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School board disavows statements made by member

5 mins read

FARMINGTON – The Regional School Unit 9 school board approved a motion Tuesday evening to disavow statements made by one of its board members, as well as affirm that individual directors do not act for the whole board.

The motion was made after the board left executive session Tuesday evening, “expressly disavow[ing] the following acts or statements made by Board Member [Craig] Stickney because the Board finds them to be inaccurate or because they carry with them the potential to expose the District to legal liability.”

Most of the motion referenced the Feb. 6 forum held in Chesterville that Stickney helped organize. At that meeting, at which only Chesterville residents were allowed to speak, Stickney, the Chesterville director, laid out a series of concerns he had with the school district. According to the motion, these claims included that the district was not properly reporting bullying incidents, that $8,000 had been spent by the school board for unknown reasons, that district employees had been unlawfully overpaid by $230,000, and that the district was not staffing the Pathways for All Learners or PALs program.

Board Chair Cherieann Harrison of Wilton addressed those claims in open session at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting. Reading from a statement, Harrison said that the $8,000 figure was actually $3,998, and that those funds related to attorney fees for legal consultation spent last year. The $230,000 was not an overpayment made to personnel, Harrison said, but instead represented funds used for a number of items, including audits of the Mallett School and Special Education department, technical costs relating to the enrollment of 52 new students, increasing substitute pay to meet the new minimum wage, an additional elementary teacher and earned overtime for staff, among other items.

The PALs program was currently staffed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a social worker and a teacher, Harrison said. RSU 9 did have policies against bullying and trained staff to recognize and deal with bullying, Harrison said.

At the Feb. 6 meeting, Stickney said that he intended to ask the Chesterville Board of Selectmen to add an article to the town meeting warrant to begin looking into withdrawing the town from the district. At their regularly-scheduled meeting the next evening, the board voted against adding such an article, by a vote of 4 to 1.

The motion passed by the school board Tuesday said that Stickney’s comments were false. In the specific case of the $230,000 that Stickney said represented an unlawful overpayment to staff, the motion said that the school board was an employer, and therefore it was “inappropriate and a violation of Maine law” for a member to discuss personnel matters in public.

“The February 6 meeting did not serve as a meeting to understand a citizen complaint so that it could be routed to the appropriate administrator,” the motion reads. “Rather, Mr. Stickney created the forum independent of the school board so that he could make disparaging remarks about others and to undermine school programs.”

The motion concluded by saying that board members had to be cognizant of the fact they were an employer and maintain “appropriate decorum.”

“It is never appropriate to tell the Superintendent in a private conversation to “screw you” or to use other inappropriate, unprofessional or disrespectful words or tone of voice when addressing the Superintendent,” the motion said.

Out of executive session, the motion was made by Harrison, seconded by Vice Chair Irv Faunce of Wilton and approved by 13 directors in attendance. No one was opposed to the motion, although Director Jesse Sillanpaa of Industry abstained. Director Ryan Morgan of Farmington was absent Tuesday, while Stickney left the meeting during the executive session, prior to the vote.

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43 Comments

  1. ..Don’t you just love transparency ? ..;you really see what is going on.
    Good reporting BullDog…

  2. Wow our school board is going down the same path our federal govererment is all ready on suggest they get there heads on straight tax dollars wasted.

  3. How about a break down, (proof) of where the 230,000 was paid out for other than this that and other? The taxpayers have a right to know. Sounds to me like an audit would be appropriate. Just sayin.

  4. Our children are our most precious resource. They are our future leaders. As a teacher, I am reminded of a quote; I believe by Roland Barthe, “The nature of the relationship among the adults who inhabit a school has more to do with the success of its students than any other factor”. The many educators, administration and support personnel in this district work tirelessly to provide our students with the best possible education. We are blessed to have a University which works closely with our schools providing a positive impact. Our school board members must focus on making a positive contribution while serving in their capacity with respect for one another.

  5. RSU 9 is unique to a degree in that it is made up of 10 towns. That’s a lot, and unfortunately the size of the towns are not all about the same. Farmington and Wilton are much bigger than the other 8 towns and have multiple members on the board (8 between them) which carries a lot of influence on the other 8 members. This has lead to frustration for some of the small towns. Board members from larger towns often don’t have the same concerns as the small towns who, even if united on a particular issue, can never out vote Wilton and Farmington. It is amazing that the district has lasted as long as it has. Considering all that, the RSU 9 board and superintendent must be particularly diligent in ensuring that all board members feel confident in that everything is completely open to them, that they are provided with all info when they request it, that any issues brought up by them will be addressed, and that they have a voice that counts. How often have we seen a board member express a sincere and heartfelt concern at a meeting only to be ignored as the meeting proceeded on to the next agenda item?

  6. I was at the meeting called by Mr.Stickney where I was told I couldn’t respond or talk at said meeting. I sat there and listen to all points brought out even by one person who pointed at all of us and said “you people”, what you people I’m Ryan Morgan who loves his community,who has tried to do the best he can by voluntering, doing donated work, trying to be there when I can. I’m not perfect I have issues with work, health, and life. I took my lickings that night with a smile and a shake of my head, knowing tommorrow I’d just be Ryan Morgan someone who cares for his community and does the best he can.

  7. Not convinced that knowing ‘The nature of the relationship of the adults inhabiting the school…’ past or present, would be wise or positive at this time and place, but agree that an audit of monies spent from local, state, and federal sources over the last few years might clear things up.Too bad everyone couldn’t get along in making this an open, honest, and truthful school district. As previously inferred, the children are aware and learn from the adults who are supposedly there to help them.

  8. This complaint from “some” in A smaller town of the district is no difference than the State of Maine complaining because it does not have a many Reps at the federal level as NY or California…
    Sorry but it “is” fair.

    What’s not fair is for someone to Subject fair and honest board members from the other towns to your hissy fit.

    Don’t want this but the district will function just fine with less towns if some decide to leave.

  9. Someone please explain how Mr. Stickney was discussing private information when the article states Ms. Harrison stated dates the dollar amounts were discussed publicly. What is the board trying to hide?

  10. Fairness, I totally agree. Some towns have been a drag on RSU9 for as long ago as 1967. We’d manage just fine. And thanks Ryan. It seems you have a lot of class. I am glad we have you.

  11. It seems that more then likely some of the board members were coerced into voting along with the others. Let’s hope more small towns bite the bullet, pay the incurred costs of the district, and vote to get out.

  12. Ok, an audit is what some want: then they will complain about how expensive the school is, and make an accusation that money is spent inappropriately or is not transparent. Perfect circular reasoning! . All schools are audited every year very closely and spending money inappropriately would be extremely difficult. And before you go ahead and plan on pulling out, keep in mind your small town will still be on the hook for their current financial commitments, for construction projects that were bonded, etc, there will be thousands of dollars spent on the process, and then if successful you will have no place to send your students. What school will take them? Then figure out how expensive it will be to have your own school. And make sure you clearly examine how the Special Education funding follows the kid. I believe it will actually cost more to pull out than you will save, and you will still be represented proportionally, which is only fair. Perhaps the townspeople should look at removing their representative and replace him with someone who focuses on the education of their students. It’s clear he is way out of line and I’m sure there must be someone who can do a better job, or at least not use inappropriate language towards someone who has devoted their entire career to her students.

  13. Stickney has lost his effectiveness due to his personal emotions.
    He doesn’t need to back down necessarily,
    But he does need to calm down.
    If he can’t , then he should step aside.

    I understand there are a very few that keep this amped up to this level. But I’m confident that the majority of chesterville folks don’t want this.
    Get someone else to represent you before this guy and his buddies really screw things up for you…

  14. @Move on so taxpayers don’t have right to transparency in where money is being allocated, spent, or possibly misappropriated? It’s not a big deal you don’t use your name, but I’m curious are you on the board and concerned whatever it is you all are trying to hide will be dragged into the light by Mr. Stickney?
    I personally believe an audit will be of no use unless an independent person with zero ties to the people and all concerned communities is brought in to conduct it.

  15. Regarding the discussion about audits….

    Maine law requires that school districts have an annual audit done. The auditor must meet with the school board to discuss the audit, and then the audit is submitted to the Department of Education.

  16. Wow. Spin Doctors much? Are you people (A.J. Smith, Billyjoebob, Bob Millay, Lindy, Alison Haines) reading the same article that I did? It seems pretty clear that he held his own meeting and lied about the facts. It looks like all the board did was to say they dont agree with what he said and they dont want to be liable for it.
    Why are you guys always a bunch of Negative Nancies about the schools all the time? The Bulldog keeps putting pretty awesome articles up about RSU 9. Like the teachers winning national awards or the libraries winning Grant’s. What is your obsession with trying to destroy community support for the schools? You need a better hobby!

  17. Dr. Spin, thank you for your concern with what I do with my time and what my hobbies are.
    Apparently the article wasn’t clear to everyone and some had additional questions.
    I agree the district has done some commendable things but 36 million a year leaves a lot of ” wiggle room ” for the possibility of diversion of funds.
    Do you not read the news yourself? There are ” issues ” with monies all the time at all levels, private and public.
    Doesn’t hurt to ask rather than just keep writing checks blindly.

  18. @Dr. Spin is in the house
    I would love a school board that is transparent, and not hiding things. You claim Mr. Sticking lied about the facts, but Ms. Harrison, who is on the board, admits dates and times the monies were discussed. So is he misrepresenting or is she?
    Not once have I said anything negative about the teachers the library’s, or any other positive story. I have no desire to destroy community support,for the record I do not live in Chesterville, but I do want to know where and how the money is spent. If you are ok blindly following those in front of you, that’s ok, however I will always ask my questions. Don’t like it scroll on. Want to be informed you will be sorely disappointed I still have seen no answer.

  19. Yeah… I’m sticking with what I said beforehand. It seems like your trying to create unneeded drama. You guys talk less about what the article talks about and head straight to your old reliable complaints. Money! Transparency! Isn’t this debated in the comments section every year for EVERY SINGLE RSU 9 ARTICLE? And isn’t it proven every year that RSU 9 has a cheaper per pupil rate than neighboring districts? And as far as transparency goes, have you looked recently at their website? They have everything you would ever need on there. Policies, Calendars, Board Member contacts, Admin contacts, a Transcript Request Form, Power School, a Facebook News Feed where you can see EVERYTHING that goes on at the school on a daily basis, links to all the schools and departments (where there is even more information), all of the Committee Meetings schedules and even videos. Have you looked at other districts like MSAD 58? None of that is there. Also, I’ve heard you can go to the budget meetings. If you’re so worried, maybe you should go. Or, maybe you should volunteer in the schools? You might get a first hand experience of what the schools do. It feels like unless you have someone going to your house every night with a hand delivered report of everything that happened in all the schools that day, you won’t be happy. Have you ever heard of the boy that cried Wolf?

    Also… yeah, I fell into your trap and talked about things that the article didn’t pertain to. You guys are Master Spin Doctors!

  20. @MD – to answer your question, Mr. Stickney’s term is up this year. He was, for the second time, the only candidate to take out nomination papers for this elected seat. It seems not many folks are willing to take on such a daunting, and I imagine often thankless, volunteer position. Whatever opinion Chestervillians may hold of Mr. Stickney and his methods, he is certainly deserving of our gratitude for the service that he alone was willing to provide these last 3 years, and for his willingness to run for another 3 year term. Last Thursday, Ira Hall, a well respected Pastor at Beans Corner Church and a highly qualified former educator, stepped forward to offer himself as a “write in” candidate. Chesterville residents will have a choice this year. The town elections will be held on March 8th.

    @Mr. Morgan – while I obviously can only speak for myself, please accept my sincerest apologies to you, and the other board members in attendance, for the rude behavior you were subjected to at that meeting. You all are also deserving of our respect and gratitude for the service you provide to the larger RSU9 community as a whole.

  21. Wow someone get the Dr some pepper to cut through that saltiness…
    Why are you going way out into left field? I see nothing in this thread pertaining to anything you have alluded to. I am asking, specifically, for clarification on the points made by Mr. Stickney and responded to by Ms. Harrison. I am not a forensic accountant so obviously going to all the resources you have mentioned will not provide a clear answer. Not to mention it states in the article that he is giving out personal information which means it’s not reported publicly.

  22. I really hope the Bulldog gives Mr. Stickney a chance to explain his side of the story. As far as Chesterville wanting to leave the district, I believe that has become blown out of proportion. I was told a few residents approached Mr.Stickney and questioned if that had been looked into for cost comparison. He then asked the selectmen if it could be voted on to FORM a committee to look into it and gather information, not leave the district. Personally as a citizen of Chesterville, I don’t want us to pull out of district but I also don’t believe that my opinion is more important than any other taxpayers and feel they should be allowed to gather information to present to the townspeople to vote on. Mr.Stickney is not a follower and can be straightforward after seeing enough. That being said, he is also one of the most honest individuals I have ever met and tries to do everything by the book. He has spent many, many hours representing the students in this district, even receiving an award from a student (Miss Teen Maine International)for his dedication in bullying prevention. He was a teacher for many years and truly cares. It is too bad this is happening.

  23. @ Kim Lessard; It appears that you must have been at the meeting. Could you please tell why Mr. Morgan couldn’t respond or talk. Or maybe the Bull Dog could answer this question. I think it would help if we knew’

  24. @???????? – I apologize if my comment gave you the mistaken impression that I was present at the forum meeting that Mr. Stickney hosted. I chose not to attend, although I was invited by both Chesterville resident, Scott Grey, and Selectwoman Tiffany Estabrook, each of whom promoted the event on Facebook. Therefore, I cannot attest to the reasons from personal, first hand knowledge but only share what I have read in the various prior newspaper articles covering the event. It has been reported that the forum facilitator, a gentleman from Farmington whose name I unfortunately cannot recall, laid out Mr. Stickney’s rules at the onset…only Chesterville residents would be allowed to pose questions and ONLY Mr. Stickney and Miss Teen Maine Universe, a young lady who is related to Ms. Estabrook, would be allowed to give speeches and answer the questions posed by town residents. I read that the RSU9 board members in attendance were specifically instructed that, as they were neither members of the community nor organizers of the event, they could either sit quietly and listen or leave, but under no circumstances would they be allowed to respond to questions or otherwise address those in attendance.

    I don’t know how you personally define “forum”, but the above mentioned event doesn’t meet with either my personal definition of the word nor with the definition I found when googling it’s meaning: fo·rum /ˈfôrəm /noun 1. a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged. Rather, it seems it would have more aptly been described if they had called it a rally, defined as follows: ral·ly /ˈralē/ verb 1. (of troops) come together again in order to continue fighting after a defeat or dispersion. noun 1. a mass meeting of people making a political protest or showing support for a cause. While I do enjoy the honest exchange of differing views and ideas to be found in an open forum setting, I tend to choose to avoid rally like events designed to propagate a narrower perspective. It was only today, upon reading Mr. Morgan’s comment that I learned of the appalling rudeness that he and his colleagues were subjected to, adding insult to injury in my view and compelling me to offer him an apology. I am loathe to have him believe that the, by all accounts, small handful of participants at the “forum” are representative of the entire Chesterville community.

    I am currently in the process of organizing a “Meet the Candidates” forum in town, scheduled for 03/02/19 from 4-6pm at the Chesterville Town Hall and have therefore posed a similar question to one of our Municipal Officers as well as to the Executive Editor of a local newspaper. I asked if there was a set of governing rules that apply to a community forum that I should be aware of, the answer was quite simply that the person hosting the event makes the rules for the event. Mr. Stickney, with cooperation from his supporters, hosted the event. I hope that answers your question, ????????.

  25. I believe everyone with serious concerns should contact Superintendent Tina Meserve, who is all about transparency (it’s one of her prime values) and being fiscally conservative with funding. She has expressed a willingness to be open, and certainly does not deserve some of the uninformed criticism thrown her way. The answers are there, there is a commitment to transparency and the issues in the article have been addressed very openly. As always, though I’m on the school board, I’m giving my own personal opinion and not speaking for the board.

  26. If enough board members are present it could be considered a quorum and it could lead to an illegal board meeting. Maybe when we get a chance to hear the other side things will be more clear.

  27. @ ????? Mr. Morgan and other RSU9 representatives or staff that attended were told they were not allowed to speak at the meeting because they were not residents of Chesterville. It’s unfortunate because perhaps some of the issues could have been more thoroughly discussed, and questions answered, if they had been allowed to speak. It was the perfect opportunity for Chesterville residents to ask the new Superintendent questions had she been permitted to speak.

  28. No, it would not be a quorum – at least not with only a few people there. In any event, it’s only a meeting if it’s called as such and business is done. Otherwise, school board members couldn’t all attend other town meetings or any gathering without it being called a school board meeting. This claim about a quorum is absurd and false, and talk about “illegal meetings” is idiotic. Seriously, there is absolutely no validity to that claim. It is at best ill informed, at worst dishonest.

  29. Scott Erb,, what some are doing is called Rabble Rousing. Some are doing it simply for “sport”. Oh they’ll get all indignant an declare their rights to uncover a Vast Conspiracy in the district. They’ll Lash out at the criticism of their behavior as further proof that they are being conspired against… And put up a sensational story.
    It’s the thing that makes the cynnical world go round these days it seems. Dirt, dirt and more dirt sells.
    It may create an uproar of sorts that many get sucked into,,,
    But that has nothing to do with the truth.
    I would suggest some folks take up kickboxing if all they want to do is fight…
    The rest of us will figure out our problems and differences constructively with a good result in the end.
    Sorry for you.

  30. @Scott says No, it would not be a quorum – at least not with only a few people there. In any event, it’s only a meeting if it’s called as such and business is done. Otherwise, school board members couldn’t all attend other town meetings or any gathering without it being called a school board meeting. This claim about a quorum is absurd and false, and talk about “illegal meetings” is idiotic. Seriously, there is absolutely no validity to that claim. It is at best ill informed, at worst dishonest.
    So there actually was a chance of a quorum not knowing how many would actually show up. It seems to me you don’t really want transparency. No I’m not rabble rousing either. You constantly disagree with Mr. Stickney at meetings and from what I gather from watching them you sir are one of the rubber stampers.
    In regards to the cirriculum that was discussed at the meeting on February 6 would that be the “sex ed” cirriculum that you voted to approve with only hearing the opinions of a couple guidance counselors and when Mr. Stickney asked about reading such cirriculum he was told he could read it anytime he wanted to come in to the school ? That action seems to me a lot like the ACA. Vote first then see what’s there.
    Please folks if you want to hear both sides I urge you to ask questions and stop assuming things. As another commenter said if you want to know what’s really going on with the district go to the meetings more than once a year you can watch online as well. All these meetings are open to the public. If something like this comes up there is no reason of not knowing what is happening if you were involved and actually care about this district.

  31. Can’t watch it online any more as for some reason they have stopped filming it?! Nothing said at the FEB. 6 meeting was an untruth or inaccurate. Check all the facts and records available and see for yourself. The staffing of PAL, non-compliance, accounting ….check them out!

  32. Speaking for my own opinion, not representing the school board: the school board does not review all curriculum adopted by the schools. That would be immensely time consuming and in my opinion constitute the most inane form of micro-managing. School boards deal with larger issues and general principles, but I believe they should let the details of the curriculum be left to the experts. My gosh if the board had to approve and examine every bit of detail the schools thought it would be mind numbing and time consuming – and of course is unnecessary.

    Oh, and this isn’t some kind of “sex ed” currriculum. Sheesh.

    Simply: any one with questions can contact the Superintendent and others with those questions. She’s dedicated to transparency, and the issues raised by Mr. Stickney have been proven to be misguided. I am sure he is well intentioned, but he got his information wrong. Again, there is not a question raised that has not been answered, and it seems that a small group of people who have convinced themselves that the schools are the enemy have resorted to simply making things up when the facts don’t support them. I guess that’s sadly all too common these days.

    Note that while in articles and the like the Superintendent and School Board President has provided facts and figures. The schools are audited. All this information is public, and the Superintendent is dedicated to answering any questions. The naysayers have never backed up their claims, and just throw out wild accusations and innuendo. To them I say: Put up or shut up. I’ve tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but stuff like this is over the top.

  33. Thanks for proving my point Scott. I will be contacting my board member. Obviously there’s no truth anymore.

  34. Awwww better hurry to get signed up for that kick boxing class before it fills up…
    You might enjoy it..!!
    But wait, maybe not cause at kickboxing you can’t tell the other guy he has to sit there and be quiet….
    So,,,, maybe just keep rabble rousing on here where it is safe for the likes of you..
    U don’t want anything to do with the truth about all this,
    Obviously…

  35. @ sign up. If I were to use my name you may understand I’m not rabble rousing I know the truth of these things. I bave been in contact with my board member and perhaps you should too.

  36. Let’s try the truth again. According to a FOIA request by a community member from the district. From 7/19/18 through 11/15/18 there was $8968.85 spent on legal representation $8009.25 of which was for the school board the rest was for contracted services. So I believe Mr Stickney was correct in part.
    As for the cirriculum according to the info given to board members the we care for kids cirriculum was one page of info. Hardly enough information to have to vote on, and when asked for more info the boardwas told they could come in and read it anytime they wished. (After it was voted on) look at video from the district website for December 11, 2018 board meeting.

  37. To my buddy Awww,,,
    If someone is “part right” then they are also “part wrong”.
    See How That Works?

    I signed up for the kickboxing class and there is one slot left. I’m saving you a seat.
    Meet me there….

  38. @meet you there. If someone is “part right” then they are also “part wrong”.
    See How That Works?
    Yes I do. You do realize that if “they” say he was lying about “everything” theres some truth in it all. It only took me a short while to get these two truths imagine if you would more people getting involved and finding out all the truths of what’s really going on.
    I presume the kickboxing class is the upcoming board meetings and budget process. As I know I will be there I highly doubt to see many others. So there will be plenty of seating.

  39. Meet you there. Yes if someone is part right they are part wrong. Yet I found truths to some of what he said in a short time. Imagine if you would if more people were involved perhaps we would find all truths of what is really happening. No need to follow the crowd it’s easy being to be your own person looking for truth. Yes I will see you at the “kickboxing class” but I’m guessing your one of the folks that just goes along with what your told. Our schools would be a better place if people got involved. Not that there bad but they could be better. Have a great day see you at the board and budget meetings.

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