Rule Change Adoption: Chapter 61, Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects

The revised Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects, Chapter 61, have been filed with the Secretary of State and will go into effect on Aug. 17.

Chapter 61 governs the expenditure of millions of Maine taxpayers’ dollars in support of safe and effective schools that support the demands of 21^st century education. Extensive needs for improved education facilities across the State make it imperative that the rules be kept clear, current and supportive of the State’s education goals. Continue reading “Rule Change Adoption: Chapter 61, Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects” →

All districts and schools must train staff in Global Harmonization System

Department of Labor responds to federal mandate with free online training video

AUGUSTA – All employees in the state of Maine—in both the private and public sectors—must be trained in the federal Occupation Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) new Global Harmonization System Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) by Dec. 1. As part of this federal mandate, schools and districts are responsible for training their staff on GHS and must be able to demonstrate compliance upon inspection.

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New pest management requirements for schools

The State of Maine has revised its integrated pest management (IPM) and pesticide regulations pertaining to all public and private schools serving any grades kindergarten through 12. These changes were made to improve communication and provide training and tools for IPM coordinators. There are three important changes. Continue reading “New pest management requirements for schools” →

Free webinar on school mold, moisture control

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency webinar on mold and moisture control in schools this Wednesday will be headlined by two Mainers.

Alyce Swann, facilities supervisor for RSU 21, and Steven Caulfield, senior vice president for Turner Building Science and Design and president of the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council, will be the featured speakers for the webinar Mold and Moisture Control in Schools: Potential Health Effects and Safe Clean-Up Practices. Jennifer Lemon, of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division, will facilitate the free webinar, which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Continue reading “Free webinar on school mold, moisture control” →

State Education Board has new leadership

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Board of Education has new leadership, having elected Nancy S. Perkins as chair and Peter E. Geiger as vice-chair.

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Free webinar series supports healthy school environments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering a free webinar series to help school communities take sensible, low- or no-cost steps to create healthier environments in their buildings. Each webinar will feature school district personnel from across the country presenting their real-life examples and solutions.

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Schools may apply for QZAB tax credit bonds

The Maine Department of Education will accept applications for the Federal Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) Program through Aug. 16. The Department currently has $4,367,000 of QZAB-issuing authority to distribute to qualifying schools units.

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Free hazardous chemical management training June 3

The federal law on hazardous chemicals and training has changed. Please be aware that all workers must be trained in the new Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Global Harmonization System (GHS) by Dec. 1, 2013. Continue reading “Free hazardous chemical management training June 3” →

Four districts prepare for construction projects

The Maine Department of Education School Facilities Services team is working with four districts on a total of six proposed construction projects.

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State offers facilities, business and maintenance staff training

The Educational Plant Maintenance Association of Maine will deliver the 45^th Annual School Facilities Conference this summer. The conference will be held at Colby College June 24-26, 2013. School administrators, facilities directors, business managers, maintenance teams and custodial staff are invited to attend. Registration is free for public school staff. This is a multi-track conference on leadership, maintenance and custodial care. This conference provides a unique venue for school staff to collaborate and learn how to manage buildings to foster positive learning environments.

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