Through analysis of feedback from state professional organizations and education professionals and under the authority of state statute 20-A MRSA §4008-A, the Maine Department of Education is proposing a new Chapter 117 Rule. The proposed rule will positively impact professional school staff by defining the scope and duties of these dynamic positions and creating a foundation for continued guidance. This new rule highlights how the important, and complimentary roles of school counselors and school social workers, fit into an overall school structure of support for students.
As required by law, a period of public comment opens today, October 5, 2022 through November 14, 2022. Written comments may be submitted to DOE Legislative Team member Laura Cyr, State House Station #23, Augusta, Maine 04333; 207-446-8791 or laura.cyr@maine.gov until 5:00 pm November 14, 2022.
In addition, a public hearing for the proposed new rule will be held in person and virtually on October 24, 2022, 9:00-11:00 am at Burton Cross Office Building, 111 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine 04333, Room 500. As space will be limited, participants are encouraged to attend virtually through Zoom, using this link:
Topic: Chapter 117 Public Hearing
Time: Oct 24, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/85755438271
Meeting ID: 857 5543 8271
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Meeting ID: 857 5543 8271
Find your local number: https://mainestate.zoom.us/u/kfMAsmdll
Timeline for Rulemaking for Chapter 117 – New, Major Substantive
File: September 27, 2022
Post: October 5, 2022
Comment Period End: November 14, 2022
The proposed new rule Chapter 117 can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/about/laws/rulechanges
You may also submit comments to the following location: https://forms.office.com/g/4Me8XEPkgf
CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING (include name, mailing address, telephone, fax, TTY, email):
Laura Cyr, laura.cyr@maine.gov, 446-8791