Winthrop proposes requiring school attendance starting at age 6
Winthrop’s proposed compulsory-attendance policy would require full-time school attendance from age 6 until 17, instead of starting at age 7.
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Friday, November 13, 2026
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What’s moving in AI
How artificial intelligence is changing classrooms and school rules.
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Students speaking up, organizing and helping shape their schools.
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Latest Maine stories
MSAD 75 (Maine School Administrative District 75)
Board called an emergency meeting on support-staff contract talks
The board scheduled an emergency meeting for October 22, 2026 with one main item: an executive session on contract negotiations with the Merrymeeting Employees Association.
Maine State Board of Education
Public comment period listed for proposed school construction rules
An official Maine State Board School Construction Committee agenda lists an October 22–November 24, 2026 public comment period and a November 13 hearing for proposed State Board Chapter61 rules for major capital school construction. This is a proposed rulemaking process; the agenda does not establish final adoption.
RSU 82/MSAD 12 (Jackman-Moose River)
Board asked to spend up to $23,500 to replace gym bleachers
The Oct. 21, 2026 agenda asks the board to approve up to $23,500 from the capital reserve account to replace the gym bleachers. In July the superintendent said community fundraising for the bleachers was held in a separate account and that she would ask the Town of Jackman about using some ministerial funds. Voters set aside $50,000 from the capital reserve for 2026-27 repairs.
RSU 82/MSAD 12 (Jackman-Moose River)
High school course handbook changes up for a vote; parent says no AP or dual credit offered
The Oct. 21, 2026 agenda includes changes to the 2026-27 high school course registration handbook and a first reading of policy IKF on graduation requirements. In June, a community member told the board Forest Hills is the only local school that will not offer dual credit, that it offers no AP courses, and raised concern about how college credits count.
MSAD 72 (Maine School Administrative District 72)
Committee narrows Brownfield-Denmark Elementary options to a K-2/3-8 plan
The board's ad hoc committee on the future of Brownfield-Denmark Elementary School (BDES) narrowed its options on Oct. 19, 2026. The remaining plan would make New Suncook School K-2 for the whole district and Molly Ockett School grades 3-8. Earlier scenarios estimated savings from about $122,500 to $462,500 in staffing alone. A full closure of BDES was estimated to save about $836,000. Presentations at each school were planned for the week of Nov. 9. The committee's recommendation goes to the board at its December meeting.
Heating oil costs far above budget
On October 19 the board heard that heating oil cost about $4.60 a gallon, compared with about $2.90 a gallon in the budget. The district buys at market prices and has not locked in a rate.
Retired teacher rehired to keep industrial arts going
The industrial arts teacher retired, and Maine no longer certifies new industrial arts teachers. On October 19 the board rehired the retired teacher, Tim O'Connor, for the rest of this year. The district is also trying to get a Region 9 career teacher for Telstar.
Community Regional Charter School
Board to vote on selling 48 S. Factory Street building
The October 14 agenda includes a vote to put the school building at 48 S. Factory Street up for sale and move its programs to 1192 West Ridge Road starting January 1. Minutes are not posted yet, so the result is not known.
More from the news desk
MSAD 72 (Maine School Administrative District 72)
Special education short on ed techs, case managers and specialists
At the Oct. 14, 2026 meeting, administrators reported special education still needs six educational technicians, two case managers, a social worker, a speech pathologist and a psychologist. Substitute shortages were reported at every school during 2025-26.
MSAD 72 (Maine School Administrative District 72)
Volunteer rules tightened on student photos after a parent complaint
In June 2026, parents complained that a board member volunteering at a school event had posted a student's photo on Facebook without permission. The board then sent revisions to its school volunteer regulations (IJOC-R1) back to committee. On Oct. 14 a revised draft went to first read. Under it, volunteers may photograph only their own child. A 'no touching' clause is still under discussion.
Community Regional Charter School
Overman building principal resigns
The October 14 agenda lists the resignation of Elizabeth Firnkes, Overman Academy's building principal.
MSAD 75 (Maine School Administrative District 75)
$300,000 gift creates a permanent fund for Bowdoinham Community School
A donor gave MSAD 75 $300,000 to set up the VC Dunlap Fund, named for Bowdoinham-born botanist Vining Campbell Dunlap. The gift agreement says the principal is permanent and is not to be spent; the fund benefits Bowdoinham Community School students.
MSAD 75 (Maine School Administrative District 75)
2026-27 operating budget is $61.2 million
The district's first-quarter report shows a 2026-27 general fund budget of $61,161,600. Health insurance is budgeted at $8,737,076. Debt payments total about $6.4 million ($4,897,964 in principal and $1,546,650 in interest).
Board approves more educational technician positions
The board approved adding extra educational technician positions in regular instruction to support students as needed. The minutes do not specify how many positions will be added or which schools will receive them.
Winthrop approves limits on non-school materials sent home
The board approved Policy KHC, limiting which non-school materials students may carry home. The policy allows school communications and school-related or affiliated activities; community notices may instead be posted with a principal’s prior approval.
Maine State Board of Education
Maine committee advances lower local cost shares for school construction aid
Maine’s School Construction Committee voted to advance a proposal lowering the cost-sharing percentages for major school construction projects to 20%, 10% and 0%. The change is proposed, not adopted; it would go to a second public comment period and hearing.
Community Regional Charter School
State recommends renewing charter with conditions
The Maine Charter School Commission's draft recommendation is to renew the school's charter with conditions. The full Commission was set to vote October 13. The board plans goals in response, including a full-time PreK-12 curriculum coordinator and a plan for future executive director succession.
Community Regional Charter School
AI use policies adopted; AI consultant to be hired
The board adopted policies on artificial intelligence (AI) use and, after a closed session on personnel, agreed to hire a consultant on 'complex issues around artificial intelligence software and its use' at the school.
Community Regional Charter School
Enrollment about 330, below the 373 in renewal plan
Enrollment is about 330 students. The board approved its renewal application using 373 students, and is pushing to recruit, including a new bus stop in Newport.
Regional School Unit 71 (RSU 71)
Member towns fall behind on school payments
Finance reports all year showed member towns behind on their assessments. Belmont and Swanville were late most months, owing $481,122 combined in April. In May, Belfast, Belmont and Swanville owed about $1.6 million. In September, Swanville was five months behind and Belmont one month. The district also reported a 10.5% budget surplus.
Garret Schenck and Solon lose another principal
Principal Amy McDaniel, hired in July for Garret Schenck School and Solon Elementary, resigned effective immediately on Sept. 17, 2026. The superintendent asked the board on Oct. 7 to name former principal Jean Butler as interim principal while the job is re-advertised.
District asks for more aides as some students lash out
The superintendent asked the board to allow more educational technicians in regular classrooms because a few students have not adjusted to school routines and are becoming dysregulated, sometimes lashing out physically. Two students already have long-term substitutes covering them, and a third is likely.
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