Revised Law Summary Now Online

We have posted a revised summary of the Reorganization Law , reflecting the changes made by LD 2323 (Public Law 2007, Chapter 668) and including information about the alternative organizational structure. (more…)

Focus Groups: Talking about education

The facilitators education planning subcommittee has been holding focus group sessions with superintendents, curriculum coordinators, principals, teachers, special education directors, career and technical education directors, school board members, parents, and reorganization planning committee members. The end product will be a collection of strategies, tools and recommendations that units may use as they see appropriate, and to adapt to their own unique situations. (more…)

Purchasing Portal: “Reverse e-bay” is saving districts big bucks

A new “purchasing portal” developed by MSAD 36's Terry Despres and Colleen Akerman allows school systems to seek competing bids by over 800 vendors on everything from cleaning supplies to laptops. Districts are reaping savings in the tens of thousands of dollars. (more…)

Statewide routing software in the works: The state-paid tool will save districts thousands

By the beginning of next school year, districts around the state will be able to use a state-purchased software system to design the most cost-efficient bus routes. Some districts already using the software are already saving thousands of dollars in fuel, not to mention reduced labor, equipment and maintenance costs. (more…)

RSU Start-up guide: We've been approved! Now what?

Bob Kautz and other facilitators offer some guidance on some of the details that will have to be addressed by new RSUs – everything from hiring a superintendent to getting new federal tax identification numbers. Also, suggested startup budgets. (more…)

20 Plans Approved

May and early June brought several new reorganization plan and alternative plan approvals, including: MSAD 16 (Hallowell)/Richmond/Monmouth/ Dresden , Falmouth/MSAD 51 ( Cumberland ), Litchfield/Sabattus/Wales (Union 44/Oak Hill CSD) and MSAD 53 ( Pittsfield )/MSAD 59 (Madison). With these new plans, there are almost 49,000 students – one quarter the state total – in proposed school units that have been approved. . (more…)

Q&A

Question: How do the changes to the reorganization law affect the adult education budget process ? (Q&A)

Question: How long can an alternative organizational structure take to achieve consistent contracts within the new unit? (Q&A)

Question: Is a regional school unit (RSU) of 1,000 to 1,200 students eligible to propose an alternative organizational structure? (Q&A)

Reorganization Team Contacts

Melissa Padgett, Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Pooler, Coordinator
Ray Poulin, Project Manager
Norm Higgins, Project Manager
All four can be reached at 624-6802.
Jim Rier, Director of School Finance
624-6794
David Connerty-Marin, Director of Communications
624-6880