Photo: WSSR TV
By Kendra Williams
The Sanford School Committee’s first meeting of the school year on Sept. 8 was focused on enrollment and updates.
Superintendent Matt Nelson reported that at the end of the first week of school, the student population totaled 3,213. That number may change by Oct. 1, when the official subsidy total for the state will be due. Acton students (grades 9–12) are included in enrollment numbers but not the subsidy counts, as their tuition is paid directly by their district. Nelson offered a chart and detailed explanation of the numbers at each school.
New Middle School Principal Joe Mastraccio reported the new year began with strong momentum. In addition to Mastraccio, two assistant principals, a school nurse and other new staff were hired over the summer. Orientations and an open house were very well attended by families while professional development emphasized collaboration and student engagement through the Stronger Connections grant. Operational improvements include an aligned master schedule, new bell system, and whole-grade lunches. Student well-being remains central, with attendance initiatives, suicide prevention, and incentive programs. Counselors provided outreach for students with anxiety or special plans. Upcoming highlights include block parties, an ecology school trip for all 7th graders, and continued development of flex time activities to support learning and wellness.
Sanford High School Principal Tracy Gibson said she “felt like the halls started waking up” when athletics began in mid-August. The official school year launched successfully with freshman orientation, marching band events, and professional development. Superintendent Nelson offered a motivating welcome to district staff, while students showed positive energy and adherence to policies, with only one cell phone issue so far. A new anonymous “See Something, Say Something” tool was introduced for safety. More than 60 students auditioned for the fall play “Our Town,” with roles and involvement guaranteed for all. Efforts to reduce add/drop requests during the first week were down significantly due to several changes that have been implemented. The start of the school’s accreditation process will begin this fall and include a weekly self-reflection during professional development time throughout the year. Upcoming highlights include NWEA and PSAT testing, Homecoming week (Oct. 6–11) and marching band finals (Oct. 25).
Director of Facilities Jason Dudley offered an overview of the extensive summer maintenance and upgrades completed across all schools and facilities. Custodial teams handled deep cleaning, painting, floor refinishing, and carpet/tile work. Infrastructure improvements included HVAC motor and tank replacements, LED lighting, and wastewater system upgrades, with a new rooftop HVAC unit scheduled for Sanford Pride Elementary. Safety updates featured upgraded bleachers at Cobb Stadium, fencing, curb painting, signage, and concrete repairs. Academic support projects enhanced SRTC programs with new welding and sports medicine facilities, upgraded science sinks, and modernized classroom technology. Additional work included painting, creating office space for food service, and preparing the Lafayette School building for sale. Planning continues for a USDA warehouse to expand meal options and nutrition services. Nelson and School Committee members acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts that strengthen education quality, student pride and school safety. They expressed appreciation for the significant impact of these projects on learning environments and for the dedicated staff who maintain them.
Assistant Superintendent Steve Bussiere explained the launch of a safety tip reporting system, “See Something Say Something,” giving students and families multiple ways to submit concerns via app, phone, or online. He described it as “just another tool in our toolbox.” The system was introduced with videos for grades 5–12 and family email notifications. It was promoted through stickers and website updates. All tips are screened by licensed professionals. Urgent ones immediately alert administrators, counselors and police.
Bussiere reported the Pre-K program is fully enrolled with 112 students and has a 30-student waiting list. Staff have set annual goals, including math-focused professional development, and report classrooms are settling in well.
Transportation continues to improve after initial start-of-year challenges. Bus drivers and monitors are adapting to routes, with departures running more smoothly each day. A new routing system is being implemented to this fall, enabling families to track buses and access updated transportation information more easily.
The committee accepted the first reading of several policies and adopted the final Comprehensive Health and Safety Emergency and Management Plan. The plan remains consistent with prior years, with routine updates to directories, procedures, phone trees, and evacuation sites. The key change is a new protocol for handling anonymous threats, developed with guidance from the Maine School Safety Center and implemented through training by School Resource Officers. New staff also received ALICE safety training, with refresher sessions planned this fall. A parent evening is scheduled for late October to share updates.
The next School Committee meeting will be held at 6 pm on Sept. 15 in City Hall Chambers.
To watch the full meeting go here.
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