PUBLIC COMMENT: Filing of Targeted Revisions to Rule Chapter 64: Maine School Facilities Program and School Revolving Renovation Fund

As a result of the First Special Session of the 131st Maine Legislature, Resolves 2023, Chapter 44, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Education and the Maine Municipal Bond Bank to Amend Their Rules Regarding the Maine School Facilities Finance Program and the School Revolving Renovation Fund” effective October 25, 2023 directs the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Municipal Bond Bank to amend their rules to require: (1) that the maximum total loans from the fund for repair, renovation, and improvement projects for Priority One, Priority Two, Priority Three, Priority Four and Priority Five be increased from $4,000,000 to $8,000,000, and (2) that the maximum loan amount from the fund to address each priority level in a school building be increased from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 within any 5-year period.

This amendment makes those two changes and no others.

As required by law, a period of public comment opens October 25, 2023 through November 27, 2023. Written comments may be submitted to Maine 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 27, 2023. For documentation purposes, written comments are preferred.

In addition, a public hearing for the revised Rule Chapter 64 will be held in person and virtually on November 17, 2023, from 9:00-11:00 am 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 64 Public Hearing
Time: November 17, 2023 9:00 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 833 2442 4683
Passcode: 25140325

Timeline for Rulemaking for Rule Chapter 64 – Revised, Major Substantive

  • File: October 17, 2023
  • Post: October 25, 2023
  • Comment Period End: November 27, 2023

The revised Rule Chapter 64 can be found here.

You may also submit comments to the following location: CH. 64 Form

CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING (include name, mailing address, telephone, fax, TTY, email):

Laura Cyr, laura.cyr@maine.gov, 446-8791

PUBLIC COMMENT: Filing of Targeted Revisions to Rule Chapter 41: Offering Instruction Related to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the Use of an Automated External Defibrillator in Maine Public Schools

As a result of the First Special Session of the 131st Maine Legislature, Public Law 2023, Chapter 460 was signed by Governor Mills on July 27, 2023. This law, An Act to Require Public Schools to Offer Training for Secondary Students on the Administration of Naloxone Hydrochloride requires all Maine public schools to offer training to secondary students in the administration of naloxone hydrochloride in nasal spray form. The law further requires the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to adopt rules on how to train secondary students to administer naloxone hydrochloride in nasal spray form. The training may be provided as extracurricular instruction, is to be delivered by a qualified individual, and that the standards for instruction are based on those of a nationally recognized program, organization, or agency.

Other revisions to the rule account for updates to terminology and practice in CPR and AED administration.

As required by law, a period of public comment opens October 25, 2023, through November 27, 2023. Written comments may be submitted to Maine 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 27, 2023. For documentation purposes, written comments are preferred.

In addition, a public hearing for the revised Rule Chapter 41 will be held in person and virtually on November 17, 2023, from 12:00-2:00 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 41 Public Hearing
Time: November 17, 2023, 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 838 7690 8723

Timeline for Rulemaking for Rule Chapter 41 – Revised, Routine Technical

  • File: October 17, 2023
  • Post: October 25, 2023
  • Comment Period End: November 27, 2023

The revised Rule Chapter 41 can be found here.

You may also submit comments to the following location: Microsoft Forms

CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING (include name, mailing address, telephone, fax, TTY, email):

Laura Cyr, laura.cyr@maine.gov, 446-8791

Media Release: Maine DOE Launches New Podcast Highlighting Voices From Maine Schools

Commissioner Pender Makin Hosts What Holds Us Together, First Episode Features Maine Teachers of the Year Matt Bernstein and Joshua Chard

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) launched a new podcast today hosted by Commissioner Pender Makin featuring conversations with educators, school staff, and students. The monthly podcast, What Holds Us Together, highlights the great things happening in public schools across Maine and how public education connects us.

The podcast launched with a conversation between Makin, 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year Matt Bernstein, and the newly named 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard. The three discuss what they love about teaching and schools in Maine, the importance of public education, student voice, elevating the education profession, their message to aspiring teachers, and so much more.

“Public education is the most precious common good that we share. Every month, I’ll highlight the inspiring and amazing things happening in Maine schools through conversations with educators, school staff, and students across our state,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin in the podcast’s trailer.

What Holds Us Together can be listened to and subscribed to on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify. New episodes to be released on the third Thursday of every month.

Resources for Educators for Talking with Students About the Conflict Between Israel and Hamas 

School leaders, teachers, and staff are often tasked with helping our students and their families grapple with what’s happening in the news. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has compiled the following list of resources to assist educators in helping students process the violence, terror, and news coming from the Middle East. 

Discussing the History 

While the current war is between Israel and Hamas, it is important for students to have background on the long history of conflict, attempted peace processes, and the people living in the region.  

Talking with Students 

In the Classroom 

Additional Resources 

Trauma-Informed Resources for School Systems 

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides resources that can be filtered by topic, keyword, and audience with a focus on how adults can identify traumatic responses in young people and how to support them.   

For All Ages 

  • If you are an educator in need of additional support, The FrontLine WarmLine is also available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week by calling 207-221-8196 or texting 898-211.  
  • For additional support, please reach out to your school-based mental health professionals such as the school counselor or social worker if needed. Parents and students can also call 211 for additional community resources.  If you are a parent and believe your or your child’s mental well-being is in jeopardy, call or text 1-888-568-1112 or emergency responders. 

These resources are neither meant to be exhaustive nor is their inclusion an endorsement of a particular viewpoint. 

Maine DOE Update – October 13, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

November Webinar: Immigrant Data Entry (UPDATED)

The Immigrant Data Entry Webinar has been moved to November 6th at 10 am. |  More

Due Soon: Staff Certification

Certification of the Staff EPS Counts is due on October 30th. This report is used in the calculation of EPS funding allocations. |  More

Certification Open, Due Soon: October 1 Student Counts

Certification of the October 1 Student Count Report opens on October 16th and is due on October 30th. This report is used in the calculation of EPS funding allocations. |  More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

East End Community School Teacher Joshua Chard Named 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine named East End Community School third-grade teacher Joshua Chard as Maine’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony with students and educators at Chard’s school in Portland. |  More

PUBLIC COMMENT: Rule Chapter 132: Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Education; Science and Social Studies Standards

As part of the scheduled periodic review of the Maine Learning Results, the Maine Department of Education is seeking public comments regarding the proposed revisions to the social studies standards and the science standard in Rule Chapter 132. These comments will inform the continued work of the standards revision teams and are an integral part of the rulemaking process. |  More

Maine DOE Seeks Public Comment on the Amendment to Maine’s Model of School Support

The Maine Department of Education is requesting an approval by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to revise its approved consolidated ESSA State Plan under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). In this first phase, Maine is requesting the amendment to account for the transition to Maine’s new state general assessment, the Maine Through Year Assessment. |  More

Reminder: RISE Award Nominations Open Through Oct 20. Nominate an Extraordinary School Employee Today!

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites students, friends, families, community members, educational organizations or associations, co-workers, and supervisors to nominate school employees for the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award.  |  More

Coming Soon! Maine DOE’s New Public School Podcast “What Holds Us Together”

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to launch, “What Holds Us Together,” a new podcast celebrating Maine schools. Each month, Commissioner Pender Makin will highlight the inspiring and amazing things happening in Maine schools through conversations with educators, school staff, and students across our State. |  More

Maine DOE Meets with Adult Education Leaders in Lewiston for Annual Directors Meeting

The leaders of Maine’s adult education community convened in Lewiston for their annual directors meeting. The meeting brought together key figures in the Maine education landscape, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that drive adult education across the state. Daniel Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner at the Maine Department of Education, and Megan Welter, Associate Commissioner of Public Education were both in attendance, highlighting the State’s commitment to adult education. Erica Carley Harris, Policy Analyst for the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, provided valuable insights into policies that shape adult education initiatives in Maine. |  More

2023 Class of Maine AmeriCorps Volunteers Sworn in During Viles Arboretum Celebration and Service Project

The 2023 class of Maine AmeriCorps members took the pledge to serve as volunteers during a celebration and service project that took place recently at the Viles Arboretum in Augusta. |  More

Maine DOE Opens 2023/2024 Student Cabinet Application

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is opening applications for the 2023/2024 Student Cabinet, a group of students that meet regularly with the Maine DOE and each other to discuss educational opportunities, improvements, and policy. |  More

NASBE Honors Maine State Board of Education Chair Fern Desjardins with Distinguished Service Award

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) has awarded Maine State Board of Education Chair Fern Desjardins the 2023 Distinguished Service Award. This national award honors current and former state board members who have made exceptional contributions to education. It represents one of the highest awards NASBE can bestow on a state board of education member. |  More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Fighting Food Insecurity and Building Career Skills with Madison ELO Program

After spending the school day teaching math and sustainable agriculture at Madison Area Memorial High School, Joshua Bishop works after hours to run the school’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program. The ELO program at Madison focuses primarily on agriculture with the goal of teaching students valuable work skills while also helping to fight food insecurity in Somerset County. |  More

Lewiston Regional Tech Center Hosts 500 CTE Educators and Partners

More than 500 CTE educators and CTE partners came together last Friday at the Lewiston Regional Tech Center to participate in more than 20 CTE and career pathways sessions. |  More

St. George School Receives National Recognition for Innovative CTE/Makerspace Project

St. George Municipal School Unit (MSU) was recently selected as one of the 32 national semifinalists for the national Yass Prize, recognizing the “contemporary, inventive, and diverse in-district offerings” provided by St. George School. The small, rural St. George School was chosen among nearly 2,000 applicants representing 27 million students from every sector in education and every grade across all 50 states. |  More

Removing Barriers to Student Leadership

The following is a piece from The State Education Standard, a journal of the National State Boards of Education, written by Maine State Board of Education Student Representative Ryan Hafner. Ryan is a Senior at Hampton Academy and co-chairs the Maine DOE Student Cabinet. |  More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Professional Learning: The Rural Experience in America Project

Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program, NCHE is proud to announce a 3-part colloquium for teachers focusing on Rural America. These free professional learning opportunities will help teachers develop place-based interdisciplinary units that connect students to their rural communities. Additionally, the Maine Department of Education will be hosting a bi-weekly professional learning community to support educators through these NCHE modules. The PLC will incorporate the work developed by the MDOE interdisciplinary instruction specialists. |  More

Register Now for Alternative Education Association Fall Conference

The Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine is excited to announce a Fall Conference on November 9th at the University of Maine Augusta from 9:30 am – 1:30 am with the theme, “Circle Up!” |  More

New Learning Cohort Opportunity to Equip Principals in Leading Equity-Based MTSS for Student Supports; Info Session on 10/23

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative training program aimed at empowering school principals to champion equity-based Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for comprehensive student success. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

 

November Webinar: Immigrant Data Entry (UPDATED)

The Immigrant Data Entry Webinar has been moved to November 6th at 10 am.

The Maine DOE Data and ESOL teams are collaborating to review reporting requirements and data entry of students who are eligible for Immigrant Services. This webinar will be focused on identifying eligible students, communication between ESOL coordinators and Data Specialists, and how to enter data into State Synergy for reporting.

For questions about data reporting webinars please contact Alexandra.Cookson@maine.gov

Due Soon: Staff Certification

Certification of the Staff EPS Counts is due on October 30th. This report is used in the calculation of EPS funding allocations.

Special Education Directors need to Review and Certify the EF-S-05 Part 2 (Special Education Staff Count) BEFORE superintendents can certify overall counts. Superintendents are required to review and certify the Staff Certification report in NEO and submit to the Maine DOE.

Resources:

For questions about data reporting please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896

Certification Open, Due Soon: October 1 Student Counts

Certification of the October 1 Student Count Report opens on October 16th and is due on October 30th. This report is used in the calculation of EPS funding allocations.

Special Education Directors in school administrative units (SAUs) with publicly funded students will need to Review and Certify the EF-S-05 Part 1 (Special Education Child Count) BEFORE superintendents can certify overall counts.

Superintendents in SAUs with publicly funded students are required to review and certify the October 1 Student Count report in NEO and submit it to the Maine DOE.

Resources:

For questions about data reporting please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896

2023 Class of Maine AmeriCorps Volunteers Sworn in During Viles Arboretum Celebration and Service Project

The 2023 class of Maine AmeriCorps members took the pledge to serve as volunteers during a celebration and service project that took place recently at the Viles Arboretum in Augusta.

Maine AmeriCorps members were joined by Volunteer Maine and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to enjoy breakfast together and be sworn in as AmeriCorps volunteers for the year and beyond.

Maine DOE Associate Commissioner Chelsey Fortin-Trimble, an AmeriCorps alumna and Maine Commission for Community Service board member spoke during the ceremony about the importance of community service and how her lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunity for children led her to becoming an elementary school educator with Teach for America, an AmeriCorps national service program. Fortin-Trimble thanked outgoing AmeriCorps members for their service and led incoming AmeriCorps members in the AmeriCorps pledge. 

Volunteer Maine Executive Director Maryalice Crofton also addressed volunteers and thanked them for their service during the ceremony and Daniel Zamarron, the Director of Parks and Gardens for the City of Juarez, Mexico was also present for the occasion.

Volunteer Maine Executive Director Maryalice Crofton
Maine DOE Associate Commissioner Chelsey Fortin-Trimble swearing in Maine AmeriCorps members.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps. In September 1993, former President Bill Clinton helped launch the modern-day AmeriCorps and just one year later, swore in the first class of 20,000 members. Thirty years later, more than 1.25 million AmeriCorps members and hundreds of thousands of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers have taken the pledge to serve in communities large and small.

AmeriCorps members serve in Maine to gain valuable skills while supporting community organizations in the areas of early childhood education and development, mentorship, environmental conservation, green energy education, expanding access to outdoor recreation, and community resilience, among others. Member benefits include a living allowance and a post-service education award.

Following the ceremony National Service members were led by Harrison Lobb, an Environmental Steward to participate in a service project. Participants helped remove invasive species from the Viles Arboretum property enabling native plants and animals to thrive and enhancing access for visitors.

A local resident and garden enthusiast Jacky Zarate also ended up joining the National Service volunteers after being invited on a whim by a Volunteer Maine staff member who was picking up gloves at a local hardware store to use that day. It’s moments like these that further exemplify the opportunity for service to bring people together.

Volunteer Maine staff members
Harrison Lobb holding up the invasive species the volunteers were helping remove that day.
Volunteer Maine staff members speak with local Jacky Zarate

The Viles Arboretum service project was funded through an Alumni TIES small grant from the U.S. Department of State. The event was organized by Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, which builds capacity and sustainability in Maine’s volunteer sector by funding service programs, developing volunteer managers and service-learning practitioners, raising awareness of the scope and the impact of the volunteer sector, and encouraging an ethic of service. To learn more about Volunteer Maine visit their website: http://volunteermaine.gov/

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

Lewiston Regional Tech Center Hosts 500 CTE Educators and Partners

More than 500 CTE educators and CTE partners came together last Friday at the Lewiston Regional Tech Center to participate in more than 20 CTE and career pathways sessions.

Conference participants were able to collaborate with colleagues from all over the state during these breakout sessions and over lunch. Participants enjoyed a variety of offerings from the culinary arts program’s food trucks.

Over lunch, Kelli Toole, from St. Croix Regional Technical Center, shared her experience as the Student Services Coordinator with Lucille Willey, the Director of Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology. Both agreed that they have found conferences like the MACTE conference immeasurably helpful, as they are able to collaborate, share ideas, and network with other professionals who work in CTEs.

More on the agenda here.