Augusta – Public schools across Maine are invited to participate in the new application cycle for major school construction projects that will begin in October. The announcement that a new application cycle will begin was made at the monthly meeting of the State Board of Education on September 14. A new application cycle enables Maine public schools to apply for state support in order to undertake a major renovation or addition project, or to build a new facility.

The application will be similar to those used in the past. Applications will be posted on the Maine Department of Education’s website by October 15, 2016. An announcement will be made to alert school officials when the applications are posted.

“In consultation with the State Board of Education, the Department has determined that for the first time in six years, the time is right to open a new application cycle. The application, review, and approval process will remain consistent with the past process,” said Deputy Commissioner Bill Beardsley in announcing the new application cycle.

The Department will review completed applications and create a “needs-based” initial priority list, to be followed by the creation of a final priority list and an approved projects list. The entire application and review process is expected to take about two years and is governed by Chapter 61 of Department of Education and State Board of Education joint rules.

School officials who have questions about the process may contact Scott Brown, Director of School Construction, at scott.brown@maine.gov  or at 624-6883.

Media inquiries should be directed to Jamie Logan, Communications Director, at jamie.e.logan@maine.gov or at 624-6747.

This release was updated on Thursday, Sept. 8

AUGUSTA — After a survey of members of the Commission to Reform Public Education Funding and Improve Student Performance in Maine, Commission Chair Bill Beardsley is announcing the meeting schedule through the end of the year. These meetings are open to the public.

This month’s meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 29 at York County Community College in Wells in the mid-café.

Subsequent meetings will take place on the following dates:

• Monday, September 26 at 9 a.m. – RSU # 17 Central Office, located at 232 Main Street in South Paris (directly across from the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School) *Updated*
• Monday, October 17 in Lewiston at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center
• Monday, October 31, location yet to be determined
• Monday, November 28, location yet to be determined
• Monday, December 12, location yet to be determined

Agendas for all meetings will be made available in advance and documents relating to the Commission’s work can be found here, as they are made available.

The Commission to Reform Public Education Funding and Improve Student Performance in Maine was created by LD 1641 which added an additional $15 million in education funding for local schools. Based on its work, the Commission will submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature by January 10, 2017 that includes findings and recommendations for action to reform public education funding and improve student performance in the State.

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