Rosemarie De Angelis has been appointed as the new chair of the South Portland School Board, bringing over two decades of experience in education and local governance. De Angelis has worked as a speech and language pathologist in South Portland schools for 26 years and has held various positions, including city councilor and mayor. Her commitment to diversity and advocacy for marginalized groups is central to her vision for the school district.
Background and Career Journey
De Angelis’s journey in education began during her college years, where she initially pursued a degree in elementary education. A transformative course in speech and language pathology solidified her passion for this field. After 17 years at Southern Maine Community College, she taught English to non-native speakers, primarily focusing on immigrant and refugee communities. This experience, coupled with her personal connections to refugees—having adopted her son from Rwanda—deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized populations.
Reflecting on her career, De Angelis stated, “There’s been common denominators in all the work that I’ve done, and it’s an increasing awareness of my own privilege and a desire to work with marginalized populations.” This ethos guides her approach as chair of the school board.
Addressing Challenges in Education
As De Angelis steps into her new role, she faces significant challenges. One pressing issue is equity in education, especially given the district’s growing diversity. Last year, South Portland experienced three student suicides, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support and awareness among LGBTQ+ students. De Angelis emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of all students, particularly those from identifiable marginalized groups.
Budgetary constraints also loom large. The district is navigating a difficult budget season, having recently negotiated contracts with teachers, administrators, and educational technicians. De Angelis, who has a union background, recognizes the need for a balanced approach to budgeting, particularly as the community’s demographics shift.
“How do we look at our classrooms in ways that are addressing the needs of all students?”
This question underscores her commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness to the diverse needs of South Portland’s student body. De Angelis aims to foster a collaborative environment among board members, especially with the addition of three new members: Daniel Feller, Tyler Smith, and George Risch.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
With approximately 10% of South Portland’s population consisting of immigrants, De Angelis is particularly focused on the safety and well-being of these students amid a challenging political climate. She believes the community must actively protect vulnerable populations and resist compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. “We have an obligation to keep kids safe,” she stated, acknowledging the fears expressed by families she encounters.
The presence of a school resource officer at the middle and high school has sparked controversy, especially as nearby Portland has removed its officers. The school board has yet to discuss this critical issue, but De Angelis anticipates it will be part of upcoming budget discussions.
As she embarks on her tenure, De Angelis hopes South Portland residents will recognize her dedication to compassion and inclusivity. “I have a great deal of compassion, a great deal of open-mindedness, a great sense of humor and a great willingness to be welcoming of all people in all walks of life,” she remarked. Her multifaceted view of education and community engagement positions her as a leader keen on bridging gaps and fostering understanding within the school district.
