Edgecomb Eddy School officials encountered a crisis even before classes began. On Aug. 26, first grade teacher Ryan Patrie informed officials he accepted a new job six days prior to the new school year. The first grade is being taught by Patrie and Title I teacher Elaine Walsh until a more long-term solution is found, according to Superintendent Bob Kahler.

On Sept. 8, the Edgecomb School Committee held an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Nearly 45 minutes later, the committee returned and Kahler explained how school officials were managing Patrie's impending departure. Principal Laura Mewa reported the school had sent a letter to parents explaining the current first grade dilemma. 

The Sept. 5 letter was signed by Patrie and Mewa. It read, "I will be departing Sept. 12 as your child's first grade teacher. These past four days have been truly a pleasure getting to know each and every 'firstie' at the Edgecomb school. This decision didn't come lightly as Edgecomb Eddy has held a special place in my heart these past two years," he wrote. "As my children are both entering middle and high school and are active in extra-curriculars, an hour-long commute each way can make it tricky to be present for their pivotal events. I was able to secure a position much closer to home that combines my passion for teaching and learning."

Walsh has 37 years experience  working in education with the last four in Edgecomb. She serves as the school's "interventionist." In the letter, Patrie told parents Walsh would be sending her own lettter.

The school committee's first step is posting for an early elementary school job. Kahler explained this would likely draw a larger pool of candidates than seeking a first grade position. School officials will also assemble a search committee of parents, community members and educators. 

In other action, Mewa reported on her first week as the new school principal. One of her early projects is leading an effort to find a new math curriculum. For nearly nine years, Edgecomb Eddy has used a program called "Every Day Math." The curriculum isn't an ideal fit for the pre-kindergarten through grade six school because the program only extends to grade five. "For the past couple years our sixth grade teachers have been creative in developing a curriculum for their classrooms, but we are looking for a different curriuclum which includes grade six," said Chairman Heather Sinclair. 

In Special Education Director Julie Hansbury's report, she told committee members that Alternative Organizational Structure 98 is fully staffed. Hansbury reported Alex Tallen was hired as an early childhood special ed teacher and Sherrie Holbrook is the new multi-language teacher. 

The committee hired three new educational technicians which began effective Sept. 1. The new hires are Lexie Dalton and Tammy Richards as ed tech IIIs and Keara Richards as an ed tech I. 

The committee entered into a three-year tuition agreement with Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District for grades 7-12 tuition. Kahler reported the tuition rate was set not to exceed one set by the state. For 2024-2025, Maine Department of Education reported a $14,080.88 CSD tuition rate.  

In the past, tuition agreements between Edgecomb and CSD were for five years. "This one is shorter because the CSD trustees were uncertain about the school projects. They thought it would be better for everyone involved for a shorter term," he said. 

Forty-seven Edgecomb students attend Boothbay Region high and elementary schools.

The committee nominated new member John Allen to serve as a voting delegate at the Maine School Management Association Conference on Oct. 23 and 24.

The committee meets next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 in the cafeteria.