Futures Task Force Meeting Summary

Meeting Date: July 18, 2023

New Items:

• Reviewed predicted obstacles and solutions.  A plan and communication are key, as member Bob Klar said, “10% concept and 90% communication”. Members noted which solutions we could celebrate (and keep doing), which ones needed our attention next and which ones would require future attention. For example, we are meeting our goals of electronic communication but a next step is breaking down the Capital Improvement (CIP) list by building so we have an understanding of how it will cost to “catch up” on maintenance issues from 2016/17 and include the costs of heating projects at the three elementary schools.
• Reviewed the Tuckman Model of Team Development to recognize that we are in the “Norming Stage” which means we recognize and appreciate each other's strengths and are making progress with our task.
• Functional Capacity Sub-Group shared aerial maps of each property, square footage calculations for each elementary school, and initial draft findings that will be published in a full report later this month. 
• The Public Relations (PR) Plan was launched with members signing up for different tasks such as: creating an informative pamphlet, creating video walking tours of the elementary schools, narrowing the pros and cons into statements with evidence, creating a snail mail flyer, research on adult learners and space needed for Adult Education and enrichment, researching the Revolving Renovation Grant, overseeing our website of information, creating and maintaining a FAQ.
• Link to the website: https://www.rsu16.org/about/futures-task-force

Reminders:

• RSU 16 Issues shared at Staff Brainstorm, Community Forum and Budget Meeting

Teacher shortage - difficulty filling open positions with fully certified teachers, Class sizes are inequitable across the three elementary schools, Transportation/Driver shortage - canceled bus routes, Increase in salaries due to contract negotiations, Aging buildings (including our “newest” 23-year old HS/MS), Title I services and Title I comparability, Rising cost of everything, Needs of our students

Next meeting is July 31

Task Force membership: Todd Sanders, Amy Hediger, Erik Anderson, Shawn Vincent, Jessica Madsen, Kaitlynn Brown, Brandi Comeau, Jenny Rose, Jo St Peter, John Hawley, Jacque Russo, Jennifer Gagnon, D'Arcy Robinson, Steve Robinson, Brittany Hemond, Robert Klar, Terri Arsenault, Tarsha Downing, Randy Lautz, Angela Swenson, Elizabeth Martin, Emily Rinchich, Mary Martin.