From the Maine Department of Education
We know many readers look forward to our weekly Commissioner’s Update, specifically for the column from Commissioner Jim Rier, whose insight on education has come from nearly two decades in Augusta, first as a member of the State Board of Education and since 2003 here at the Department.
That’s why we wanted to let you know that Commissioner Rier is out indefinitely on leave, though he remains in close communication with us. The Commissioner is proud of the progress the Department has made to better support schools in preparing all Maine students for college and career success.
In his absence, Governor LePage has appointed Chief Academic Officer Rachelle Tome to serve as Acting Commissioner. Acting Commissioner Tome has been at Maine DOE for a decade, first as a School Improvement Specialist and most recently as Chief Academic Officer.
Notices and Reporting
- School Food Authority (SFA) Verification Collection Report, due Nov. 20
- Gifted & Talented Annual Program Approval, due Dec. 5
- EDFacts School AcademicStaff Evaluation Survey, due Dec. 19
More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Districts reminded of importance of maintaining accurate student enrollment data in DC system
The Maine DOE is reminding districts of the importance of maintaining accurate student enrollment data in the new Direct Cert (DC) system due to its integration with State Infinite Campus. | More
Nominees sought for educators effectively engaging families
Nominations are now open for the 2015 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year Award, which will honor an exemplary teacher engaging families in education. | More
Guidance provided on preventing school laboratory incidents
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) recently released a safety bulletin based on three recent serious incidents where children were burned while observing school laboratory demonstrations involving flammable liquid methanol. | More
High school students invited to apply for research fellowships at MDI Biological Laboratory
The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory is now accepting applications for exceptional high school students interested in a laboratory research experience at MDI Biological Laboratory in the summer of 2015. | More
Districts reminder of school food sale guidelines
As a reminder, all food sales to students in schools must meet the Smart Snacks Guidelines as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). | More
More Dispatches | Press Releases | From the Commissioner