Maine DOE Update – May 22, 2026
From the Maine Department of Education News & Updates Implementation of Maine’s Bell-to-Bell Personal Electronic Device Policy The following information is intended to support school administrative units (SAUs) in preparing for the implementation of a new law requiring that school boards adopt and implement a policy “prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the…
RSU 34 Special Education Director Named 2025-2026 Special Education Administrator of the Year
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to join the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) in congratulating Kimm Kenniston, Director of Special Education for RSU 34, for being named the 2025-2026 MADSEC Special Education Administrator of the Year. Kenniston is widely recognized as an exceptional leader in special education. Her…
Maine Education Association Honors Award Winners at Annual Dinner
During an annual awards banquet, Maine Education Association (MEA) leaders presented MEA’s Annual Awards, recognizing MEA members and community members who have been exemplary in MEA’s advocacy for Maine students, educators, and public education. MEA Vice President Beth French and Mike Langley of Merrymeeting EA, a custodian at Woodside Elementary School in Topsham and the Joan McGovern…
Annual Mentor Trainings: Supporting New Educators with Research-Based Best Practices
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Educator Excellence Team is excited to be hosting its Annual Mentor Trainings in locations across Maine this August and September. This no-cost professional learning opportunity is intended for teachers interested in mentoring new educators or educators who are new to their school administrative unit (SAU). It is designed to…
Maine High School Students Encouraged to Enter 22nd Annual Will McDonough Sports Writing Contest
The Boston Globe is encouraging high school students across New England to showcase their storytelling and journalism skills through the 22nd Annual Will McDonough Sports Writing Contest. The free contest is open to students in grades 9-12 residing in any New England state, including Maine. It offers students an opportunity to develop and share their…
Day Mountain Regional Middle School Students Spotlight Maine Wildlife and Conservation in New Podcast
At Day Mountain Regional Middle School (DMRMS) in MSAD 58, learning often reaches far beyond the classroom walls. The latest example comes from the DMRMS Environmentalist Club, where students have launched the first episodes of their new “Wild and Wonderful Podcast.” What began as a small club project has quickly grown into something more—a platform…
Registration Open for New School Nurse Orientation in August
On August 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health Team will host its annual New School Nurse Orientation in Augusta. If you have hired or plan to hire a new nurse for your school over the summer, please be sure to include the New School…
Rural THRIVE Foundations Program Supports Maine’s Early-Career Educators
As schools across Maine continue to welcome and support new educators, the Rural THRIVE Foundations program is helping early-career teachers to build confidence, strengthen instructional practice, and establish meaningful professional connections during their first years in the classroom. Rural Thrive is a project of the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. It…
PRIORITY NOTICE: Implementation of Maine’s Bell-to-Bell Personal Electronic Device Policy
The following information is intended to support school administrative units (SAUs) in preparing for the implementation of a new law requiring that school boards adopt and implement a policy “prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day, from starting bell to dismissal bell” by August 1, 2026. The following…
Maine Loves Public Schools Announces Season 2 of “Learning from Maine”
Three new episodes air Thursdays at 8:30 PM on Maine Public Television beginning May 21st — with four more stories coming this fall Should all Maine towns have universal pre-K access? Is the best way to keep teenagers in school by getting them working in their communities? Can Generative AI be used in our schools…
Maine DOE Newsroom 