It was the first ever State of the Schools address given Oct. 28 to the Edgecomb selectboard. Following last spring's budget negotiations, Michael Maxim, selectboard chairman, and Heather Sinclair, school committee chairman, discussed ways of providing residents more information on school operations and finances. So the concept of an address during the school year was conceived.

Selectmen held their bi-weekly meeting at Edgecomb Eddy School. Selectmen conducted their business and ended the meeting, so school officials could provide an overview of school operations. 

Sinclair was one of the speakers who delivered the address. She said the purpose was for explaining two "big themes." One question Sinclair often hears is, "We don't know what is going on at the school. The second was about discussing the financial condition of the school outside of expenditures.

First-year Principal Laura Mewa explained the day-to-day operation of providing an education to the school's pre-kindergarten to grade six students. "Our mission is providing a rigorous instructional program by developing critical thinkers who will become lifelong learners ...," she said. 

Mewa discussed several educational programs used by teachers. She also advocated for better use of school space and opening it up for more public use. Mewa wants to upgrade the kitchen space which would allow student meals cooked on site. It would also allow for local groups to host a gathering and provide meals. 

She is also working on a proposal for expanded school library use. Her plan would open the school library to the public. "Another community, where I worked, did this.  I'd like to make this a community hub offering exercise classes in the gym and creating a community library," she said.  

Superintendent Bob Kahler updated residents on the proposed Wiscasset/Boothbay Region consolidation discussions known as the "Future of Our Schools." The committee is seeking state funding for an experimental kindergarten through grade 16 school. Kahler also mentioned discussions included a consolidated high school if their application is denied. 

Resident Jack Brennan asked what role, if any, Edgecomb had in the process. "What I hear and read there doesn't seem much about Edgecomb's involvement," he said. Kahler responded there is some Edgecomb involvement and he expects more as the proposal progresses. 

Sinclair spoke last about recent standardized test scores and school financing. She showed state test results for the past five years in literacy, mathematics and science. Each year, grade 3 and 6 students test in literacy and math. Grade 5 tests in science. From 2021 to 2025, literacy scores ranged between 64.6% and 92.6% of students scoring above state average. Math scores ranged from 59% to 89% above state average. In science, scores ranged from 28.6% to 57.1% above state average.

Sinclair also compared per pupil spending to neighboring schools in Wiscasset, Brunswick, Portland, Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor, and Regional School Unit 1 (Bath, Woolwich). Sinclair reported Edgecomb spends $27,185 per student. "This puts us ahead of Wiscasset, Brunswick and Portland and behind the CSD (Community School District) and RSU 1," she said.

In other action, selectmen appointed Karen Bachelder, Janet Blevins, Margaret Hunter, Martha Speed, Paula Swetland, Becky Smith, Amy Thompson, Frances Mague, Alvin Reed and Roseanna Young as ballot clerks for Election Day.

Selectmen authorized spending up to $100 on a Radon air test. Maxim said the board wants to improve air quality in the town hall's basement and office. The board also appointed Jessica Mague as tax collector.

Selectmen meet next at 6 pm. Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the conference room.