Houlton board tables gifted and talented post

HOULTON – Modifications to the district’s gifted and talented program stalled Monday evening after SAD 29 school board members decided they needed more time to consider teaching options for the program.

Directors were asked to consider hiring an additional part-time teacher for the program, which now is staffed by one full-time teacher. The program provides services to academically gifted pupils.

The additional teacher is necessary because of changes in state law, according to Southside School Principal Jerry Kiesman.

The principal explained that the state now mandates students in each grade be screened, identified and have access to gifted and talented programs during the next school year.

Only kindergarten through sixth-grade pupils in SAD 29 are identified for the program.

Kiesman explained that the state estimates that 3 percent to 5 percent of pupils districtwide are eligible for the services.

“Five percent of our [enrollment] numbers would be 53 potentially identifiable and serviceable students,” he said, noting that 20 pupils are in the program now. “That is our rationale for the half-time position.”

Board members said Monday evening, however, that they felt the program was not offering enough services to pupils who were interested in math, science and social studies.

The majority of pupils in Houlton’s program now mainly receive instruction in English, language arts and visual arts.

“I’m concerned that we haven’t provided kids who are interested in math, science and social studies the same or equivalent opportunities as we have in English, language arts and visual arts,” board member Marcus Russell said.

Board member Kim Thompson agreed, saying that the program was “weighted very heavily towards language arts.”

Other members were hesitant to make changes until they knew exactly how many students would be enrolled in the program during the next school year. Not all students that are identified for gifted and talented programs enroll.

Superintendent Steve Fitzpatrick told the board that he felt that the program expansion would necessitate a part-time teacher, and possibly a full-time teacher.

Noting the anticipated influx of students, Russell questioned on Monday evening if it would be more beneficial to hire a full-time teacher.

Board member Glenn Miller agreed, saying that he would prefer hiring a full-time teacher to assist the additional 30 students that could potentially enter the program.

“We are building the foundation for this program in the lower grades,” he said Monday evening. “The need is not going to get less as these students go to high school.”

“The worst thing that could happen is that you are going to have another teacher who can give the kids a bit more help,” added board member Greg Schools.

Kiesman said during the meeting that the district should know the number of students who will enter the program by July.

Before the discussion ended, some members recommended that the additional gifted and talented teacher have a strong math and science background.

The board eventually tabled action on the matter until their April meeting.