The Maine Charter School Commission recently approved the state’s first public charter school: the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences. This authorization is a milestone for the state, and will support 40 at-risk students to achieve their potential as they enter the school this fall.
In March, the Legislature’s Education Committee voted unanimously to create a group to develop models for school choice—part of a larger effort to create an education environment with more pathways to engagement and success for students. The advent of charter schools that cater to students’ specific needs or special interests, such as art or technology, is in keeping with that move. We want all parents to make the best choices for their children’s educations, and, more importantly, we want to provide all Maine families with the opportunity to make such decisions. Watch for a renewed push later this year and in the next Legislative session to make more choices available to students and families.
The Charter School Commission will meet next Tuesday to finalize a decision on the Baxter School of Technology and Science in Portland. Maine can establish up to 10 public charter schools over the next decade, by current law. We’re off to a great start with the Academy of Natural Sciences, and I hope we continue to approve schools that focus on different learning strengths while sharing a common goal: offering innovative, flexible education curricula to students throughout Maine.
— Stephen Bowen
ACTION ITEMS
Administrative Letters
Notices
- Reminder: Districts invited to participate in Maine’s TIF 4 grant application (due Friday, July 13)
- Additional lunch reimbursements available
- Maine schools to implement new nutrition rule
Reporting
Please note: We generally provide notice of requirements only once. Please check the Reporting Calendar (link below) regularly for a list of ALL upcoming items.
NEWS & VIEWS
Priceless moments, both near and far
The five semi-finalists for 2013 Maine Teacher of the Year represent a wide spectrum of subject areas and grades. It has been a profound experience to witness skillful, passionate teaching firsthand. By Alana Margeson | More
Superintendents learn strategies for student success
Participants in the 101st annual Maine Superintendents’ Conference last week attended five of nine possible workshop sessions addressing one overarching topic: strategies to help each individual learner meet proficiency. | More | Maine DOE gives updates at Superintendents’ Conference | Superintendents unite
Charter School Commission approves Academy of Natural Sciences
AUGUSTA – The Maine Charter School Commission voted to approve the application from the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences to move to the contract phase that will result in becoming the first public charter school in Maine’s history. | More
New chair, vice chair for state ed board
AUGUSTA – The State Board of Education elected Steven M. Pound, PhD., to be the new chair and Nancy S. Perkins to be the new vice chair at its June meeting. Both were elected to one-year terms in the leadership roles beginning July 1. | More
Tech coordinator awarded presidential honor
Crystal Priest, technology coordinator for MSAD 4, was honored with the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine’s Presidential Achievement Award on May 14 in Augusta. | More
Institute focuses on Positive Youth Development
- Maine DOE gives updates at Superintendents’ Conference
- Charter Commission denies one, tables one
- Science Teacher Academy now accepting applications
- NAEP parents’ brochure, testing dates available
- Leadership program for superintendents, principals welcomes applications