In Maine’s supplemental budget, which Governor Janet Mills signed into law in April 2026, $5.9 million was allocated to improve school bus safety throughout the state. As part of that work, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is now administering those funds to reimburse school administrative units (SAUs) for the retrofitting of school buses that do not have a front crossing arm.
SAUs may choose to have this work completed by a vendor or local garage, or they may use their own in-house mechanic and bill for associated labor costs. SAUs will be reimbursed up to $3,000 per school bus for eligible equipment and labor costs associated with each crossing arm installation. The Maine DOE is aware that many SAUs installed crossing arms before the start of this reimbursement program; SAUs may submit an invoice for reimbursement if the work was completed on or after July 1, 2025.
The reimbursement form that SAUs should use is linked on the Forms & Reporting – Transportation webpage. Please submit the completed reimbursement form as a PDF to staci.h.warren@maine.gov.
The Maine DOE understands that SAUs require time to complete these installations. As a result, this program is anticipated to run through June 30, 2027. The Maine DOE plans to survey SAUs this winter to determine whether additional time is needed for retrofitting.
With questions, please contact Cheryl Brackett, Maine DOE Transportation Coordinator, at cheryl.brackett@maine.gov or 207-446-3019.
