During this incredibly challenging time, my top priority moving forward is ensuring RSU#14 has a strong infrastructure to support this new hybrid/virtual educational model in as safe and robust manner as possible. Review and refinement of instruction and assessment will be crucial to uphold the District’s educational standards to ensure student success. Communicating in a consistent and timely manner, as we navigate this ever changing environment, is critical. We need to continue to make every effort to provide support to staff/families/students, communicating in a consistent and timely manner, as we navigate this ever changing environment.
Developing a budget for the 2021-2022 school year, with what could possibly be a 7-10% reduction in General Purpose Aid, will require intense scrutiny of current programs and services. We are a labor intensive operation. Over 75% of the budget for RSU#14 is comprised of negotiated salaries and benefits. We will soon begin negotiating contracts with teachers and support staff. While it is important to be competitive with salaries and benefits to ensure we attract and retain highly qualified staff, as a member of the negotiation team, it will be very important to keep in mind the current economic climate.
Raymond’s petition to withdraw from RSU#14 will be determined by the Raymond voters on November 3rd. I do not believe withdrawing from the District is in the best interest of Raymond students. Nor does it appear that a realistic and cost savings budget has been presented to the voters. Should the majority of Raymond citizens vote to withdraw, there will be a tremendous amount of work in the coming year to prepare for this separation.
We have started to develop the next five year strategic plan that will be the blueprint for the priorities and work of the District. As the Board representative for the Strategic Planning Committee, I am extremely interested in helping craft the goals and initiatives for the next five years. This work will include community input which is vital to ensure we embrace the vision, values and priorities of all stakeholders. I hope to continue my involvement on this committee.
Our application and approval for funding for a new state financed Windham Middle School is excellent news. As a longtime member of the Facilities Committee, a tremendous amount of effort has taken place to develop plans for the educational requirements needed for this new building. We are #5 on the State approved list and are moving forward to be prepared for a construction start date.
Our policies, which provide Board governance and school management, are the rules that communicate the district goals, philosophy and operations. As Chair of the Policy Committee, I have worked to make sure the district policies are current as well as present any new or revised policies the committee recommends to the Board for their approval. The Superintendent is the Board’s only employee and it is the expectation that policies are carried out and adhered to under his direction.
I am passionate about advocating for the education and well-being of Windham’s students. My own three children attended and graduated from Windham Schools. With 18 years of experience, I think I bring historical knowledge to the work of the RSU#14 Board yet strive to be open minded to new ideas or change. I believe my ability to see both sides of an issue is a strength and I weigh all of the facts before I make a decision. Toward that end, I work hard to become knowledgeable about the issues the district faces and come prepared to Board meetings. Having opposing views is healthy and not all votes are unanimous, but I respect and honor decisions that I am not in favor of. In my opinion, we currently have a very strong Board whose members work collaboratively and respectfully with each other. As Vice Chair, I have an excellent working relationship with the Superintendent. Weekly leadership meetings afford me the opportunity to help craft the agendas, along with the Chair, and provide the Board with opportunities to weigh in on the issues the district faces. We all welcome public input. Public comment is available at every meeting for items not on the agenda and for every motion we vote on. I believe we are responsive to constituent communication, whether it is via email or phone call, and are attentive to the Superintendent’s updates if an issue arises.
I have been on the following committees that have given me a broad view of the issues important to providing a quality education to the students of the District:
- Strategic Plan Committee
- Superintendent Search Committee
- Policy Committee
- Negotiations Committee
- Facilities Committee
- Consolidation Committee
- Curriculum Committee
It is my sincere honor and privilege to be a member of the RSU#14 School Board. I am dedicated to this important work for a town I hold so dear and would be proud to serve another term.
Respectfully submitted, Kate (Kathryn) Brix