Maine Academy of Natural Sciences
Minutes
MeANS' Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday May 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Location
Maine Academy of Natural Sciences
13 Easler Road
Hinckley, ME 04944
Directors Present
A. Perkins, D. Gram, E. Pariser, G. Lichterfeld, M. Callan, M. Harris, M. Oben, N. Findlan, W. King
Directors Absent
G. Bazakas
Guests Present
A. Boudreau, A. Hyde, Danni Best, E. Coleman, Elise Gudde, Grace Hilmer, Jill Lee, Juliana Rothschild, Karin Schott, P. Henyan, R. Anthony
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Additions/Adjustments to the Agenda
D.
Public Comment
Eggs for sale - please purchase some!
E.
Staff/Student Presentation
Threshold Program - Jazmyne Patterson (student)
-Graduating this year/Discussed the Threshold program and how it benefited her.
II. Consent Agenda (Action requested by approval of Consent Agenda)
A.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from March 12th, 2026 Board Meeting
B.
Approval of Committee Reports
III. Action Items
A.
First Reading of HR Policies
-Martha - We are trying to get them to be "MeANS'" Policies vs. "GWH" Policies.
-Any comments and the second vote we will talk about/do at our next meeting.
B.
Finance for Board Review
First reading of 26-27 SY Budget/Presentation
-Ashley made pie charts to illustrate where our revenue is coming from, our expenses, etc.
-Budget is conservative, except fuel and electricity budget was increased to reflect market.
-Increase in Threshold teachers (1.5) to grow the program.
-Having a balance to bring forward (3 months worth of expenses) is very important.
-We will finalize it at the next meeting/vote on it.
IV. Information Sharing
A.
Update on New Board Member Search
Mary - We spoke with 7 or 8 people, and we are striking out - If we know anyone with a Finance background, let the Executive Committee know.
Emanuel - Possible Development Committee members, including 1 alumni.
B.
Proposed Board Meetings 26-27
We will vote on these in June - taking feedback until then.
C.
Proposed School Calendar 26-27
Evan
-Campus Calendar basically the same as this year - built in Remote Days have come in handy.
-We will vote on these in June - feedback until then.
D.
3 Year Strategic Goals
Martha - Ad-Hoc Committee working on these goals.
-Re-formatted draft coming soon.
E.
HOS Report
Ryan
-Almost the final quarter of the school year!
-2 month review and looking forward:
-Spring Intensives were a success, as well as MeANS' Maple Sunday/made A LOT of syrup this year./Tree fundraiser was a hit.
-Working hard to figure out graduates.
-Successful field trips/student volunteer opportunities.
-Successful Family STEM Night, Spring Coffeehouse, and formed Prom Committee (June 13.)
-Envirothon - Kids won the current issue presentation.
-Working on our Chronic Absenteeism/Attendance competition/awards - gathering Gift Cards to local businesses, etc.
-Spring Testing this week - Went very well/85% of our students have tested so far, with make-ups to be done next week; (seeing a lot of growth/good results.)/AP students test next week.
-Enrollment - About to have our 4th Open House/Shadow Day; (struggling to enroll our 9th grade.)
-Trying to Hire a Custodian and a couple of Threshold teachers.
-Fundraising - Over $20,000/surpassed our goal already!
-Charter Renewal Check-In on 6/1.
None.