A resident asked the Community School District trustees March 7 about seeking more public participation in the elementary school cleanup and new school construction project. Chairman Steve Lorrain agreed more public participation was needed. In his response, Lorrain repeated what he said at a previous meeting. “This is a community problem solved by a community solution.” 

Lorrain said he plans on inviting both select boards to tour the damaged school once abatements are complete and air quality improves. Lorrain also plans on attending selectmen meetings, to seek more input from municipal leaders. Abby Jones of Boothbay is on the CSD superintending committee. She offered to speak during Boothbay Harbor’s March 13 meeting during the public forum. “The public can speak on non-agenda items so I could go and speak about the schools,” she said. “Trish Warren told me she could get us on the agenda if we needed to speak for a longer time.”

In other action, Facilities Director Dave Benner reported maintenance crews made significant progress in the cleanup following the second flooding on Feb. 25. He told trustees carpet and tile removal was progressing. He also reiterated a plan to reopen the seventh and eighth grade wing after April vacation and reopening the kindergarten to grade two wing and cafeteria and kitchen shortly afterwards. “I really feel things are starting to come together and things are starting to move forward,” he said. 

Security Director Kyle Canada updated the committee on non-flood-related maintenance. He reported the high school’s teacher entrance had new doors and crash bars installed along with an ADA (American with Disabilities Act) opener. “We’re waiting on Minuteman Security to return to assess the electrical stuff. The doors aren’t quite working properly.” As for the elementary school,  Canada said several cameras need replacing. “One is due to the flooding, but the others are just worn out. We can’t replace any until the abatements are finished.” 

In the superintendent’s report, Bob Kahler thanked everyone involved in the school cleanup and educational reorganization plan. “It’s hard to believe all we have accomplished in 30 days. I can’t thank everyone or praise everyone enough,” he said. Kahler also relayed a story from another superintendent about school emergencies. “My mentor had a fire, and told me if he had to do it over, the district would’ve hired an individual to deal with insurance representatives. It is so time-consuming dealing with so many adjusters.”

Trustees approved his request, and Kahler said he will seek a few estimates about hiring an experienced individual. The trustees meet next at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 in the high school library.