KENNEBUNK, Maine — From losing more than 40 educators and staff members in less than a year to months and months of unsuccessful teacher negotiations, some parents and community members believe the RSU 21 school district is finally moving in the right direction following several key changes.
Labor contracts for educators were finalized Dec. 2 after more than a year of negotiations between the school board and Kennebunk Arundel Kennebunkport Education Association, or KAKEA, which is the teachers' union for the district.
"The teacher contract was a really awesome moment for us," Kennebunk High School parent Arianna Efstathiou said. "I think there was not anyone in the community that wasn't celebrating that day."
Contract finalizations set off a domino effect, with one change after the other.
There was a recall election held Tuesday in Arundel. During that meeting, 171 people voted to officially remove Kristin Shapiro, RSU 21 board member and former chief contract negotiator, from the board.
Shapiro had a public emotional outburst at a school board meeting in September, claiming she and her family were being harassed and threatened by parents in the district.
Her claims were investigated by the Maine Education Association after KAKEA filed a formal complaint against the board for participating in prohibited negotiation practices.
"No one would say that a recall is a good thing," Efstathiou said. "If you're at that point, then something has gone wrong."
Earlier this week, Board Chair Leslie Stoeffler and the vice chair stepped down from their leadership roles but would remain on the board.
In addition to the shakeup with the school board, the district is also seeing a turnover in leadership at the high school.
Kennebunk High School's Assistant Principal Farusai Cherry resigned after allegations of sexual harassment. His resignation was accepted at a school board meeting on Dec. 2.
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to the district's communications director Matt Shinberg, asking whether the claims of sexual harassment were investigated, but he declined to comment on the matter directly.
"As a policy, we do not comment on specific personnel matters to ensure privacy and compliance with applicable laws," Shinberg wrote in an email. "RSU21 is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all employees, students, and stakeholders. Any concerns brought to our attention are taken seriously and addressed in accordance with district policies and procedures."
NEWS CENTER Maine also asked if Cherry was compensated for the remainder of his contract.
"I have not been made aware of how the contract was concluded," Shinberg replied.
In August, RSU 21 parents like Melissa McCue-McGrath stood on the sidewalks at Kennebunk High School cheering on teachers who were beginning the school year without contracts, sharing her concerns about the district.
McCue-McGrath is now singing a different tune. She said she's still fighting to see changes she considers necessary throughout the district but acknowledged the recent improvements.
"I feel going into this season with a little bit more relief and hope than I've had in our district in a really long time," she said. "Hopefully we will actually start to see those gears that have been so rusty and not moving forward finally pick up the engine and start putting us back on track."
McCue-McGrath said there are still several improvements needed to adequately support students who need additional or special education services. She noted there are not enough permanent educators who work with students who have individual education plans, informing that many special services teachers are contracted.
She also said communications are streamlined through a chain of command, making it hard for staff or parents to reach resolutions when they try to escalate issues or concerns.
"So, if I'm a family member or I'm a parent, and I don't feel safe going to somebody, where else can I go," McCue-McGrath said. "That piece has not yet been addressed, and my hope is that the school board can find a way to do that."