School bus safety is on the minds of parents and the school district.
Photo: Sanford School Department
By Kendra Williams
Amy Sevigny was re-elected as chair of the Sanford School Committee and Paula Cote as vice chair during the committee’s first meeting of the year on Monday, Jan. 5. The committee also assigned members to standing committees and extended Superintendent Matt Nelson’s contract by one year, to the end of the 2029 school year.
Amy Sevigny
Paula Cote
In his report, Nelson spoke about school bus safety, something that’s been in the news lately after recent tragedies in Maine. A message to families was sent home with students when they returned to school after vacation. It included reminders about bus safety for students, parents, and drivers. (Go here for a link to the reminders.)
Committee members heard an update on the First Ten grant, which has been extended to March 30. The program focuses on helping families transition into Pre-K and kindergarten through events such as community registration, school visits, screenings, and play and learn sessions. Results have been strong: Pre-K attendance is up to 94.65%, on-time kindergarten registration is at 83%, and more than 1,000 books have been distributed. Families have participated in dozens of in-person and virtual activities. The district plans to sustain many low-cost strategies, support outreach through Title I funding and continue partnerships and professional learning with early-childhood providers across York County.
The committee gave final approval for the new district branding and updated mission and vision statements, following an advisory process and multiple feedback rounds. The design was created through the Sanford Regional Technical Center’s digital design program, where students submitted more than a dozen concepts. Senior Jonathan Rayo was selected as the winning designer and will receive a portfolio acknowledgment and department reference. The final branding features a Spartan head and icons linking to the district’s mission, vision, core principles, and “portrait of a future-ready graduate,” emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Committee members gave several policies a first reading and final approval to others. They decided to reconsider a policy approved in October, related to home-schoolers’ participation in school programs, after hearing comments from several parents. Given the timing of the approval and understandings prior to its approval, the committee voted to make a one-time exception for home-school graduates in the class of 2026 to participate in graduation exercises.
Upcoming budget workshops for the 2026/27 budget will begin during the first week in February.
Go here to view the full meeting.
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