilyn Sprague expressed concern over a high number of student absences – having had a high for the school year that day of 63 students out. Sprague explained the schools are dealing with other illnesses in addition to COVID this year including hand, foot and mouth disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and an illness with a cough that may or may not be RSV. Sprague said due to a shortage of tests, people are now only being tested for RSV if hospitalized.

Elementary School Principal Kathleen Pastore spoke about the school-wide goal to decrease chronic absence. She explained there is a school-wide goal of 95% attendance for each person – students and staff. In her report to the committee, she stated, “Students with outstanding attendance will be highlighted monthly and individual classrooms will be recognized for having 100% attendance weekly.” During the meeting, she said research shows less than 95% attendance impacts learning. “They cannot learn if they’re not in their seats.”

Both the elementary and middle high school had incidents last week, according to the meeting: a “shelter in place” at WES and a lockdown at WMHS; WES went into the shelter in place after a high school employee reported seeing an unknown person carrying a large bag over their shoulder as they walked on Federal Street. School Resource Officer Jonathan Barnes and Wiscasset Police Chief Larry Hesseltine immediately tracked down the person to determine the bag contained laundry; Pastore felt the shelter in place went well, the local police responded quickly and “things were back to normal in 15-20 minutes.”

The WMHS lockdown was due to an incident between students that according to officials caused safety concerns for students and staff. Barnes responded and the situation was quickly resolved allowing the students to go on with their day. Superintendent of Schools Robert “Bob” England Jr. happened to be in the building observing a lesson during the time of the lockdown. He commended the students and the staff on the efficiency of the lockdown and stated in his report, “I could not hear a noise anywhere. Students took the situation very seriously.”

England expressed concern over the significant change in energy costs this year. He explained that even though only 25% of the student school year has gone by, 75% of the diesel fuel money budgeted for transportation has been used. “There is a contingency for a reserve fund that was put in during the passing of last year’s budget that will help bridge the gap.”

The committee approved the resignation of social worker Margaret Ligotti. Also approved were the hires of Keara Hunter as an educational technician III; Russell Marr and Xantha Morse, middle school boys and girls basketball coaches; and Bryan James, varsity boys assistant coach. Amina Hanna from Midcoast Pediatrics was approved as school physician.