The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking individuals who are invested in identifying and reducing barriers to school attendance for Maine students. The Truancy, Drop Out, and Alternative Education (TDAE) Advisory Committee will advise the Commissioner of Education on the development and implementation of state and local policies and programs that are needed to deal effectively with the incidence of truancy and dropouts in Maine schools.

In accordance with PL 2007, c. 667, §10 (AMD), the committee will consider its mandate in a broad context to assess the causes of truancy and dropouts, the effectiveness of alternative education and prevention programs, and the social and educational programs or changes needed to encourage students to remain in school, including reintegration planning and aftercare services provided for juvenile offenders who have been released from juvenile facilities in the state and have enrolled in schools in the state.

Details

• This 15-member committee meets monthly throughout the year to review and discuss current information related to student attendance, as well as to examine policy and guidance practices for the state. Committee members will join for a two-year period, with the option of being reappointed. The committee represents diverse backgrounds from different parts of the state. 
• The committee has the following openings for a two-year term:
  • school counselor or school social worker
  • representative of a local positive action committee on truancy, dropout, and alternative education programs. (In the past, this position has been filled by nonprofit executive directors or those in leadership positions within state associations such as the Alternative Education Association of Maine.)
  • business community representative

Please consider sharing this opportunity with your network. If you are interested in being considered for appointment, please send an email with a paragraph explaining your background in areas of truancy, dropout, and alternative education—and how your area(s) of expertise will support the work of the committee—to Susan Lieberman, Co-Chair of the TDAE Committee, at susan.lieberman88@gmail.com and Julie Smyth, Director of the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports, at julie.a.smyth@maine.gov. The deadline to send this email is October 10, 2025.

Please address any questions to susan.lieberman88@gmail.com or julie.a.smyth@maine.gov.