School Union 76 addresses new policies, staffing
The school board faces an August 1 deadline—set by the state—to implement a new cell phone policy
July 1, 2026
By Jessi Hardy
Maintenance staff told the board they are making ‘significant progress’ on facilities projects. Photo by Jessi Hardy.
DEER ISLE—The Deer Isle-Stonington School Board discussed policy mandates and facility updates during their monthly meeting on June 25, advancing new cell phone and classroom temperature regulations.
Policy changes
After lengthy discussion, the district’s new cell phone policy remains under review. Maine's landmark "Bell to Bell, No Cell" ban was signed into law in April and requires all K-12 schools within the state to develop and adopt local policies by August 1.
The board’s discussion regarding the proposed policy focused on specific phrasing regarding student well-being and device regulation. Co-chair Genevieve McDonald said she needed additional time to review the policy. Other members said they were not in favor of any changes to existing local policies.
“I don't like this [state requirement] at all. I wish we didn't have to comply,” co-chair Chelsea Torrey said. “ I hate taking [cell phones] away. I know it's not a popular opinion, but I don't like the idea of it.”
A newly proposed temperature policy sets the permissible range for classroom temperatures to between 60 to 85 degrees. The board will vote on the policy in September.
Facilities updates
Dennis Rollins, director of maintenance, updated the board about facilities projects that are moving forward during the summer. Key efforts include the replacement of propane tanks, installation of a new exhaust hood for the high school kitchen, and a $5,000 roof repair. Maintenance staff are also making significant progress as the school year has only been adjourned for a few weeks.
“Currently, the maintenance staff is refinishing a lot of the classrooms, and they've got five or six rooms complete already,” Rollins said.
Staffing developments
The board confirmed four new hires, including:
Nancy Nickerson
Assistant principal, Deer Isle-Stonington ElementaryKira Goodwin
MTSS mathematics and enrichment teacher, Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary SchoolRobert O'Neill
Island Carpentry Learning and Apprenticeship Program (iCLAP) coordinator (K-12)Tony Adams
Grade 5 teacher, Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School
The board also confirmed two staff resignations.
Superintendent Tara McKechnie said that there are currently several vacancies within the district. They include:
Grade 3 teacher
Grade 4 teacher
School counselor
ASPIRE (life skills) teacher
Additional funding
McKechnie said the district recently secured three new funding sources: a $4,000 summer food service grant, a $3,000 donation from the Kapsha family, and a $3,000 "Stronger Connections" grant to purchase school safety kits.
The board will reconvene in August.