Approval of FY 2024 School Revolving Renovation Fund Applications

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has awarded $28.6 million in School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF) loans to 12 school administrative units.

The loans will be used to complete 23 health, safety, and compliance projects. The projects include structural roof repairs, indoor air quality improvements, ADA upgrades, and life safety renovations. A portion of each loan is considered a grant and is forgiven while the remaining balance of the loan is paid back at a zero percent interest rate.

The complete list of approved projects can be viewed here (PDF).

For additional information about the SRRF program please visit the Maine DOE website or contact Ann Pinnette at 215-3809 or ann.pinnette@maine.gov.

Integrated, Consolidated 9-16 Educational Facilities Program Funding Opportunity

Maine public schools invited to submit applications for the new 2024-2025 rating cycle

Maine school administrative units (SAUs) may apply for the Integrated, Consolidated 9-16 Educational Facilities Program through the application posted on the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School Facilities website. The application deadline is June 30, 2025.

This new rating cycle provides an opportunity for SAUs to apply for state support for the regionalization of two or more high schools in combination with a Career and Technical Education school, the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System, and industry partnerships. The selected integrated model would be administered by a consolidated governance structure.

The Maine DOE will review completed applications and develop a priority list that will be used to designate a model project for funding. The process is governed by Chapter 61 State Board of Education Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects.

Questions regarding the application should be directed to Scott Brown, Maine DOE’s Director of School Construction, at scott.brown@maine.gov. Questions and answers will be posted here.

Monthly School Facilities Office Hours Now Available

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School Facilities is pleased to offer Office Hours for those superintendents who are interested in submitting Major Capital School Construction applications. Sessions are intended to provide a time for questions and answers regarding the recently released application.

Office Hours will be held on the first weekday of the month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the School Facilities Office Hours here.
Meeting ID: 811 4021 2680
Passcode: 27239338

For more information, contact Scott Brown, Director of School Construction at scott.brown@maine.gov.

Major Capital School Construction Funding Opportunity

Maine school administrative units (SAUs) may apply for major capital school construction projects through the application posted on the Office of School Facilities website. The application deadline is August 30, 2024.

This new rating cycle provides an opportunity for SAUs to apply for state support to undertake a major capital construction project. If a SAU applied during the last cycle in 2017-2018, they will need to reapply if they wish to be included in this rating cycle.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) will review completed applications and create a needs-based priority list that will be used to designate projects for funding. The process is governed by Chapter 61 State Board of Education Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects.

Questions regarding the application should be directed to Scott Brown, Maine DOE’s Director of School Construction, at scott.brown@maine.gov. Questions and answers will be posted here.

PUBLIC COMMENT: School Construction Funding

As a result of the First Special Session of the 131st Maine Legislature, The State Board of Education is engaging in rulemaking in response to Public Law 2023, Chapter 462, “An Act to Expand Access to School Construction Funding” effective October 25, 2023 which directs the State Board to amend their rule regarding administering funding for integrated, consolidated 9-16 educational facilities.

As part of this update, The State Board of Education is opening Rule Chapter 61: State Board Of Education Rules For Major Capital School Construction Projects to complete the legislative changes required by law and is proposing several other changes.

As required by law, a period of public comment opens November 1, 2023 through December 1, 2023. Written comments may be submitted to DOE Rulemaking Liaison Laura Cyr, State House Station #23, Augusta, Maine 04333; 207-446-8791 or laura.cyr@maine.gov until 5:00 pm November 30, 2023. For documentation purposes, written comments are preferred.

In addition, a public hearing for the revised Rule Chapter 61 will be held in person and virtually on November 21, 2023, from 9:00-11:00 am pm at the Burton Cross Office Building, located at 111 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine 04333, Room 103. As space will be limited, participants are encouraged to attend virtually through Zoom, using this link:

Topic: Rule Chapter 61 Public Hearing
Time: November 21, 2023 at 9:00 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 891 5708 3933
Passcode: 62847827

Timeline for Rulemaking for Rule Chapter 61 – New, Major Substantive