This week, the Department had the honor of announcing it was awarding $1.6 million in School Improvement Grant (SIG) funding to James Otis Kaler Elementary.

The South Portland school intends to use this State support to raise student proficiency in math and reading by 10 percent annually over the next three years by better supporting students, enhancing educator effectiveness and increasing parent/community engagement.

The commitment to school improvement is not new to Kaler. In 2011, a school-based renewal effort was launched, but meaningful headway has yet to be made. The school received an “F” on its State report card the last two years, and just 38.5 percent of its students are proficient in math and 44.4 percent in reading.

Kaler’s challenges are significant but certainly familiar to many Maine schools: high teacher turnover and a growing percentage of students who are economically disadvantaged or require special education or English language learning services.

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Notices and Reporting

• School Bus Purchase Report (EF-T-20: Quarter 4), due June 30
• NCLB Extension Carryover Report, due June 30
• Report of Adult Education for Subsidy Purposes (EF-M-39A), due July 15
• Bus Safety & Training Report (EF-T-21), due July 31
• Annual Budget Reporting, due August 22
• Year End Financial Reporting, due August 25

More Notices Administrative Letters Reporting Calendar

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News & Views

State awards South Portland’s Kaler Elementary $1.6 million for school improvement

SOUTH PORTLAND – A South Portland elementary school will use $1.6 million awarded today by the Maine Department of Education to raise student proficiency in math and reading by 10 percent annually over the next three years. | More

Maine DOE to distribute funds to support proficiency-based diploma transition

Maine school administrative units (SAUs) will receive targeted funds to support the transition to a proficiency-based diploma again this year. Beginning in the fall, the Maine DOE will distribute to each SAU a grant in the amount of 1/10th of 1 percent of that SAU’s total cost of education. | More

Maine DOE offers free school safety, security workshop

The Maine DOE is encouraging staff from Maine schools to attend Preparing People: A School Safety and Security Workshop on Tuesday, June 24 at Colby College Alumni Center in Waterville. | More

Charter commission seeks proposals for 2015 school opening

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Maine’s CTE Centers name students of the year

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Department honors top math, science teachers

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Maine Department of Labor offers students summer employment tips

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LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• ConnectME Broadband Technical Assistance Initiative Adult Education Technology Grant
• ConnectME Broadband Technical Assistance Initiative Volunteer Literacy Service Technology Grant 

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Dispatches Press Releases From the Commissioner