20-A M.R.S. § 12722 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12722
20-A §12722. Defined contribution retirement plan
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility; plan contents. Subject to applicable bargaining agreements, the board of trustees may authorize persons employed in the faculty and instructors and the administrative staff bargaining units to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan offered by the board of trustees instead of any plan offered by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. The defined contribution retirement plan must include the requirement that any disbursement of the accumulated assets in a person's defined contribution plan account or accounts must include pay out of at least 40% of the assets as a life annuity. The defined contributions retirement plan must also offer an option providing a life annuity pay out to a surviving spouse. [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF); PL 2007, c. 58, §3 (REV).]

2. Election periods. An eligible person is considered to be a participant in the defined contribution plan offered by the board of trustees unless that person makes a one-time irrevocable election to participate in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. The election must be made in writing no later than 30 days after the date of hire in an eligible position, and notice of the election must be filed with the administrative officer of the employing institution. The employing institution shall notify the Maine Public Employees Retirement System of the election in accordance with procedures established by the Chief Executive Officer of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. Participation in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System pursuant to an election under this subsection is effective as of the date of hire, and the system shall remit all required contributions to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System retroactively to the date of hire. A. [PL 2009, c. 474, §45 (RP).] B. [PL 2009, c. 474, §45 (RP).] [PL 2009, c. 474, §45 (RPR); PL 2021, c. 548, §45 (REV).]

3. Maine Public Employees Retirement System members. [PL 2009, c. 474, §46 (RP).]

4. No service credit for defined contribution plan participation. At no time may an employee who participates in the defined contribution plan offered by the board of trustees pay contributions or pick-up contributions to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System or receive Maine Public Employees Retirement System service credit for any time during which the employee participated in the defined contribution plan. [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF); PL 2007, c. 58, §3 (REV).]

5. Retiree health benefits. For purposes of Title 5, section 285, subsection 7 , participants in the defined contribution plan offered by the board of trustees must be treated as persons who were previously eligible pursuant to Title 5, section 285, subsection 1, paragraph A if those persons have terminated employment with the system, its colleges and subsidiaries, if that employment represents the last place of employment in which those persons are eligible for health insurance coverage under Title 5, section 285 and if those persons are at least 60 years of age, except for termination due to disability when those persons are receiving disability benefits under a disability benefit program provided by the board of trustees under subsection 6 . The board of trustees is responsible for payment of the State's share of health plan premiums under Title 5, section 285, subsection 7 for defined contribution plan participants if the requirements of this subsection are met. [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF).]

6. Disability benefits. For employees covered under the defined contribution plan, the board of trustees shall provide a disability benefit program, the cost of which must be paid by the board of trustees. At a minimum, that program must establish eligibility criteria, provide coverage for physical and mental disabilities and provide a level of benefits at least equal to 60% of the employee's annual compensation. [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF).]

7. Administration. The board of trustees and the Maine Public Employees Retirement System shall administer this section as follows. A. The board of trustees is responsible for providing an employee with information as to membership under the Maine Public Employees Retirement System and as to coverage under the defined contribution plan offered by the board of trustees to assist the employee in making an election decision. The Maine Public Employees Retirement System shall provide the board of trustees with information as to membership in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF); PL 2007, c. 58, §3 (REV).] B. The board of trustees is responsible for determining eligibility and providing procedures for making an election under this section, for maintaining all records relevant to the election process and an individual employee's election, for informing the Maine Public Employees Retirement System as to employee elections in accordance with procedures established by the Chief Executive Officer of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System and for making all administrative decisions, including the final administrative decision, in any dispute related to an employee's election or to any issue as to the plan offered by the board of trustees. Neither the Maine Public Employees Retirement System nor the Board of Trustees of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System has responsibility or jurisdiction to make the final administrative decision with respect to any of these matters. The Maine Public Employees Retirement System is responsible only to ensure that its records accurately reflect the information provided by the board of trustees, the board of trustees' decision as to any of these matters and the legally recognized outcome of any dispute related to any of these matters. [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF); PL 2007, c. 58, §3 (REV); PL 2021, c. 548, §45 (REV).] C. With respect to matters related to participation and membership in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System other than those specified in paragraph B , the Maine Public Employees Retirement System and the Board of Trustees of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System retain responsibility and authority according to applicable retirement system law and rules as to the system and its employees to whom this section applies, including the authority to make final administrative decisions. [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF); PL 2007, c. 58, §3 (REV).] [PL 1997, c. 763, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 763, §7 (AFF); PL 2007, c. 58, §3 (REV); PL 2021, c. 548, §45 (REV).]

8. Participation in Maine Public Employees Retirement System. [PL 2009, c. 474, §47 (RP).]

9. Hardship distributions. The board of trustees may make hardship distributions from any of the accumulated assets in a defined contribution retirement plan account or accounts in accordance with federal regulations. [PL 2017, c. 179, §16 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13013-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13013-A
20-A §13013-A. Salary supplements for national board-certified teachers
Status: in_force

1. Department of Education salary supplement. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Department of Education shall provide a public school teacher, a teacher in a publicly supported secondary school or a teacher employed by an education service center as authorized under chapter 123 who has attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, or its successor organization, with an annual national board certification salary supplement for the life of the certificate. The salary supplement must be added to the teacher's base salary and must be considered in the calculation for contributions to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. If a nationally certified teacher is no longer employed as a teacher, the supplement ceases. The amount of the salary supplement is: A. For fiscal year 2012-13, $2,500; [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).] B. For fiscal year 2013-14, $2,750; [PL 2019, c. 394, §1 (AMD).] C. For fiscal year 2014-15 and succeeding years, except for a teacher under paragraph D , $3,000; and [PL 2019, c. 394, §1 (AMD).] D. For fiscal year 2020-21 and succeeding years, for a teacher who is employed in a school in which at least 50% of students qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch under chapter 223, subchapter 7 during the year that the supplement is provided, $5,000. [PL 2019, c. 394, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Funding revenue. The National Board Certification Salary Supplement Fund is established as a nonlapsing dedicated fund within the Department of Education beginning in fiscal year 2012-13. The salary supplement under subsection 1 must be funded from fees collected by the department pursuant to section 13007, subsection 1 . [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]

2. Local filing; certification. On or before October 15th annually, the superintendent of schools of a school administrative unit, the chief administrative officer of a publicly supported secondary school or a career and technical education region or the executive director of an education service center as authorized under chapter 123 shall file with the commissioner a certified list of national board-certified teachers eligible to receive the salary supplement pursuant to subsection 1 . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]

3. Payment. If there are available resources, the department shall provide the salary supplement to school administrative units, publicly supported secondary schools and education service centers as authorized under chapter 123 for eligible teachers no later than February 15th of each year. The salary supplement paid may be prorated. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]

4. Expend funds. A school administrative unit or a publicly supported secondary school may expend funds received through the salary supplement under subsection 1 without calling for a special meeting of the local legislative body. [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (AMD).]

5. Scholarship fund. The National Board Certification Scholarship Fund is established as a nonlapsing dedicated fund, referred to in this subsection as "the scholarship fund," within the Department of Education to encourage teachers to apply to and enroll in the certification program offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or its successor organization, referred to in this subsection and subsection 6 as "the certification program." A school administrative unit, a publicly supported secondary school or an education service center as authorized under chapter 123 may request scholarship funds on behalf of its teachers who meet the requirements set forth in subsection 6. The department shall award funds according to this subsection. A. In fiscal year 2012-13, the department shall allocate $50,000 from fees collected by the department pursuant to section 13007, subsection 1 to the scholarship fund. The department shall award an amount equal to the cost of the certification program less any other funds received by the applicant on a first-come first-served basis for the first 20 teachers accepted into the certification program annually. [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).] B. Beginning in fiscal year 2013-14, the department shall allocate $75,000 from fees collected by the department pursuant to section 13007, subsection 1 each fiscal year to the scholarship fund. The department shall award an amount equal to the cost of enrollment in the certification program less any other funds received by the applicant to not more than 30 teachers accepted into the program annually. [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]

6. Eligibility requirements. In order to receive scholarship funds according to subsection 5 on behalf of a teacher, the school administrative unit, a publicly supported secondary school or an education service center as authorized under chapter 123 must certify to the department that the teacher: A. Is currently employed by a school administrative unit, a publicly supported secondary school or an education service center; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).] B. Has completed at least 3 years of teaching in the State; [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).] C. Has agreed to mentor at least one other teacher employed in the State through the national board certification process to apply to and enroll in the certification program; [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).] D. Has provided documentation of acceptance into the certification program; and [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).] E. Has disclosed any other funds received to cover the cost of the certification program. [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]

7. Nonlapsing funds. Any unencumbered balance of the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund under subsection 5 remaining at the end of a fiscal year may not lapse but must be carried forward to be used for the same purpose. [PL 2011, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8703 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 316 / Section 8703
20-A §8703. Driver education teachers
Status: in_force

A driver education teacher must hold a license to teach driver education. [PL 1995, c. 505, §6 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 505, §22 (AFF).]

1. Licensing. Only a person licensed by the Secretary of State as a driver education teacher may be employed by a public secondary school, approved private secondary school, a career and technical education center, career and technical education region or adult education program, conducted pursuant to chapter 315 , to teach driver education. The Secretary of State shall establish instructor qualification requirements for persons licensed to teach driver education. [PL 1997, c. 393, Pt. A, §18 (RPR); PL 1997, c. 393, Pt. A, §19 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

2. Temporary license. If a licensed driver education teacher is not available to teach driver education and the school board, cooperative board or private school requests, the Secretary of State shall grant a temporary license to any person who holds a Class A instructor's license issued by the Secretary of State in accordance with Title 29‑A, section 1354 . [PL 1997, c. 393, Pt. A, §18 (RPR); PL 1997, c. 393, Pt. A, §19 (AFF).]

3. Contracts. A public secondary school, approved private secondary school, a career and technical education center, career and technical education region or adult education program conducted pursuant to chapter 315 may contract with a commercial driver education school to provide driver education as part of the secondary school curriculum if the instructor is properly licensed. [PL 1995, c. 505, §6 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 505, §22 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11614 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-A / Section 11614
20-A §11614. Determination of grants
Status: in_force

Grants to eligible students must be determined as follows, subject to the limitations set forth in section 11613 . [PL 2001, c. 70, §8 (AMD).]

1. Priority for awards of grants. Students with the lowest student aid index must be given priority over all other eligible students for the awards of grants. [PL 2023, c. 23, §5 (AMD).]

2. Minimum amount. It is the intent of the Legislature that grants awarded under this chapter, except as provided in subsections 4 , 5 and 6 , may not be less than $1,000 or, if sufficient funds are appropriated for this purpose, less than $2,500. The authority may establish by rule increased grant amounts for students attending their 2nd, 3rd and 4th years, or the equivalents thereof, at institutions of higher education. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. XXX, §1 (AMD).]

3. Scholarships for students attending private institutions. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. HH, §2 (RP).]

4. Prorated grants. A grant recipient whose course load is reduced from full time is entitled to receive a grant prorated for that term of the recipient's enrollment. [PL 2001, c. 70, §8 (AMD).]

5. Withdrawal. If a recipient of a grant withdraws from an institution and the student is entitled to a refund of tuition, fees or other charges, the institution shall make a refund payment directly to the authority in accordance with the institution's refund policy. [PL 2001, c. 70, §8 (AMD).]

6. Safety net. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the authority may not allocate less in grants under this chapter for students attending the University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy, the Maine Community College System and private postsecondary institutions than was allocated for students in each of those institutions or groups of institutions of higher education in 1988-89. [PL 2001, c. 70, §8 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

7. Part-time students. The authority may allocate grants to eligible part-time students. The authority must establish eligibility criteria by rulemaking pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. [PL 2011, c. 642, §4 (AMD).]

8. Exception for certain public institutions outside the State. The authority may adopt rules establishing criteria and an application process for making grant awards to students who wish to pursue a course of study available only at a public institution outside the State as part of the New England regional student program offered by the New England Board of Higher Education established by Title 5, section 12004‑K, subsection 2 . Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 642, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10921 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411-A / Section 10921
20-A §10921. Displaced homemaker
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, "displaced homemaker" means an individual who: [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]

1. Former worker in home. Has worked in the home for a substantial number of years providing unpaid household services for members of the individual's family; [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]

2. No gainful employment. Is not gainfully employed or is not employed in a position offering reasonable opportunities for advancement; [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]

3. Difficulty in getting employment. Has had or would have difficulty securing employment; and [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]

4. Former dependency. Has been dependent on the income of another family member, but is no longer supported by such income, or has been dependent on federal assistance, but is no longer eligible for such assistance, or is supported as the parent of minor children by government assistance or spousal support, but whose children are within one year of reaching majority. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11430 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11430
20-A §11430. Taxable bond option
Status: in_force

With respect to all or any portion of any issue of any bonds or any series of bonds which the authority may issue in accordance with the limitations and restrictions of this chapter, the authority may covenant, elect and consent that the interest on the bonds shall be includable, under the code or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue law of the United States, in the gross income of the holders of the bonds to the same extent and in the same manner that the interest on bills, bonds, notes or other obligations of the United States is includable in the gross income of the holders under the code or any subsequent law. Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall not be subject to any limitations or restrictions of any law which may limit the authority's power to issue those bonds. The foregoing grant of power shall not be construed as limiting the inherent power of the State or its agencies under any other provision of law to issue debt, the interest on which is includable in the gross income of the holders under the code or any subsequent law. [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4772-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 208-A / Section 4772-A
20-A §4772-A. Student eligibility; exception
Status: in_force

A secondary school student who does not meet the requirements of section 4772, subsection 2 is eligible under this chapter if that student: [PL 1999, c. 495, §1 (NEW).]

1. Enrolled as junior. Is enrolled in grade 11 or higher in the student's school unit; [RR 1999, c. 1, §25 (COR).]

2. Recommendation. Has received a recommendation to take a postsecondary course or courses at an eligible institution from the student's school administration or from a teacher at the student's school following an assessment of the student by the school administration; and [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. XX, §4 (AMD).]

3. Approval. Has been approved for participation in a course or courses by an eligible institution. [PL 1999, c. 495, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9506 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9506
20-A §9506. License; refusal to renew; suspension; revocation
Status: in_force

The commissioner may investigate complaints involving a school, including any allegation of noncompliance with or violation of this chapter and applicable rules. The commissioner may, after a hearing in conformance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV , to the extent applicable, amend, modify or refuse to renew any license and may revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a license as provided in Title 5, section 10004 . [PL 1983, c. 841, §6 (NEW).]

The District Court may suspend or revoke the license of any person found to have violated any provision of this chapter or any lawful order or rule issued by the commissioner. [PL 1983, c. 841, §6 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §78 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6993 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 231 / Section 6993
20-A §6993. Program requirements
Status: in_force

To qualify as a Purple Star School, a school administrative unit must: [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]

1. Military liaison. Designate a staff member as a military liaison, whose duties include: A. Identifying military-connected students enrolled at the school administrative unit; [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] B. Serving as the point of contact between the school administrative unit and military-connected students and their families; [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] C. Determining appropriate school administrative unit services available to military-connected students; and [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] D. Assisting in coordinating school administrative unit programs relevant to military-connected students; [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]

2. Website. Maintain on the school administrative unit's publicly accessible website an easily accessible web page that includes resources for military-connected students and their families, including information regarding: A. Relocation to, enrollment in and transferring records to the school administrative unit; [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] B. Academic planning, course sequences and advanced classes available at the school administrative unit; and [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] C. Counseling and other support services available for military-connected students enrolled in the school administrative unit; [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]

3. Transition program. Maintain a transition program led by students, when appropriate, that assists military-connected students in transitioning into the school administrative unit; [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]

4. Professional development. Offer professional development for staff members on issues related to military-connected students; and [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]

5. Initiatives. Initiate one of the following: A. A resolution showing support for military-connected students and their families; [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] B. Recognition of the month of the military child or military family month with relevant events hosted by the school administrative unit; or [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] C. A partnership with a local military installation, as defined in section 20102 , that provides opportunities for active duty military members to volunteer at the school administrative unit, speak at an assembly or host a field trip. [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6359 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6359
20-A §6359. Immunization of students
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Certificate of immunization" means a written statement from a physician, nurse or public health official who has administered an immunizing agent to a student, specifying the dosage administered and the date it was administered. [PL 1991, c. 146, §1 (AMD).] B. "Chief administrative officer" means the person designated by the legal governing authority as president, administrator or director of a public or private post-secondary school. [PL 1985, c. 771, §§2, 7 (NEW).] C. "Disease" means those conditions that are preventable by immunizing agent, as specified in rules. [PL 2001, c. 326, §4 (AMD).] D. "Immunizing agent" means a vaccine, toxoid or other substance used to increase an individual's immunity to a disease. [PL 1991, c. 146, §1 (AMD).] E. "Parent" means a student's parent, legal guardian or custodian. A person shall be regarded as a student's custodian if that person is an adult and has assumed legal charge and care of the student. [PL 1985, c. 771, §§2, 7 (NEW).] F. "Public health official" means the Director of the Bureau of Health or any designated employee or agent of the Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 1991, c. 146, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).] G. "School" means any public or private, post-secondary school in the State including, but not limited to colleges, universities, community colleges and schools for the health professions. [PL 1989, c. 443, §22 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).] G-1. "School health provider" means a physician, physician associate, registered nurse or nurse practitioner licensed to practice by the State and appointed by the chief administrative officer to provide health care to the student population. [RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. B, §2 (COR).] H. "Student" means any person born after 1956 who attends school full time or who is a candidate for a degree, diploma or graduate certificate. [PL 1987, c. 71 (RPR).] [RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. B, §2 (COR).]

2. Immunization. Except as otherwise provided under this section, every student shall have administered an adequate dosage of an immunizing agent against each disease as specified by rule. Any such immunizing agent shall meet standards for the biological products, approved by the United States Public Health Service and the dosage requirement specified by the Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 2001, c. 326, §5 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

3. Enrollment of school. No chief administrative officer may permit any student to be enrolled in or to attend school without a certificate of immunization for each disease or other acceptable evidence of required immunization or immunity against the disease, except as follows. A. The parent or the student provides a written statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician associate that, in the physician's, nurse practitioner's or physician associate's professional judgment, immunization against one or more of the diseases may be medically inadvisable. [PL 2019, c. 154, §5 (AMD); PL 2025, c. 316, §3 (REV).] B. [PL 2019, c. 154, §6 (RP); PL 2019, c. 154, §12 (AFF).] [PL 2019, c. 154, §§5, 6 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 154, §12 (AFF); PL 2025, c. 316, §3 (REV).]

4. Exclusion from school. When a public health official has reason to believe that the continued presence in a school of a student who has not been immunized against one or more diseases presents a clear danger to the health of others, the public health official shall notify the chief administrative officer of the school. The chief administrative officer shall cause the student to be excluded from school during the period of danger or until the student receives the necessary immunizing agent. [PL 1985, c. 771, §§2, 7 (NEW).]

5. Records; report. Each chief administrative officer shall keep uniform records of the immunizations and immunization status of each student, based on the certificate of immunization, other acceptable evidence and other available documents. The records shall be part of the student's permanent records. By December 15th of each year, each chief administrative officer shall submit to the Director of the Bureau of Health a summary report of immunization status of the students entering school, as prescribed by rule. A blank summary report form will be provided to each chief administrative officer by the Bureau of Health. [PL 1985, c. 771, §§2, 7 (NEW).]

6. Rules; requirements; reports. The Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services shall adopt rules necessary for the effective implementation of this subchapter, including, but not limited to, rules establishing immunization requirements for each disease, school record keeping and reporting requirements or guidelines and procedures for the exclusion of nonimmunized students from school. The rules may not include any provision governing medical exemptions. Rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A except that rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter specifying the diseases for which immunization is required are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . Immunization requirements more stringent than the provisions of this subchapter may be adopted by a school board or by policy of a private school's governing board. [PL 2019, c. 154, §7 (AMD).]

A student who is enrolled in a distance education program offered by a school and who does not physically attend any classes or programs at a school facility, including a campus, center or site of that school, or at a school facility, including a campus, center or site of any other school, is exempt from the provisions of this section. [PL 2001, c. 87, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6201
20-A §6201. Legislative intent
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that all students graduating from high school must be prepared for success in postsecondary education, careers and citizenship and that a statewide educational assessment program must be implemented. [PL 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]

There is a need for assessment information at both state and local levels to measure progress and ensure accountability regarding the implementation of the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements under section 6209 and in the department rules implementing that section and other curricular requirements. This must be accomplished through assessments to determine what each student knows and is able to demonstrate regarding the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements. [PL 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]

The assessment system must have the following objectives: [PL 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]

1. Statewide assessment. To provide information on the academic achievement and progress of Maine students; [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§3, 4 (NEW).]

2. State goals. To establish a process for a continuing evaluation of the system of learning results established in section 6209 and to aid in the development of educational policies, standards and programs; [PL 2001, c. 454, §28 (AMD).]

3. Local programs. To provide school officials with information to assess the quality, effectiveness and appropriateness of educational materials and methods and curriculum needs, including remediation, interventions and enrichment in their schools; [PL 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]

4. Individual students. To provide school staffs with information about the individual students that may be used, with other information, to meet individual and education needs of the student. The statewide assessment program may not be the only criteria for judging student performance; [PL 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]

5. Trends. To identify year-to-year trends in student achievement; and [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§3, 4 (NEW).]

6. Parents. To provide parents with information about the achievements of their children. [PL 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4803 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 209 / Section 4803
20-A §4803. Special observance days
Status: in_force

Days marked by special observances shall be established as follows: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. January 1st. January 1st, if the school board votes to keep schools open; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Washington's Birthday. Washington's Birthday, the 3rd Monday in February, if the school board votes to keep schools open. The day shall be observed with appropriate exercises; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Lincoln's Birthday. Lincoln's Birthday shall be observed by studying the life and character of Abraham Lincoln during part of the school day; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Arbor Day, as designated by the Governor. Arbor Day shall be observed for the purpose designated by the Governor; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Alcohol Awareness Day. [PL 2019, c. 398, §21 (RP).]

6. John F. Kennedy Day. John F. Kennedy Day, November 2nd, shall be observed by studying the life and character of John F. Kennedy during part of the school day; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

7. Martin Luther King Day. [PL 1985, c. 787, §7 (RP).]

8. Statehood Day. Statehood Day, March 15th, as specified in Title 1, section 116 ; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

9. Poetry Day. Poetry Day, October 15th, as specified in Title 1, section 112 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3618 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3618
20-A §3618. Return of warrant
Status: in_force

The warrant with a certificate thereon, verified by oath, stating the time and place when and where copies of the warrant were posted and published, must be given to the clerk of the interstate school district at or before the time of the meeting, and must be recorded by the clerk in the records of the interstate school district. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §4 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1254 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1254
20-A §1254. Vacancies
Status: in_force

Declaration and filling of vacancies shall be as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Definition of vacancy. A vacancy occurs: A. When the term of the office of a school director expires; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. When a school director changes residency from the municipality or subdistrict from which elected. Evidence that an individual is registered to vote in a municipality is prima facie evidence of that individual's residency; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. On the death of a school director; [PL 1987, c. 866, §1 (AMD).] D. When a school director resigns; or [PL 1987, c. 866, §1 (AMD).] E. Except in municipalities having a municipal charter, when a director is absent without excuse from 3 consecutive regular board meetings, the board may declare that a vacancy exists. [PL 1987, c. 866, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 866, §§1, 2 (AMD).]

2. School board. The board of directors shall notify the municipal officers of the municipalities within the district before the annual town meeting or before the regular city election of the vacancy. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Filling vacancies. Vacancies shall be filled as follows. A. The municipal officers of the municipality in which the director resided shall select an interim director for the municipality or subdistrict to serve until the next annual municipal election. The interim director shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified. [PL 1983, c. 806, §16 (AMD).] B. The municipal officers shall provide at the next municipal or subdistrict election for the election of a director to fill the vacancy. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 806, §16 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11052 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11052
20-A §11052. Purposes
Status: in_force

The several New England states cooperatively deem it feasible to provide needed, acceptable, efficient, educational facilities to meet the needs of New England in the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other fields of technical, professional and graduate training. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4007 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4007
20-A §4007. Secret societies prohibited
Status: in_force

Secret societies shall be prohibited as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Prohibition. Secret fraternities or societies in or associated with public schools shall be prohibited. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Enforcement. School boards shall enforce this section. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Penalty. School boards may expel or otherwise discipline any student for failure or refusal to comply with this section. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1601 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1601
20-A §1601. Definitions
Status: in_force

1. Community school district. A community school district means a school administrative unit consisting of the inhabitants of and the territory within 2 or more municipalities. It shall be a body politic and corporate responsible for the operating of kindergarten through grade 12, or any combination thereof. It may include a school administrative district, which does not operate a secondary school, for the secondary school grades of 9 to 12 only. If a school administrative district is included, the board of directors of the school administrative district may be substituted for the words "municipal officers" and school administrative district may be substituted for the word "municipality" in applying the terms of this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. District board of trustees. The district board of trustees shall perform the duties provided in section 1651 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. District school committee. The school board of a community school district shall be called a district school committee. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6307 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6307
20-A §6307.  Possession, prescription, administration and distribution of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Collaborative practice agreement" means a written and signed agreement between a physician licensed in this State or a school health advisor and a school nurse that provides for the possession, prescription, administration and distribution of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication by the physician or school health advisor and administration of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication by the school nurse or designated school personnel to students, staff or visitors during school or a school-sponsored activity or otherwise on school grounds under emergency circumstances involving an opioid overdose or apparent opioid overdose. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).] B. "Designated school personnel" means those employees, agents or volunteers of a school administrative unit or approved private school designated by a collaborative practice agreement who have completed the training required by the guidelines developed pursuant to subsection 8 to administer naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication to a student, staff member or visitor. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).] C. "Naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication" means medication that has been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration, in a noninjectable form, administered to reverse the effects of opioids in the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).] D. "School" means a public or approved private school. [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).] E. "School health advisor" means a physician or family or pediatric nurse practitioner appointed to act as a school health advisor pursuant to section 6402‑A . [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).] F. "School nurse" means a nurse appointed to serve as a school nurse pursuant to section 6403‑A . [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).]

2. Collaborative practice agreement; adoption authorized. A school administrative unit or an approved private school may authorize adoption of a collaborative practice agreement for the purposes of stocking, possessing and administering naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication as provided under this section. The administration of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication in accordance with this section is not the practice of medicine. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).]

3. Collaborative practice agreement; authority. A collaborative practice agreement permits a physician licensed in this State or school health advisor to prescribe naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication and direct a school nurse to administer naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication in good faith to any student, staff member or visitor experiencing an apparent opioid overdose during school or a school-sponsored activity or otherwise on school grounds. Pursuant to a collaborative practice agreement, a physician licensed in this State or school health advisor may authorize the school nurse during school or a school-sponsored activity or otherwise on school grounds to designate designated school personnel to administer naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication if the school nurse is not present when a student, staff member or visitor experiences a suspected opioid overdose. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).]

4. Collaborative practice agreement; terms and provisions. A collaborative practice agreement must include the following information: A. Name and address of the school; [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).] B. Identification and signatures of the physician or school health advisor and school nurse who are parties to the collaborative practice agreement, the dates the agreement is signed by each party and the beginning and end dates of the period of time within which the agreement is in effect; and [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).] C. Any other information considered appropriate by the physician or school health advisor and school nurse. [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

5. Use of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication without a collaborative practice agreement. If a collaborative practice agreement has not been adopted pursuant to subsection 2 , the governing body of a school administrative unit or an approved private school may authorize a school nurse or other licensed health care professional whose scope of practice includes administration of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication to: A. Stock and possess naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication prescribed by a legally authorized individual; and [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).] B. Administer naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication prescribed by a legally authorized individual to any student, staff member or visitor that the school nurse or other licensed health care professional, based on the school nurse's or other licensed health care professional's professional judgment, suspects to be experiencing an opioid overdose. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).] The administration of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication in accordance with this subsection is not the practice of medicine. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).]

6. Manufacturer or supplier arrangement. A school administrative unit or an approved private school may enter into an arrangement with a manufacturer of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication or a 3rd-party supplier of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication to obtain naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication at fair market prices, reduced prices or no cost. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).]

7. Purchase from licensed pharmacies. A collaborative practice agreement under this section may provide that a school administrative unit or an approved private school may purchase naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication from a pharmacy licensed in this State. [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).]

8. Guidelines. By January 1, 2022, and as needed after that date, the department in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services shall develop and make available to all schools guidelines for the management of opioid overdose during school or a school-sponsored activity or otherwise on school grounds. The guidelines must include, but are not limited to: A. Education and training for school personnel on recognition of opioid overdose, rescue breathing and the administration of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid overdose-reversing medication; and [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).] B. Procedures for responding to opioid overdose. [PL 2021, c. 115, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 161, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6152 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6152
20-A §6152. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall adopt rules, consistent with federal and state laws, to carry out this subchapter which are consistent with federal and state requirements. [PL 1989, c. 414, §8 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3632 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3632
20-A §3632. Auditors
Status: in_force

At the organization meeting of the district, 3 auditors shall be chosen, one to serve for a term of one year, one to serve for a term of 2 years and one to serve for a term of 3 years. After the expiration of each original term, the successor shall be chosen for a 3-year term. At least one auditor shall be a resident of Maine, and one auditor shall be a resident of New Hampshire. An interstate district may vote to employ a certified public accountant to assist the auditors in the performance of their duties. The auditors shall carefully examine the accounts of the treasurer and the directors at the close of each fiscal year, and at such other times whenever necessary, and report to the district whether the same are correctly cast and properly vouched. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2704 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 115 / Section 2704
20-A §2704. Joint committee
Status: in_force

A joint committee if established pursuant to section 2703 : [PL 1983, c. 806, §27 (AMD).]

1. Membership. Shall have an equal number of school board members and board of trustee members; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Powers and duties. Shall have the following powers and duties: A. To select and employ teachers for the private school; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. To fix teachers' salaries; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. To arrange the course of study; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. To supervise the instruction; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. To adopt, amend and enforce rules pertaining to other educational activities of the private school; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Secretary ex officio. Shall have the superintendent of the school administrative unit in which the private school is located serve as the secretary ex officio if the school administrative unit in which the private school is located is represented on the joint committee. If the school administrative unit in which the private school is located is not a member of the joint committee, the joint committee shall select a superintendent from one of its participating school administrative units as secretary ex officio. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9923 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 333 / Section 9923
20-A §9923. Designation of community schools
Status: in_force

The department is authorized to designate 3 community schools established in accordance with this chapter beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. For the 2020-2021 school year, the department is authorized to designate 5 community schools established in accordance with this chapter. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, the department may biannually designate 10 additional community schools established in accordance with this chapter. The department shall annually inform school administrative units of the application process and deadlines and make that information and appropriate forms available on its publicly accessible website. The commissioner shall provide state funding to the school administrative units in which the designated community schools are located and may employ a state community school coordinator to implement this designation program. [PL 2019, c. 434, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11429 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11429
20-A §11429. Tax exemption
Status: in_force

The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter must be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the State, for the increase of their commerce, welfare and prosperity and for the improvement of their health and living conditions and constitutes the performance of an essential governmental function. Neither the authority nor any of its agents may be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon or in respect of education loans or any property acquired, used by the authority or any of its agents or under the jurisdiction, control, possession or supervision of, or upon the activities of, the authority or any of its agents in the operation of any program under this chapter, or upon income or other revenues received and any bonds issued under this chapter, the transfer and the income from the bonds, including any profit made on the sale of the bonds, as well as the income and property of the authority derived under this chapter, are at all times exempt from taxation of every kind by the State and by the municipalities and all other political subdivisions of the State. [PL 2015, c. 170, §26 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20105 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20105
20-A §20105. Placement and attendance - Article 5
Status: in_force

1. Course placement. When a student transfers before or during the school year, the school in the receiving state shall initially honor placement of the student in educational courses based on the student’s enrollment in the school in the sending state and any educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state if the courses are offered. Course placement includes but is not limited to courses designated as "honors," "international baccalaureate," "advanced placement," "vocational," "technical" and "career pathways" courses. Continuing a student’s academic program from a previous school and promoting placement in academically and career challenging courses is paramount when considering placement. Nothing in this subsection precludes the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in a course. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Educational program placement. A school in a receiving state shall initially honor placement of a student in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state or participation or placement in like programs in the sending state, including but not limited to gifted and talented programs and English as a Second Language programs. Nothing in this subsection precludes the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Special education services. In compliance with: A. The requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Chapter 33, the receiving state shall initially provide comparable services to a student with disabilities based on the student's current individualized education program; and [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] B. The requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 United States Code, Section 794, and with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 United States Code, Sections 12131 to 12165, the receiving state shall make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of incoming students with disabilities, subject to an existing plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act or a federal Title II plan, to provide the student with equal access to education. Nothing in this subsection precludes the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

4. Placement flexibility. Local education agency administrative officials may waive course or program prerequisites or other preconditions for placement in courses or programs offered under the jurisdiction of the local education agency. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

5. Absence as related to deployment activities. A student whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, must be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the local education agency superintendent to visit with the student's parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or legal guardian. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10802 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 410 / Section 10802
20-A §10802. Unlawful to issue, manufacture, or use false academic degrees; penalty
Status: in_force

1. False academic degree. A person may not issue or manufacture a false academic degree. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class C crime. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

2. Use of false academic degree. A person may not use a false academic degree: A. To obtain employment; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] B. To obtain a promotion or higher compensation in employment; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] C. To obtain admission to an institution of higher learning; or [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] D. In connection with any business, trade, profession or occupation. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class D crime. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12543 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-C / Section 12543
20-A §12543. Effect on funding of higher education
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the Legislature that neither the existence of the program nor the benefits provided under the student loan repayment tax credit serve as justification to decrease other funds appropriated or allocated to accredited Maine community colleges, colleges or universities, including institutions in the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System, or to other higher education programs. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §10 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11422 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11422
20-A §11422. Loan transactions
Status: in_force

In furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, the authority may purchase, sell, service, pledge, invest in, hold, trade, accept as collateral or otherwise deal in, acquire or transfer, all on such terms and conditions as the authority may specify, any loan, loan pass-through certificate, pledge, including any pledge of loan revenue, loan participation certificate or other loan-backed or loan-related security. Any such transaction may be conducted by public or private offering, with or without public bidding. In connection with such purchase or sale of a loan or of a beneficial interest or participation in a loan, the authority may enter into one or more agreements providing for the custody, control and administration of the loan. Any such agreement may provide that the authority, a financial institution or other person shall act as trustor, trustee or custodian under the agreement. Any such agreement may provide that, with respect to loans governed by the agreement, title to a loan, or to a beneficial interest or participation in a loan, must be deemed to have been transferred on terms and to the extent specified in that agreement and that the effect of a sale of a beneficial interest or participation in a loan is the same as a sale of a loan. In furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, the authority may also issue or cause to be issued certificates or other instruments evidencing the holder's fractional interest in a pool of loans, which interest may be undivided or limited to one or more specific loans. Whether or not the certificates or instruments are of such form or character as to be negotiable instruments under Title 11, Article 8 , the certificates or instruments must be and are made negotiable instruments within the meaning of and for all purposes of Title 11, Article 8 , subject only to such registration requirements as the authority may establish. [PL 2015, c. 170, §20 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12987 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12987
20-A §12987. Awareness programming
Status: in_force

An institution of higher education, with guidance from its Title IX coordinator, a local law enforcement agency and the sexual assault support center or the domestic violence resource center identified in the institution's policy under section 12982 , shall provide mandatory prevention and awareness programming on sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking for all incoming students and all employees of the institution. The institution shall make available prevention and awareness programming to all returning students of the institution. The prevention and awareness programming must include: [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

1. Affirmative consent. An explanation of affirmative consent as it applies to sexual activity and sexual relationships; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

2. Affirmative consent; drugs and alcohol. The role drugs and alcohol play in an individual's ability to provide affirmative consent; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

3. Options for reporting. Information on options relating to the reporting of an incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking, the probable effects and potential outcomes of each option and the methods to report an incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking, including confidential and anonymous disclosure; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

4. Institution's procedures; sanctions and penalties. Information on the institution's procedures for resolving reports of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking and the range of sanctions or penalties the institution may impose on students and employees found responsible for a violation of a policy and related procedures adopted under section 12982 ; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

5. Contact information. The name, contact information and role of the confidential resource advisor, information about the local sexual assault support center, their confidential services and how to access those services, information about the domestic violence resource center, their confidential services and how to access those services, as well as the name and contact information of all other personnel governed by confidentiality policies at the institution; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

6. Bystander intervention and risk reduction. Strategies for bystander intervention and risk reduction; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

7. Ongoing prevention and awareness. Opportunities for ongoing sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking prevention and awareness programming, including through ongoing campaigns; and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

8. Sensitivity; marginalized groups. An approach to training that recognizes and is sensitive to the disproportionate impacts and rates of occurrence of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking on members of marginalized groups, including but not limited to people of color, people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7501 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 305 / Section 7501
20-A §7501. Private schools
Status: in_force

The commissioner may require that special education programs in an approved private school or agency receiving state funds comply with rules for the conduct of programs within public schools. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3643 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3643
20-A §3643. Authorization
Status: in_force

An interstate district shall authorize the incurring of debts to finance capital projects by a majority vote of the district passed at an annual or special district meeting. Such vote shall be taken by secret ballot after full opportunity for debate, and any such vote shall be subject to reconsideration and further action by the district at the same meeting or at an adjourned session thereof. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4012 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4012
20-A §4012. Uniforms worn by members of military and public safety personnel
Status: in_force

A member of the United States Armed Forces, the Maine National Guard or a public safety agency, including but not limited to a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, game warden, forest ranger and park ranger, when visiting a school in that person’s official capacity may not be denied access to a publicly supported secondary school or secondary public charter school solely because that person is wearing a uniform. [PL 2013, c. 450, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1481-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1481-A
20-A §1481-A. Finances
Status: in_force

1. Apportionment of costs for regional school unit. A regional school unit may raise money, in addition to the local contribution pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1 , for establishing and maintaining public schools, erecting buildings and providing equipment for educational purposes. The additional costs of operating a regional school unit must be shared among all municipalities within the regional school unit by the same local share percentages for each municipality resulting from the determination of the local contribution under section 15688 . [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).]

2. Existing cost-sharing agreement. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , a cost-sharing agreement in existence on June 7, 2007 that was adopted pursuant to Public Law 2005, chapter 2 or pursuant to a private and special law remains in existence unless the parties to the agreement modify or terminate the agreement: A. As part of a reorganization to regional school units under this chapter; or [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).] B. As a result of a negotiated agreement between the parties to the cost-sharing agreement. [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).]

2-A. Reformulated school administrative district cost-sharing. For those school administrative districts recreated as regional school units pursuant to Public Law 2007, chapter 240, Part XXXX, section 36, subsection 12 as amended by chapter 668, methods of cost-sharing and amendments of the cost-sharing formula must be in accordance with section 1301 . [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §3 (NEW).]

3. Method included in reorganization plan. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , a regional school unit may use a method of cost sharing that was included in a reorganization plan developed pursuant to section 1461 or Public Law 2007, chapter 240, Part XXXX, section 36 as long as the method complies with this subsection. A. The costs of operating a regional school unit must be shared among all municipalities within the unit in one of the following ways. (1) Under a property valuation method, municipalities in a unit shall share costs in the same proportion as each municipality's property fiscal capacity as defined in section 15672, subsection 23 is to the unit's property fiscal capacity. (2) Under an alternate method of cost sharing, municipalities in a unit shall share costs based on: (a) The number of resident pupils in each town; (b) The property fiscal capacity of each member municipality as defined in section 15672, subsection 23 ; (c) Any combination of divisions (a) and (b); or (d) Any other factor or combination of factors that may, but need not, include divisions (a) or (b). [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).] B. A process of amending the cost-sharing formula must be included in the reorganization plan. [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).]

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a cost-sharing agreement in existence on June 7, 2007 that was adopted pursuant to Public Law 2005, chapter 2 or pursuant to a private and special law may not be construed to preempt the formation of a regional school unit under this chapter. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a cost-sharing agreement between 2 or more municipalities in existence on June 7, 2007 that was adopted prior to June 7, 2007 may not be construed to preempt the formation of a regional school unit under this chapter. [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).]

Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, a municipality within a regional school unit may raise money and direct the spending of the funds to any school within the regional school unit. [PL 2007, c. 668, §15 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13703 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 508 / Section 13703
20-A §13703. Use of effectiveness rating; grievance
Status: in_force

1. Use of effectiveness rating. A superintendent may use effectiveness ratings of educators to inform strategic human capital decision making, including, but not limited to, decision making regarding recruitment, selection, induction, mentoring, professional development, compensation, assignment and dismissal. [PL 2019, c. 297, §2 (NEW).]

2. Just cause for nonrenewal. Subject to appeal or grievance under the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, receipt of summative effectiveness ratings indicating that a teacher is ineffective for 2 consecutive years constitutes just cause for nonrenewal of a teacher's contract as long as there is a reasonable basis in fact for the effectiveness ratings, the evaluation process leading to the effectiveness ratings has been performed in a manner reasonably consistent with the approved system and department rules and the effectiveness ratings are not the result of bad faith. [PL 2019, c. 297, §2 (NEW).]

3. Appeal or grievance. Except as provided in subsection 2 , a teacher does not have the right to an appeal or grievance of a summative effectiveness rating unless the summative effectiveness rating is used by the teacher's employer as a basis for disciplinary action. When a summative effectiveness rating is used as the sole basis for disciplinary action and there is an appeal or grievance under the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement of that disciplinary action, the standard applied to the summative effectiveness rating is the same as for nonrenewal under subsection 2 . [PL 2019, c. 297, §2 (NEW).]

4. Opportunity to respond. A teacher may provide a written response to any summative effectiveness rating issued to the teacher. If a teacher provides a written response, the response must be attached to and made a part of that teacher's summative effectiveness rating. [PL 2019, c. 297, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3403 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3403
20-A §3403. Failure of civil organization
Status: in_force

1. Failure of organization. If the civil organization of a municipality or plantation becomes defunct, through failure to hold the annual meeting, failure to fill vacancies in necessary offices or in any other manner, and until the municipality or plantation recovers its civil organization or it is deorganized by the Legislature, the commissioner shall: A. Assume charge of all school property within its area; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Require an accounting of all municipal or plantation school funds; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Provide schools for children between 5 and 20 years of age whose parents are residents of the municipality or plantation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. School privileges. The commissioner may provide school privileges under the supervision of an agent of the unorganized territory or a special agent appointed for this purpose. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Expenses. The expense of these school privileges shall be paid from the appropriation for schools in the unorganized territory. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Recovery of expenses. If a municipality or plantation recovers its civil organization within 2 years, the expenses paid under subsection 3 , on the recommendation of the commissioner, shall be deducted by the Treasurer of State from school funds that may subsequently become payable to the municipality. The Treasurer of State shall credit these deductions to the Unorganized Territory School and Working Capital Funds. [PL 1985, c. 490, §15 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2306 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 111 / Section 2306
20-A §2306. Service without pay
Status: in_force

School committee members shall serve without pay, unless otherwise voted by the town. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7305 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7305
20-A §7305. MaineCare billing system
Status: in_force

The department shall establish a centralized MaineCare billing system to bill for eligible services for children eligible under Part B, Section 619. School administrative units may opt out of participation in the centralized MaineCare billing system. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §21 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12509 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12509
20-A §12509. Nonlapsing revolving fund
Status: in_force

The Educators for Maine fund is created under the jurisdiction of the authority as a nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Any unexpended balance in the Educators for Maine fund carries over for continued use under this chapter. The authority may receive, invest and expend, on behalf of the funds, money from gifts, grants, bequests, loans, including loans obtained pursuant to chapter 417‑B , and donations, in addition to money appropriated or allocated by the State. Loan repayments under this section or other repayments to the authority must be invested by the authority, as provided by law, with the earned income to be added to the fund. Money received by the authority on behalf of the fund, except interest income, must be used for the designated purpose; interest income may be used for the designated purpose or to pay student financial assistance administrative costs incurred by the authority as determined appropriate by the authority. [PL 1999, c. 441, §12 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11427 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11427
20-A §11427. Accounts and reports
Status: in_force

The authority shall keep full and accurate accounts of its activities and operations under this chapter and shall, within 120 days after the end of each of its fiscal years, make and deliver a report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education. The report must cover the preceding fiscal year and must include a complete operating and financial statement for that year and a breakdown showing the geographic distribution and distribution between institutions of higher learning of its student loans among residents of this State. The report must demonstrate that all revenues, including reserves, that are acquired with proceeds of tax-exempt bonds issued under this chapter using a portion of the state ceiling on private activity bonds, are being used in a manner consistent with the public purpose for which the bonds are issued. The authority shall cause an audit of its books and accounts related to its operations under this chapter to be made at least once each year by independent certified public accountants. The audit may be combined with audits of other activities of the authority. The cost of the audit may be paid by the authority from funds available to it pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 170, §25 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10983 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412-B / Section 10983
20-A §10983. Withdrawal of funds
Status: in_force

1. Use of funds. An account holder may withdraw funds from the account with the approval of the community development organization administrator without penalty for the following expenditures: A. Expenses for education or job training or to attend an accredited or approved postsecondary education or training institution; [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).] B. The purchase or repair of a home that is or will be the person's principal residence; [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).] C. The purchase or repair of a vehicle used for transportation to work or to attend an education or training program; [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).] D. Expenses for an emergency that may cause the loss of shelter, employment or other basic necessities; [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).] E. Capital to start or purchase a small business for any family member who is 18 years of age or older; or [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).] F. Health care costs exceeding $500 not covered by public or private insurance. [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).]

2. Unauthorized withdrawal; penalty. Money withdrawn from an account by an account holder that is not withdrawn pursuant to subsection 1 may be subject to a penalty of 15%. All penalties must be paid by the account holder and deposited into the family development account reserve fund of the community development organization. [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).]

3. Death of account holder. When opening an account an account holder may name a beneficiary and contingent beneficiaries. An account holder may change beneficiaries at any time. When an account holder dies the account must be transferred to the ownership of the designated beneficiary or, if there is none or if the transfer is not possible, the account must be transferred to the estate of the deceased. [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).]

4. Exempt from taxation. Account balances and withdrawals are exempt from taxation pursuant to Title 36, chapter 803 . [PL 2019, c. 239, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12002-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 423 / Section 12002-A
20-A §12002-A. State Osteopathic Loan Fund
Status: in_force

The State Osteopathic Loan Fund is created under the jurisdiction of the authority as a nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Any unexpended balance in the fund carries over for continued use under this chapter. The authority may receive, invest and expend, on behalf of the fund, money from gifts, grants, bequests and donations, in addition to money appropriated or allocated by the State. Loan repayments under this section or other repayments to the authority must be invested by the authority, as provided by law, with the earned income to be added to the fund. Money received by the authority on behalf of the fund, except interest income, must be used for the designated purpose; interest income may be used for the designated purpose or to pay student financial assistance administrative costs incurred by the authority as determined appropriate by the authority. [PL 1991, c. 612, §9 (RPR).]

The authority may allocate a portion of the annual loan repayments for the purpose of recruiting primary care physicians to designated underserved geographic areas of the State. That portion may be used: [PL 1991, c. 612, §9 (NEW).]

1. Generate funds. To generate additional matching funds for recruitment of physicians to designated underserved geographic areas; or [PL 1991, c. 612, §9 (NEW).]

2. Criteria established. In accordance with criteria established by the authority, to encourage primary care physicians to practice medicine in a designated underserved area. [PL 1991, c. 612, §9 (NEW).]

The chief executive officer shall include in the authority's biennial budget an appropriate request adequate to fund the loan program. [PL 1991, c. 612, §9 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20118 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20118
20-A §20118. Binding effect of compact and other laws - Article 18
Status: in_force

1. Other laws. Nothing in this chapter prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with this chapter. All member states' laws conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Binding effect of the compact. All lawful actions of the interstate commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the interstate commission, are binding upon the member states. All agreements between the interstate commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms. In the event any provision of the compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision is ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4727 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4727
20-A §4727. Additional instruction
Status: in_force

Secondary schools may provide additional instruction in career and technical education and other subjects not included within the career and technical education courses of study operating pursuant to chapter 313 . [RR 2003, c. 2, §34 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3626 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3626
20-A §3626. Chair of the board
Status: in_force

The chair of the board of interstate school directors must be elected by the interstate board from among its members at its first meeting following the annual meeting. The chair shall preside at the meetings of the board and shall perform such other duties as the board may assign to the chair. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §8 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6601-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6601-A
20-A §6601-A. Free or reduced-price school meals; Internet-based school meal applications
Status: in_force

The department shall contract for the development and implementation of an Internet-based application for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program under 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 210 and the School Breakfast Program under 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 220. The department shall make available to public schools the Internet‑based application for free or reduced-price meals developed under this section on the department's publicly accessible website. The department shall make the Internet-based application in an understandable and uniform format and, to the maximum extent practicable, in a language that parents and legal guardians can understand. A public school may make the Internet-based application available for school meal applications on the public school's publicly accessible website. All public schools shall continue to distribute paper applications for school meals to all students. A public school is solely responsible for processing that school's online applications. Data submitted through the Internet-based application may not be visible to the department and must be transmitted directly to the applicable public school. All public schools shall accept data submitted through the Internet-based application. [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §44 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7407 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7407
20-A §7407. Powers and duties of board
Status: in_force

The powers and duties of the center board include the following. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

1. Policies. The board shall develop and adopt policies and rules necessary for the operation of the Mackworth Island preschool, site-based programs, early intervention services for children from birth to under 3 years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing and statewide education and family services. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

2. Selection of executive director. The board shall hire an executive director. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

3. Administration. The board shall oversee the administration of the center; administrative, professional and support staff for the early intervention and family services program for children from birth to under 3 years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing; statewide education and family services; the Mackworth Island preschool and site-based programs; and the approval of contracts for those providing boarding services to eligible students. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

3-A. Employee retirement plan. Employees of the center are state employees for purposes of Title 5, chapters 421 and 423 , unless a decision is made pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or is otherwise made consistent with applicable law other than Title 5, section 18201 to provide for retirement coverage in some way other than as state employees in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System regular retirement plan. The board shall consult with the Chief Executive Officer of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System in proposing any change to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System retirement status of center employees. The board shall provide certification to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System of any decision to provide retirement coverage in some way other than as state employees at least 60 days prior to any change in retirement coverage. Any decision that removes center employees from the definition of "state employee" as provided in Title 5, section 17001, subsection 40 is irrevocable unless changed by law. [PL 2021, c. 548, §45 (REV); PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

4. Budget development. [PL 1999, c. 775, §9 (RP); PL 1999, c. 775, §16 (AFF).]

4-A. Budget development. The board shall, with the aid of the executive director and the center's director of operations, prepare an annual budget for the operation of the center and exercise budgetary responsibility. The board shall allocate for expenditure by the center and programs under its jurisdiction all the resources available for the operation of the center and its programs. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

4-B. Budget presentation. Annually, not later than January 1st, in addition to complying with the provisions of Title 5, sections 1665 and 1666 , the board shall present the budget for the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf to the Governor and the Legislature for review by the commissioner and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters. Beginning for fiscal year 2013-14, the budget must be presented in a cost center summary budget format pursuant to section 1485, subsection 1, paragraph A and must include specific budget information, including revenues and expenditures, for the early intervention and family services program for children from birth to under 3 years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing, Mackworth Island preschool, site-based programs and statewide education and family services. Revenue sources must include revenue received through state appropriation pursuant to section 7404 , as well as fees and other revenues collected from school administrative units. The board shall provide a detailed accounting of the fees and other revenue collected from each school administrative unit and the services provided to each unit. A liability or obligation may not be incurred under this chapter beyond the amount approved in the administrative operating budget. The board may make expenditures only in accordance with allocations approved by the Legislature. Any balance of an allocation or subdivision of an allocation made by the Legislature for the center that at the time is not required for the purpose named in the allocation or subdivision may be transferred prior to the closing of the books for the fiscal year to any other allocation or subdivision of any allocation made by the Legislature for the use of the center for the same fiscal year. The transfer is subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs. Financial statements describing the transfer must be submitted by the center board to the Office of Fiscal and Program Review 30 days before the transfer is implemented. In case of extraordinary emergency transfers, the 30-day prior submission requirement may be waived by vote of the committee. These financial statements must include information specifying the accounts that are affected, the amounts to be transferred, a description of the transfer and a detailed explanation of the reason the transfer is needed. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

5. Financial management. The board may accept donations, bequests or other forms of financial assistance for any educational purpose from a public or private source and shall comply with rules and regulations governing grants from the Federal Government or from any other source. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

6. Collection of fees. The board may charge service and rental fees for use of facilities of the center. Except as provided in subsections 12‑A and 12‑B , any funds received for service and rental fees must be retained by the center. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

7. Indemnification. The board shall indemnify the employees and other agents of the center and purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify those persons to the extent provided in Title 13‑B, section 714 . The board may indemnify members of the board. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

8. Bonds. The board shall require security for the faithful performance of duties by employees and other agents of the center who are entrusted with the custody of the securities or authorized to disburse the funds of the center. The security must consist of a bond, either a blanket bond or individual bond with a surety bond, or bonds having a minimum limitation of $100,000 coverage for each insured person. The expense of a bond is assumed by the center. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

9. Property management. The board may acquire by purchase any property, lands, buildings, structures, facilities or equipment and make improvements to facilities necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. The State retains ownership of Mackworth Island and the school facilities. The board may make alternative plans regarding the location of the center. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

10. Island access. The board shall consult annually with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands on public access and management of that portion of Mackworth Island under the jurisdiction of that bureau. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

11. Certificates and diplomas. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (RP).]

12. Contracts and agreements. The board may enter into any contracts and agreements, to the extent that funds are available, in the execution of its powers under this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

12-A. Lease of property. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services may enter into lease agreements consistent with the deed of gift from Governor Percival Baxter and in accordance with state law and policy on the lease of state-owned facilities, including but not limited to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 154 . Any funds received pursuant to this subsection must first be applied in accordance with Title 5, section 1784 . Any excess revenue above the requirements of Title 5, section 1784 may be retained by the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf to be applied to statutorily authorized programs. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

12-B. Lease of property to State's protection and advocacy agency. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services may enter into lease agreements in accordance with state law and policy on the lease of state-owned facilities, including but not limited to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 154 , to lease property to the protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities designated pursuant to Title 5, section 19502 . Any funds received pursuant to this subsection must first be applied in accordance with Title 5, section 1784 . Any excess revenue above the requirements of Title 5, section 1784 may be retained by the center to be applied to statutorily authorized programs. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

13. Delegation. The board may delegate duties and responsibilities as necessary for the efficient operation of this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

14. Criteria for enrollment. The board shall establish and disseminate to school administrative units the criteria to be used in determining eligibility of applicants for enrollment in the Mackworth Island preschool and site-based programs. Individual memoranda of understanding may be established to further define enrollment criteria for specific site-based programs. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

15. Student conduct. The board shall prepare and adopt procedures and rules to ensure the smooth operation of student conduct standards. All students attending site-based programs are, at all times, subject to the rules of the host school. Discipline of program students must comply with the host school policy and the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the department's rules adopted pursuant to Title 20‑A, chapters 301 and 303 . Representatives of the sending school must be notified by staff of the center or host school of disciplinary actions that may impact a student's individualized education program. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]

16. Individualized education programs, standards and measurements. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (RP).]

17. School programs. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (RP).]

17-A. Additional programs. The board may create, maintain and expand site-based programs for deaf and hard of hearing children and families as needed to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing children statewide. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (NEW).]

18. Fees and charges. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (RP).]

19. Report. The board shall report annually to the Governor, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and the commissioner on the general status of the finances and operations of the center, including the Mackworth Island preschool program, early intervention and family services program and statewide education and family services, including site-based programs, the status of the professional qualifications of the center board members and the general status of the center and shall provide an annual financial audit conducted by an independent auditor. [PL 2021, c. 646, §11 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3252 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3252
20-A §3252. Elementary pupils
Status: in_force

1. Elementary school privileges provided. The commissioner may provide elementary schooling for resident children by establishing and maintaining such elementary schools as may seem advisable or by sending these children as tuition students to a public or private elementary school approved for tuition purposes under section 2951 . [PL 2019, c. 398, §15 (AMD).]

2. Admission by receiving school. Tuition students sent to a public school shall be admitted by the receiving school officials upon receipt of a notice of intention from the commissioner. [PL 1985, c. 490, §3 (RPR).]

3. Benefits. Tuition students shall be entitled to all privileges and benefits and shall be subject to the same rules as students residing in the receiving school administrative unit. [PL 1985, c. 490, §3 (RPR).]

4. Tuition. The commissioner shall pay tuition for each tuition student in the amount approved as the receiving administrative unit's official tuition cost pursuant to section 5804 or 7302 . [PL 2007, c. 424, §1 (AMD).]

4-A. Targeted funds. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. F, §1 (RP).]

5. Transportation and board. The costs of transportation or board for students under this section may be paid in full or in part by the commissioner except that the commissioner may not provide or reimburse parents for providing transportation of students over roads that have not been accepted by the county as public roads or do not meet Department of Transportation standards. [PL 2025, c. 437, §2 (AMD).]

6. Studies outside the country. The commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, make special arrangements for children in the unorganized territory to attend a public school in the adjoining territory of the Province of Quebec and may pay tuition for those students. [PL 2019, c. 398, §16 (AMD).]

7. Exception. [PL 1985, c. 490, §3 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3645 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3645
20-A §3645. Proceeds of bonds
Status: in_force

Any accrued interest received upon delivery of bonds or notes of an interstate district shall be applied to the payment of the first interest which becomes due thereon. The other proceeds of the sale of such bonds or notes, other than temporary notes, including any premiums, may be temporarily invested by the interstate district pending their expenditure; and such proceeds, including any income derived from the temporary investment of such proceeds, shall be used to pay the costs of issuing and marketing the bonds or notes and to meet the operating expenses or capital expenses in accordance with the purposes for which the bonds or notes were issued or, by proceedings taken in the manner required for the authorization of such debt, for other purposes for which such debt could be incurred. No purchaser of any bonds or notes of an interstate district shall be responsible in any way to see to the application of the proceeds thereof. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7208 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7208
20-A §7208. Savings provision
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prevent or impair the administration or enforcement of any other law of the State. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15695 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15695
20-A §15695. Bonds; notes; other
Status: in_force

All bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued for school purposes by a school administrative unit for major capital expenses, bus purchases or current operating expenses, including tax or other revenue anticipation notes, are general obligations of the unit. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

1. Tax assessments. The municipal officers or school board shall require the sums that are necessary to meet in full the principal of and interest on the bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued pursuant to this section payable in each year to be assessed and collected in the manner provided by law for the assessment and collection of taxes. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

2. Reduction. The sums to be assessed and collected under subsection 1 must be reduced by the amount of an allocation of funds appropriated by the Legislature to pay the principal and interest owed by the school administrative unit in a given year as certified to the unit by the commissioner. The commissioner shall certify the amount due to the unit within 30 days of its appropriation by the Legislature. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

3. Collection. After assessment and reduction under subsection 2 , the remaining sum must be paid from ad valorem taxes, which may be levied without limit as to rate or amount upon all the taxable property within the school administrative unit. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2413-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 112 / Section 2413-A
20-A §2413-A. Funding for public charter schools authorized by the commission
Status: in_force

Beginning with fiscal year 2015-16, this section applies to public charter schools authorized by the commission. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).]

1. Pupil count. Students enrolled in and attending public charter schools must be reported to the department, for attendance and funding purposes, as provided in section 15683‑B, subsection 2 and department rules amended or adopted pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).]

2. Revenue provisions. State allocation funds follow each student to the public charter school attended by the student. A. For each public charter school, the total allocation must be determined as follows. (1) The total allocation must be calculated pursuant to section 15683‑B , based on the student's grade level and adjusted as appropriate for economically disadvantaged students and English learners pursuant to section 15675, subsections 1 and 2 . Debt service and capital outlays may not be included in the calculation of these allocations. The department shall adopt rules governing how to calculate per-pupil allocations, including those for targeted funds for assessment, technology and kindergarten to grade 2 programs. (2) For students attending public charter schools, the payments for public charter schools must be made pursuant to section 15683‑B, subsection 6 . (3) For transportation expenses, the transportation operating allocation must be the statewide per-pupil essential programs and services transportation operating allocation multiplied by pupil counts determined under section 15683‑B, subsection 2, paragraph A multiplied by the percentage established by the commission for the public charter school based on the cost of transportation services provided by the public charter school to the student, but not to exceed 100%. (4) The department shall pay to the public charter school any additional allocation assigned to the public charter school for gifted and talented students pursuant to section 15681‑A, subsection 5 in the year in which the allocation is assigned. [PL 2019, c. 398, §14 (AMD).] B. The following provisions govern special education funding. (1) For each enrolled special education student, a public charter school must receive the average additional allocation calculated by the department under section 15681‑A, subsection 2 for its special education students. These allocations must be paid on the same basis as the per-pupil allocations for operating funds. (2) The department shall pay directly to a public charter school any federal or state aid attributable to a student with a disability attending the public charter school in proportion to the level of services for the student with a disability that the public charter school provides directly or indirectly. (3) The department shall pay to a public charter school any additional allocation assigned to the public charter school because of a high-cost in-district special education placement in accordance with section 15681‑A, subsection 2, paragraph B in the year in which the allocation is assigned as an adjustment to the public charter school's state contribution. (4) The department shall pay to a public charter school any additional allocation assigned to the school administrative unit because of a high-cost out-of-district special education placement in accordance with section 15681‑A, subsection 2, paragraph C in the year in which the allocation is assigned. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).] C. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the State shall send applicable federal funds directly to public charter schools attended by eligible students. Public charter schools with students eligible for funds under Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 20 United States Code, Section 6301 et seq. must receive and use these funds in accordance with federal and state law. During the first year of operation, a public charter school must receive Title I funds on the basis of an estimated enrollment of eligible students, as determined by its authorizer. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).] D. A public charter school may receive gifts and grants from private sources in any manner that is available to a school administrative unit. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).] E. A public charter school may not levy taxes or issue bonds secured by tax revenues. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).] F. Any money received by a public charter school from any source and remaining in the school's accounts at the end of any budget year remains in the school's accounts for use by the school during subsequent budget years and may not revert to the authorizer or to the State. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).] G. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit any person or organization from providing funding or other assistance for the establishment or operation of a public charter school. The governing board of a public charter school may accept gifts, donations or grants of any kind made to the school and expend or use such gifts, donations or grants in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the donor except that a gift, donation or grant may not be accepted if subject to a condition that is contrary to any provision of law or term of the charter contract. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).] H. A public charter school may receive payment pursuant to paragraph A for students residing in the unorganized territory based on the state average EPS per-pupil rate as defined in section 15672, subsection 7‑A . A special education student residing in the unorganized territory must be treated the same as a resident student from a school administrative unit for special education costs pursuant to paragraph B . The responsibility for providing a free, appropriate public education for a special education student passes to the charter school in which the student enrolls. As with other resident school administrative units in accordance with section 15681‑A, subsection 2, paragraph B , the department shall pay for high-cost in-district students. [PL 2015, c. 54, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 398, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8203 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 312 / Section 8203
20-A §8203. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

1. Board of trustees. "Board of trustees" means the Board of Trustees of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Magnet school. "Magnet school" means that the school may establish rules and regulations that delete, modify or add to current rules and regulations of the department. [PL 2011, c. 473, §2 (AMD).]

3. School. "School" means the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

4. Sending school. "Sending school" means any school administrative unit that has a student in attendance at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

5. Trustee. "Trustee" means a member of the Board of Trustees of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12573 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 429-A / Section 12573
20-A §12573. Administration
Status: in_force

1. Application. A person desiring a tuition waiver under this chapter may apply to the authority for determination of eligibility. Application must be on forms and in a manner prescribed by rule of the authority. Rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules as defined in the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]

2. Decision. The authority shall determine whether an applicant is eligible and notify the applicant. The authority shall also notify the state postsecondary educational institution at which the person is accepted of the eligibility of that person for a tuition waiver. Unless notified by the authority of a change in the student's eligibility, the institution may not bill an eligible student for tuition during that school year. [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]

3. Limitation. Tuition waivers to eligible persons are limited to 30 new students per year in each year at state postsecondary educational institutions as follows: A. The first 25 tuition waivers must be available to eligible persons at the University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy and the Maine Community College System; and [PL 2003, c. 187, §1 (NEW).] B. Of the 5 remaining tuition waivers, 3 must be available to eligible persons at the University of Maine System and 2 must be available to eligible persons at the Maine Community College System. [PL 2003, c. 187, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 187, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12533 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-B / Section 12533
20-A §12533. Nonlapsing fund
Status: in_force

A nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund under the jurisdiction of the authority is created to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The authority may receive, invest and expend, on behalf of the fund, money from gifts, grants, bequests and donations in addition to money appropriated or allocated by the State. Money received by the authority under this chapter must be invested by the authority, as provided by law, with the earned income to be added to the fund. Money in the fund must be used for the designated purposes of the fund and for the payment of administrative costs incurred by the authority for the operation of the program. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13301 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 504 / Section 13301
20-A §13301. Definition
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, "principal" means any person certified as a principal in accordance with chapter 501 or 502 who is employed as a supervising principal for more than 50% of the time in any public elementary or secondary school in the State. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6681 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6681
20-A §6681. Access to food and use of food discipline
Status: in_force

This section governs student access to and school use of food, including as a disciplinary tool, in public schools. [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).]

1. Serving of reimbursable meals. A public school that provides free and reduced-price meals or other meals to students pursuant to subchapter 7 or otherwise provides to students meals eligible for reimbursement under a program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture shall provide such a meal to a student who requests the meal and is otherwise eligible for the meal regardless of the student's inability to pay for the school meal or failure in the past to pay for school meals. [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).]

2. Punishment related to meals. A public school may not: A. Because of a student's inability to pay for a meal or because of any payments due for meals served previously to the student, require the student: (1) To throw away a meal after it has been served to the student; or (2) To undertake chores or work as a means of paying for one or more meals or as punishment for not paying for one or more meals; or [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).] B. Refuse a meal to a student as a form of or as part of a disciplinary action. [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).]

3. Stigmatization. A public school may not openly identify or otherwise stigmatize a student who cannot pay for a meal or who has payments due for previous meals. [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).]

4. Required communications. A public school's communications about a student's meal debts must be made to the parent or guardian of the student rather than to the student directly except that, if a student inquires about that student's meal debt, the school may answer the student's inquiry. A public school may ask a student to carry to the student's parent or guardian a letter regarding the student's meal debt. [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).]

5. Debt collection; best practices. The department shall develop guidance for school administrative units relating to the collection of student meal debt, including, but not limited to, best practices and information on how to create an online system for the payment of student meal debt. The department shall post the information under this subsection on its publicly accessible website. [PL 2019, c. 54, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6353 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6353
20-A §6353. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

1. Certificate of immunization. "Certificate of immunization" means a written statement from a physician, nurse or health official who has administered an immunizing agent to a child, specifying the dosage administered and the date it was administered. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

2. Child. "Child" means and includes every child entering school. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

3. Disease. "Disease" means those conditions that are preventable by immunizing agent, as specified in rules. [PL 2001, c. 326, §1 (AMD).]

4. Immunizing agent. "Immunizing agent" means a vaccine, antitoxin or other substances used to increase an individual's immunity to a disease. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

5. Parent. "Parent" means a child's parent, legal guardian or custodian. A person shall be regarded as a child's custodian if that person is an adult and has assumed legal charge and care of the child. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

6. Public health official. "Public health official" means a local health officer, the Director of the Bureau of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, or any designated employee or agent of the Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

7. School. "School" means any public or private elementary or secondary school in the State. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

8. Superintendent. "Superintendent" means the superintendent of schools of a school administrative unit, or a person designated by the superintendent, and the chief administrative officer of a private school. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13702 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 508 / Section 13702
20-A §13702. Local development and implementation of system
Status: in_force

Each school administrative unit shall develop and implement a performance evaluation and professional growth system for educators. The system must meet the criteria set forth in this chapter and rules adopted pursuant to this chapter and must be approved by the department. [PL 2011, c. 635, Pt. A, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1462 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1462
20-A §1462. Transfer of property and assets
Status: in_force

Upon the formation of a regional school unit pursuant to this subchapter, the transfer of school property and assets is governed by this section. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1. Board of directors. The directors of the board of each regional school unit established in this chapter shall determine what school property of the municipal school units in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit and of the school administrative units in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit is necessary to carry out the functions of the regional school unit and shall request in writing that the board of each such school administrative unit or the municipal officers transfer title of their school property and buildings to the regional school unit board of directors. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Transfer. The municipal officers and boards contacted pursuant to subsection 1 shall make the transfer of property and assets notwithstanding any other provision in the charter of the school administrative unit or municipality. After the operational date of a regional school unit, if a transfer of property by a prior regional school unit, school administrative district or community school district has not occurred in accordance with the reorganization plan, the regional school unit board may act as the successor to the school board of the prior regional school unit, school administrative district or community school district for purposes of transferring the title to the property by deed to the regional school unit or other transferee in accordance with the terms of the reorganization plan. [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]

3. Financing assumed debts. A regional school unit shall assume the outstanding indebtedness of a school administrative unit in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit for school construction projects approved for subsidy under chapter 609 and pursuant to section 1506 . If a regional school unit board of directors has assumed the outstanding indebtedness of a school administrative unit in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit, the directors of the regional school unit board may, notwithstanding any other statute or any provision of any trust agreement, use any sinking fund or other money set aside by the school administrative unit in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit to pay off the indebtedness for which the money was dedicated. A regional school unit board of directors is not required to assume the outstanding indebtedness of a school administrative unit in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit in its regional school unit for nonstate-funded projects pursuant to section 15905‑A and pursuant to section 1481‑A . [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §39 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11417 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11417
20-A §11417. Supplemental powers and functions
Status: in_force

1. General. In addition to the powers given to the authority under Title 10, section 969‑A , for the purposes of carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the authority may, subject to any limitation of this chapter: A. Borrow money or otherwise obtain credit in its own name; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] B. Lend money or otherwise extend credit to any person and exercise all powers of a lender or creditor; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] C. Insure or guarantee performance of any loan agreement or other obligation; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] D. Acquire, use, manage, improve or dispose of any interest in, or type of, real or personal property, including grant, purchase, sale, borrow, loan, lease, foreclosure, mortgage, assignment or other lawful means, with or without public bidding and also including the assessment of fees, the forgiveness of indebtedness, the receipt of reimbursements for expenses incurred in carrying out its purposes and the expenditure or investment of its funds; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] E. Purchase, sell, service, pledge, invest in, hold, trade, accept as collateral or otherwise deal in, acquire or transfer, on such terms and conditions as the authority may specify, any loan, loan pass-through certificate, pledge, including any pledge of loan revenue, loan participation certificate or other loan-backed or loan-related security; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] F. Obtain, develop or disseminate any information useful or convenient for carrying out any purpose or power of the authority. The authority may conduct hearings, hear testimony under oath, administer oaths, issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses or the production of records or other things and may issue commissions for the examination of witnesses who are outside of the State, unable to attend or are excused from attendance; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] G. Procure insurance in aid of any of its corporate purposes; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] H. [PL 1999, c. 728, §14 (AMD); MRSA T. 20-A §11417, sub-1,¶H (RP).] I. Obtain any certification, warranty, affidavit or other representation necessary or useful for carrying out any of its powers or duties; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] J. Employ persons, including private legal counsel and financial experts, on either a temporary or permanent basis, in order to carry out any of its powers and duties. Employees of the authority are not subject to Title 5, chapter 71 or Title 5, chapter 372, subchapter 2 ; [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §47 (COR).] K. Sue or initiate or appear in any proceeding. The authority may be sued on its written contracts or in accordance with Title 1, section 409 ; Title 5, chapter 375 ; or Title 14, chapter 741 ; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] L. [PL 2015, c. 170, §16 (RP); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).] M. [PL 2015, c. 170, §16 (RP); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).] N. Pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2 , adopt any rules, including its bylaws, necessary or useful for carrying out any of its powers or duties, which are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A ; [PL 2015, c. 170, §16 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).] O. Make, modify and carry out any agreement, including issuing any bond, necessary or useful for carrying out any of its powers, duties or purposes; and [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] P. Do any act or thing necessary or useful for carrying out any of its powers, duties or purposes. [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §47 (COR).]

2. Programs. Without limiting the generality of this chapter, the authority is authorized to carry out one or more programs making financial and other assistance available to borrowers, institutions, or both, to finance costs of attendance. The authority is further authorized to issue its bonds, lend the proceeds of the bonds and exercise any other power set forth in this chapter for these purposes. [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).]

3. Policies. The members of the authority have the power and duty to establish and revise, from time to time, rules pertaining to participation in the program, issuing bonds and borrowing money by the authority for the program, a process for allocation and carry-forward of that portion of the state ceiling on issuance of tax-exempt bonds allocated to the authority for the program pursuant to Title 10, chapter 9 and servicing and collection of loans made pursuant to the program. In addition, the members of the authority may, by resolution of the members, determine that the authority may borrow money for the program in accordance with any such resolution. The authority, by rule, may delegate certain powers to its chief executive officer, and in such cases, the chief executive officer shall carry out such powers and duties in accordance with this chapter and the rules of the authority. [PL 2015, c. 170, §16 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

4. Administration. [PL 2015, c. 170, §16 (RP); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

5. Loan origination. The powers of the authority set forth in subsection 1, paragraph B and in subsection 2 are limited as set forth in this subsection. The authority is authorized to originate supplemental loans. [PL 1999, c. 728, §16 (NEW).]

6. Business plan. [PL 2015, c. 170, §16 (RP); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

7. Operating contracts. In carrying out its powers under this chapter, the authority may enter into loan origination, servicing and other substantial operating contracts, in compliance with its procurement policies and any applicable authority rule. [PL 2015, c. 170, §16 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3804 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 123 / Section 3804
20-A §3804. Audit
Status: in_force

An education service center shall adhere to generally accepted accounting principles and shall annually engage an external auditor to do an independent audit of the education service center's finances. The education service center shall submit the audit to its members and to the department. The audit must be conducted in the same manner as a school administrative unit audit in accordance with chapter 221, subchapter 2 . An education service center under the fiscal authority of a school administrative unit may be included in the audit of that school administrative unit and is not required to file an additional audit under this section. [PL 2025, c. 112, §6 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9931 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 335 / Section 9931
20-A §9931. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]

1. Green school. "Green school" means a public school that shows exemplary progress in the following areas: A. Supporting the work of school administrative units to increase efficiencies in and reduce carbon emissions from buildings, energy systems, transportation, food use and landscaping; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] B. Constructing an engaging support system and framework for environmental literacy through networking and sharing curriculum units, projects and outdoor activities between educators in this State; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] C. Establishing a continuous pathway for career exploration and skill development in climate-ready fields; and [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] D. Building strong and lasting leadership within youth, educators, administrators and community members to support the initiatives described in this subsection. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] For the purposes of this subsection, "climate-ready fields" means occupational fields related to climate or clean energy. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]

2. Network. "Network" means the Maine Green Schools Network. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]

3. Student. "Student" means an individual enrolled in prekindergarten to grade 12 in a public school or school administrative unit. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13406 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 505 / Section 13406
20-A §13406. Minimum salaries for 2007 to 2019
Status: in_force

Each school administrative unit shall establish a minimum salary of $30,000 for certified teachers for the school year starting after June 30, 2007 and before July 1, 2020. [PL 2019, c. 343, Pt. UU, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4503 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4503
20-A §4503. Secondary school organizations
Status: in_force

1. Two years. A secondary school shall include not fewer than 2 consecutive grades from grades 9 to 12. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 20, 25 (NEW).]

2. Junior high school or middle school. A junior high school or middle school is a school that maintains a diversified program of studies of 2 or more consecutive grades from grades 6 to 9, which meets basic school approval and applicable curriculum requirements. A junior high school or middle school may be maintained in connection with or as part of an approved secondary school. [PL 2009, c. 313, §4 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11421 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11421
20-A §11421. Refunding bonds
Status: in_force

The authority may provide for issuance of refunding bonds of the authority to refund any outstanding bonds issued under this chapter, including the payment of any redemption premium and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption. The authority may provide for the issuance of bonds of the authority for the combined purpose of refunding any outstanding bonds, including refunding bonds issued under this chapter. The issuance of the bonds, the maturities and other details, the rights and remedies of the holders and the rights, powers, privileges, duties and obligations of the authority are governed by the provisions of this chapter insofar as they are applicable. [PL 2015, c. 170, §20 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4010 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4010
20-A §4010. Pledge of Allegiance
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit shall allow every student enrolled in the school administrative unit the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at some point during a school day in which students are required to attend. A school administrative unit may not require a student to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. [PL 2011, c. 162, §1 (NEW).] Revisor's Note: §4010. Employment reference immunity (As enacted by PL 2011, c. 397, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 20-A, SECTION 4011)
20-A M.R.S. § 1904 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 107 / Section 1904
20-A §1904. Fiscal authority
Status: in_force

The superintendent of a school union may be designated as the treasurer of the school union and, notwithstanding section 1902, subsection 3, paragraph F , the union committee of a school union may perform the functions of fiscal agent for the school administrative units in the school union if a majority of the voters in each municipality agree to these designations through a referendum or at a town meeting. The article that is placed before the voters in each municipality must state the specific functions to be performed by the fiscal agent, must state that the agreement under which the union committee may perform the functions of fiscal agent may not exceed a period of 3 years and must also include a schedule for regular payment of the warrants approved in each municipality to the union committee. The school union must provide the municipalities with accounting records after an audit has been completed and delivered to the superintendent. An agreement under which the union committee performs the functions of fiscal agent may be renewed for a period not to exceed 3 years. Each renewal may be approved only in accordance with the procedures described in this section. [PL 2005, c. 130, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11493 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11493
20-A §11493. Higher Education Loan Purchase Program
Status: in_force

1. Program. The authority is authorized to carry out the program by issuing bonds for the purpose of financing eligible loans and may use any net earnings on those bonds to administer the program, to pay or further secure the bonds and to make eligible loans. [PL 2007, c. 520, §4 (AMD).]

2. Authorization. [PL 2007, c. 520, §5 (RP).]

3. Rules. The authority shall adopt rules to implement and administer the program. All rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3305 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3305
20-A §3305. Taking of land
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to taking land for school purposes in the unorganized territory. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Taking. The commissioner may designate, lay out and take a schoolhouse lot not to exceed 3 acres, after 30 days written notice to the owner, if: A. The owner refuses to sell; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. The commissioner determines the price is unreasonable; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. The owner resides outside the State and has no authorized agent or attorney in the State. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Appraisal and payment. Prior to a taking, the commissioner shall appraise the damages and pay or tender the damages to the owner. If the owner does not reside in the State, the commissioner shall deposit the damages with the Treasurer of State for the owner's use. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Reversion to owner. If the State does not erect a school building on the lot within 3 years from the date of taking, the lot shall revert to the owner, the owner's heirs or assigns. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Enlargement or extension of lot. The commissioner may extend or enlarge a schoolhouse lot by purchase or otherwise, on the terms and conditions and in the manner the commissioner determines proper, or by the exercise of eminent domain or property rights. Using eminent domain, the commissioner may not take more than 25 acres for one project. In using eminent domain, the commissioner is governed by Title 35-A, chapter 65 . Land taken may not be within 50 feet of a dwelling. [PL 1993, c. 494, §2 (AMD).]

5. Fencing. When a schoolhouse lot or playground requires fencing, the commissioner shall fence it. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Appeals. If the owner is aggrieved at the location of the lot or the damages awarded, that owner may apply to the State Tax Assessor within 3 months. The State Tax Assessor may change the location and assess the damages. If the damages are increased or the location changed, the State shall pay the damages and costs, otherwise the costs shall be paid by the applicant. [PL 1983, c. 806, §29 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13706 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 508 / Section 13706
20-A §13706. Rules
Status: in_force

The department shall adopt rules to implement this chapter. The department shall also adopt rules pertaining to the approval of performance evaluation and professional growth systems pursuant to section 13702 . The department shall also adopt rules pertaining to the ongoing monitoring of the implementation and results of district performance evaluation and professional growth systems. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are major substantive rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 27, §6 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 27, §7 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11476 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11476
20-A §11476. Investment options and parameters
Status: in_force

The authority, with the advice of the advisory committee, may provide investment options for a participant within the program fund to the extent permitted by federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 provisions addressing qualified tuition programs. The authority, with the advice of the advisory committee, shall invest, or cause to be invested, the amounts on deposit in the program fund in a reasonable manner to achieve the objectives of each fund, exercising the discretion and care of a prudent person in similar circumstances with similar objectives. A participant or designated beneficiary may not direct the investment of any amounts on deposit in the program fund, except to the extent allowed pursuant to provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 addressing qualified tuition programs. The authority shall give due consideration to rate of return, term or maturity, diversification and liquidity of investments within the program fund or any account in the program fund pertaining to the projected disbursements and expenditures from the program fund and the expected payments, deposits, contributions and gifts to be received. [PL 2021, c. 17, §5 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6661 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6661
20-A §6661. Nutrition education
Status: in_force

The department shall work with public schools to encourage nutrition education for students and for teachers and staff as part of coordinated school health programs and school food service programs and in accordance with chapter 222 . The department shall work with public schools to encourage an outreach component for students' parents and guardians as part of a coordinated school health program. The department may adopt rules to implement the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2005, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4772 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 208-A / Section 4772
20-A §4772. Postsecondary courses; student eligibility
Status: in_force

A secondary school student may be eligible to receive state subsidy for postsecondary courses, as specified in section 4775 , if the following requirements are satisfied: [PL 1997, c. 758, §2 (NEW).]

1. Availability. The eligible institution has space available for the secondary school student; [PL 1997, c. 758, §2 (NEW).]

2. Academic standing. Unless granted a waiver by the eligible institution, the student is maintaining a minimum secondary school grade point average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, or the equivalent of a "B" average, as determined by the school unit; [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. XX, §1 (AMD).]

3. Course prerequisites. The eligible institution has determined that the student has satisfactorily completed all course prerequisites; [PL 1997, c. 758, §2 (NEW).]

4. School approval. The school unit approves; [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. XX, §2 (AMD).]

5. Parental approval. The student's parent approves; and [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. XX, §2 (AMD).]

6. Recommendation. The student has received a recommendation to take a postsecondary course or courses at an eligible institution from the student's school administration or one of the student's secondary school teachers following an assessment of the student by the school administration. [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. XX, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6355 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6355
20-A §6355. Enrollment in school
Status: in_force

A superintendent may not permit any child to be enrolled in or to attend school without a certificate of immunization for each disease or other acceptable evidence of required immunization or immunity against the disease, except as follows. [PL 2001, c. 326, §2 (AMD).]

1. Written assurance. The parent provides a written assurance the child will be immunized within 90 days by private effort or provides, where applicable, a written consent to the child's immunization by a health officer, physician, nurse or other authorized person in public or private employ. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

2. Medical exemption. The parent or the child provides a written statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician associate that, in the licensed physician's, nurse practitioner's or physician associate's professional judgment, immunization against one or more of the diseases may be medically inadvisable. [PL 2019, c. 154, §1 (AMD); PL 2025, c. 316, §3 (REV).]

3. Philosophical or religious exemption. [PL 2019, c. 154, §2 (RP); PL 2019, c. 154, §12 (AFF).]

4. Student covered by individualized education plan. A student covered by an individualized education plan on September 1, 2021 who elected a philosophical or religious exemption from immunization requirements on or before September 1, 2021 pursuant to the law in effect prior to that date may continue to attend school under that student's existing exemption as long as: A. The parent or guardian of the student provides a statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician associate that the physician, nurse practitioner or physician associate has consulted with that parent or guardian and has made that parent or guardian aware of the risks and benefits associated with the choice to immunize; or [PL 2019, c. 154, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 316, §3 (REV).] B. If the student is 18 years of age or older, the student provides a statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician associate that the physician, nurse practitioner or physician associate has consulted with that student and has made that student aware of the risks and benefits associated with the choice to immunize. [PL 2019, c. 154, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 316, §3 (REV).] [PL 2019, c. 154, §3 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 316, §3 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5054 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5054
20-A §5054. Employment of truants prohibited
Status: in_force

Any firm or corporation, or agent or manager of any firm or corporation, who hires or otherwise engages any student who is truant as defined in this subchapter without a release from the student's supervising superintendent of schools is subject to the penalty provided in Title 26, section 781 . [PL 2011, c. 614, §18 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15693 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15693
20-A §15693. School budget; budget formats
Status: in_force

1. Content. A school administrative unit shall include in its school budget document: A. The school administrative unit's total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12, its non-state-funded debt service, if any, and any additional expenditures authorized by law; [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. A summary of anticipated revenues and estimated school expenditures for the fiscal year; and [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] C. The following statement, including the estimated dollar amount of state retirement payments: "This budget does not include the estimated amount of $....... in employer share of teacher retirement costs that is paid directly by the State." [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

2. Budget deadlines. The following time limitations apply to adoption of a school budget under this section. A. At least 7 days before the initial meeting of the legislative body responsible for adopting a budget, the school administrative unit shall provide a detailed budget document to that legislative body and to any person who requests one and resides within the geographic area served by the school administrative unit. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. Notwithstanding a provision of law or charter to the contrary, school administrative units may adopt an annual budget prior to June 30th. The school budgets for career and technical education regions must be adopted on or before August 1st. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] C. Notwithstanding any municipal charter provision, ordinance or other law to the contrary, if the level of state subsidy for the next school year is not finalized in accordance with this chapter before June 1st, the school board may delay a school budget meeting otherwise required to be held before July 1st to a date after July 1st. If a school board elects to delay a school budget meeting under this paragraph, the meeting must be held and the budget approved within 30 days of the date the commissioner notifies the school board of the amount allocated to the school administrative unit under section 15689‑B . When a school budget meeting is delayed under this paragraph, the school administrative unit may continue operation of the unit at the same budget levels as were approved for the previous year. Continued operation under the budget for the previous year is limited to the time between July 1st and the date the new budget goes into effect. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

3. Budget format. The following provisions apply to a budget format. A. Except as provided in subsection 4 , the budget format is that prescribed by a majority of the school board until an article prescribing the school budget format is approved by a majority of voters in an election in which the total vote is at least 20% of the number of votes cast in the municipality in the last gubernatorial election, or 200, whichever is less. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. The format of the school budget may be determined in accordance with section 1485 . [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §27 (AMD).] C. It is the intent of the Legislature that a school board shall attempt to obtain public participation in the development of the school budget format. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §27 (AMD).]

4. Budget format; town or city charter. In a municipality where the responsibility for final adoption of the school budget is vested by municipal charter in a council, the school budget format may be changed through amendment of the charter under the home rule procedures of Title 30‑A, chapter 111 , except that the amendment must be approved by a majority of voters in an election in which the total vote is at least 20% of the number of votes cast in the municipality in the last gubernatorial election. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

5. Budget format; town meeting. When the final budget authority is vested in a town meeting operating under the general enabling procedures of Title 30‑A , the format of the school budget may be determined by the town meeting or under the procedures of Title 30‑A, section 2522 or 2528 . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

6. Budget format; community school district. The following provisions apply to the budget format of a community school district. A. An article containing the district's proposed budget format must be placed on the next warrant issued or ballot printed if: (1) A majority of the district school committee votes to place it on the warrant or ballot; or (2) A written petition signed by at least 10% of the number of voters voting in the last gubernatorial election in each municipality within the community school district requests it to be on the warrant or ballot. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. The article containing the budget format may be voted on by secret ballot at an election conducted in accordance with Title 30‑A, sections 2528 to 2532 . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] C. The district school committee shall: (1) Issue a warrant specifying that the municipal officers of the municipalities within the community school district shall place the budget format article on the secret ballot; and (2) Prepare and furnish the required number of ballots for carrying out the election, including absentee ballots. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

7. Budget format; articles. The articles prescribed in this chapter must be included in the budget format and be voted on in the adoption of the budget in order to determine state and local cost sharing. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

8. Change in budget format. Any change in the budget format must be voted on at least 90 days prior to the budget year for which that change is to be effective. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12988 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12988
20-A §12988. Training for Title IX coordinators, campus safety personnel and individuals involved in the disciplinary process
Status: in_force

1. General requirement. Each institution of higher education shall ensure that its Title IX coordinator and members of its campus police force or campus safety personnel employed by the institution of higher education undergo annual training in awareness of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking and trauma-informed responses. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

2. Requirements for involvement in disciplinary process. Any individual who participates in the implementation of an institution's disciplinary process under this chapter, including but not limited to any individuals responsible for resolving reports of incidents of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking, must be trained or have experience in handling such reports and the operations of the institution's disciplinary practice. The training must include, but is not limited to: A. Information about providing a trauma-informed response when working with and interviewing victims of an alleged incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. Information on particular types of conduct that constitute sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Information on affirmative consent and the role drugs and alcohol may play in an individual's ability to consent; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] D. The effects of trauma, including any neurobiological impact on an individual; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] E. Cultural competency training regarding how sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking may affect students differently depending on factors that contribute to a student's cultural background, including but not limited to national origin, sex, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] F. Methods of communicating sensitively and compassionately with a reporting party including, but not limited to, an awareness of responding to a reporting party with consideration of that party's cultural background and providing services to or assisting in locating services for the reporting party; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] G. Training and information regarding how sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking may affect students with developmental or intellectual disabilities; and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] H. Methods of communicating sensitively with a responding party, including an awareness of the emotional impact of an allegation of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6809 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6809
20-A §6809. Excessive expenditures
Status: in_force

After providing an opportunity for a hearing, the commissioner may adjust the state subsidy to an administrative unit when the expenditures for education in such unit show evidence of manipulation to gain an unfair advantage or are adjudged excessive. Any interested party aggrieved by a decision of the commissioner may appeal to the state board pursuant to section 3 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6995 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 231 / Section 6995
20-A §6995. Rules
Status: in_force

The department shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 676, Pt. A, §31 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5152 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5152
20-A §5152. Advisory committee
Status: in_force

1. Commissioner. The commissioner shall appoint an advisory committee on truancy, dropouts and alternative education. [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).]

2. Duties of the advisory committee, as appointed by the commissioner. The advisory committee shall advise the commissioner on the development and implementation of state and local policies and programs that are needed to deal effectively with the incidence of truancy and dropouts in state schools. The committee should consider its mandate in a broad context to assess the causes of truancy and dropouts, the effectiveness of alternative education and prevention programs and the social and educational programs or changes needed to encourage students to remain in school, including reintegration planning and aftercare services provided for juvenile offenders who have been released from juvenile facilities in the State and have enrolled in schools in the State. [PL 2007, c. 667, §10 (AMD).]

3. Membership. The advisory committee must have a broad membership reflecting the range of individuals and public and private institutions that are involved or interested in the problem and its solution. It must include representation from each of the following: A. Teachers; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] B. Elementary school principals; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] C. Secondary school principals; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] D. Guidance counselors; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] E. Adult education teachers with experience in high school completion education; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] F. Superintendents; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] G. Administrators from private schools involved in alternative education programs; [PL 2007, c. 667, §11 (AMD).] H. Department of Health and Human Services; [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).] I. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. A, §16 (RP).] J. Department of Corrections; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] K. Department of Labor; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] L. A local positive action committee on truancy, dropout and alternative education programs; [PL 2007, c. 667, §11 (AMD).] M. Representatives from the business community; and [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] N. Other individuals who the commissioner feels will contribute to the development of effective policies and programs. [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] Two of the representatives in paragraphs A to D must be directly involved in alternative education programs. There may be no more than 15 members on the committee. [PL 2007, c. 667, §11 (AMD).]

4. Term of office. The members of the advisory committee shall serve for 2 years and may be reappointed. [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).]

5. Expenses. Members of the advisory committee shall be reimbursed for expenses only for attending meetings or performing other functions authorized by the committee. [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).]

6. Annual reports. The committee shall report annually by February 1st to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education. [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8466 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8466
20-A §8466. Transfer or lease of school property to a career and technical education region
Status: in_force

1. Authority. A unit within a region may transfer or lease unused property of the unit to the region for career and technical education purposes. [PL 1991, c. 518, §31 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. D, §3 (REV).]

2. Definitions. For purposes of this section, "unit" includes a special school district. [PL 2011, c. 679, §22 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8403-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8403-A
20-A §8403-A. Satellite programs
Status: in_force

1. Authority for career and technical education satellite programs. An affiliated unit may operate a career and technical education satellite program with the approval of the commissioner pursuant to subsection 2 . [RR 2003, c. 2, §56 (COR).]

2. Procedure for authorizing career and technical education satellite programs. Any affiliated unit that wishes to operate a career and technical education satellite program shall submit a written request to operate such a satellite program to the governing body of the center or region with which the unit is affiliated. The request must fully document the perceived need for the operation of a satellite program. The governing body of the center or region with which the unit is affiliated shall consider the request and forward its recommendation to the commissioner concerning whether that request should be approved. The commissioner shall act on the request pursuant to section 8306-B . [PL 2017, c. 420, §2 (AMD).]

3. Financial responsibility for satellite programs. A career and technical education center or region affiliated with a satellite program approved pursuant to subsection 2 shall provide financial support for the operating costs of that program as calculated pursuant to chapter 606-B and paid to the center or region affiliated with the program. The center or region shall transfer the financial support received pursuant to this subsection to the unit that operates the approved satellite program to support the operating costs of that program. [PL 2017, c. 420, §3 (RPR).]

4. Facilities and equipment; school construction aid. A unit that operates a satellite program: A. Shall furnish the necessary facilities and equipment for the satellite program; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §14 (NEW).] B. Is eligible for school construction aid if new facilities for the satellite program are required and approved. [PL 1991, c. 518, §14 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §14 (NEW).]

5. Employment of teachers. The superintendent of a unit operating a satellite program shall, in consultation with the career and technical education director of the center or region with which the unit is affiliated, employ teachers for that satellite program in accordance with the procedures established by section 13201 . [PL 2017, c. 420, §4 (AMD).]

6. Supervision. The career and technical education director of the center or region with which a unit is affiliated, in consultation with the superintendent or high school principal of the unit operating the satellite program, shall supervise personnel working for that satellite program. [PL 2017, c. 420, §5 (RPR).]

7. Part-time instructors. A unit operating a satellite program may employ part-time instructors for such a program. A part-time instructor may be employed at separate satellite programs operated by different units. Such a part-time instructor employed at separate satellite programs operated by different units may be employed separately by each unit or employed solely by one unit under a reimbursement arrangement, approved by the commissioner, involving all units where that instructor is employed. [PL 1991, c. 518, §14 (NEW).]

8. Access. A unit that operates a satellite program shall allow access by students from units affiliated with the career and technical education center or region. [PL 2011, c. 679, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20107 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20107
20-A §20107. Graduation - Article 7
Status: in_force

In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of a child of a military family, states and local education agencies shall incorporate the procedures set forth in this section. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

1. Waiver requirements. Local education agency administrative officials shall waive specific courses required for graduation if similar course work has been satisfactorily completed in another local education agency or shall provide reasonable justification for denial. If a waiver is not granted to a student who would qualify to graduate from the sending school, the local education agency shall provide an alternative means of acquiring required course work so that graduation may occur on time. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Exit examinations. States shall accept, in lieu of testing requirements for graduation in the receiving state: A. Exit or end-of-course examinations required for graduation from the sending state; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] B. National norm-referenced achievement tests; or [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] C. Alternative testing. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] If the alternatives set forth in paragraphs A to C cannot be accommodated by the receiving state for a student transferring in the student's senior year of high school, then the provisions of subsection 3 apply. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Transfers during senior year of high school. If a student transferring at the beginning or during the student's senior year of high school is ineligible to graduate from the receiving local education agency after all alternatives set forth in subsection 2 have been considered, the sending and receiving local education agencies shall ensure the receipt of a diploma from the sending local education agency, if the student meets the graduation requirements of the sending local education agency. In the event that one of the states in question is not a member of the compact, the member state shall use best efforts to facilitate the on-time graduation of the student in accordance with subsections 1 and 2 . [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3666 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3666
20-A §3666. Fiscal year
Status: in_force

The fiscal year of each interstate district shall begin on July 1st of each year and end on June 30th of the following year. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10910 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10910
20-A §10910. Report on a statewide online advanced placement course program
Status: in_force

By February 15, 2020, and annually thereafter, the university shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters on the status of a statewide online advanced placement course program. The report must include, but is not limited to, whether the program is meeting its goals, measures of student success, the number of students accessing support through the university, if any, and the number of students participating in the program and their levels of success and how those levels of success compare to national standards. [PL 2019, c. 500, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2951 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2951
20-A §2951. Approval for tuition purposes
Status: in_force

A private school may be approved for the receipt of public funds for tuition purposes only if it: [PL 2005, c. 153, §2 (AMD).]

1. Basic approval. Meets the requirements for basic school approval under subchapter I ; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Nonsectarian. [PL 2025, c. 112, §5 (RP).]

3. Incorporated. Is incorporated under the laws of the State of Maine or of the United States; [PL 1985, c. 797, §25 (AMD).]

4. Reports and audits. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§8, 25 (RP).]

5. Additional requirements. Complies with the reporting and auditing requirements in sections 2952 and 2953 and the requirements adopted pursuant to section 2954 ; [PL 1997, c. 266, §7 (AMD).]

6. Student assessment and other requirements. At a minimum, meets or exceeds the following requirements: A. It participates in the statewide assessment program to measure and evaluate the academic achievements of students; [PL 2021, c. 386, §1 (AMD).] B. It meets the applicable requirements of and has a curriculum aligned with the system of learning results established in section 6209 ; [PL 2021, c. 386, §1 (AMD).] C. It meets health and safety requirements applicable to public schools; and [PL 2021, c. 386, §1 (NEW).] D. If public funding supports more than 85% of the school's students, as determined by the previous year's October and April average enrollment, and the municipality where the school is located does not exercise school choice, it enrolls all students from that municipality, including those with disabilities, who must be served in accordance with applicable state and federal law. [PL 2021, c. 386, §1 (NEW).] Except as provided in paragraph D , the requirements of this subsection apply only to a school that enrolls 60% or more publicly funded students, as determined by the previous year's October and April average enrollment; and [PL 2021, c. 386, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 386, §2 (AFF).]

7. Release of student records. Upon the request of a school unit, releases copies of all student records for students transferring from the private school to the school unit. [PL 2017, c. 342, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7504 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 305 / Section 7504
20-A §7504. Residential child care facilities
Status: in_force

"Residential child care facilities" shall be licensed in accordance with Title 22, section 8104 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10923 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411-A / Section 10923
20-A §10923. Chancellor
Status: in_force

1. Powers. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System is responsible for the administration of displaced homemaker programs. The chancellor shall implement these programs by contracting with the existing displaced homemaker program to deliver services statewide. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]

2. Rules. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System shall adopt rules and procedures necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1503 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1503
20-A §1503. Referendum procedures
Status: in_force

1. Ballots. The regional school unit board shall prepare and furnish the required number of ballots for carrying out the referendum as posted, including absentee ballots. The regional school unit board shall prepare and furnish all other materials necessary to fulfill the requirements for voting procedures. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Voting. Voting must be held and conducted in accordance with this subsection. A. The voting at referenda held in towns must be held and conducted in accordance with Title 30‑A, sections 2524 and 2528 to 2532 , even though the town has not accepted the provisions of Title 30‑A, sections 2524 and 2525 . The facsimile signature of the clerk under Title 30‑A, section 2528, subsection 6, paragraph F must be that of the chair of the regional school unit board. If a regional school unit referendum is called to be held simultaneously with any statewide election, the voting in towns must be held and conducted in accordance with Title 21‑A , except that the duties of the Secretary of State must be performed by the regional school unit board and, if the statewide election is a primary election, any registered voter may vote in the referendum. The absentee voting procedure of Title 21‑A must be used, except that the duties of the Secretary of State must be performed by the regional school unit board. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. The voting at referenda in cities must be held and conducted in accordance with Title 21‑A , including the absentee voting procedure, except that the duties of the Secretary of State must be performed by the regional school unit board and, if the statewide election is a primary election, any registered voter may vote in the referendum. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

3. Return and counting. The return and counting of votes must be in accordance with this subsection. A. The municipal clerk shall, within 24 hours of the determination of the results of the vote in the municipality, certify and send to the regional school unit board the total number of votes cast in the affirmative and in the negative on each article. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. As soon as all of the results from all of the municipalities have been returned to the regional school unit board, the regional school unit board shall meet and compute the total number of votes cast in all of the municipalities within the regional school unit in the affirmative and in the negative on each article. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. If the regional school unit board determines that there were more votes cast in the affirmative than in the negative on a given article, it shall declare that the article has passed. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] D. If the regional school unit board determines that the total number of votes cast on an article in the affirmative is equal to or less than those cast in the negative, it shall declare that the article has not passed. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] E. The regional school unit board shall enter its declaration and computations in its records and send certified copies to the clerk of each municipality within the regional school unit. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11410 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417 / Section 11410
20-A §11410. Authorization
Status: in_force

In accordance with the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 United States Code, Chapter 28, Subchapter IV, Part A, Subparts 3 and 6; and Subchapter V, Part D, Subpart 1, as amended, the Finance Authority of Maine shall administer the State Student Incentive Grant Program the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program and the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program. [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3612 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3612
20-A §3612. Resubmission
Status: in_force

If the proposed articles of agreement are adopted by one or more of the member districts but rejected by one or more of the member districts, the state boards may resubmit them, in the same form as previously submitted, to the rejecting member districts, in which case the school boards thereof shall resubmit them to the voters in accordance with section 3611 . An affirmative vote in accordance therewith shall have the same effect as though the articles of agreement had been adopted in the first instance. In the alternative, the state boards may either discharge the planning committee, or refer the articles of agreement back for further consideration to the same or a reconstituted planning committee, which shall have all of the powers and duties as the planning committee as originally constituted. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12709 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12709
20-A §12709. Powers and duties of the President of the community college system
Status: in_force

The president of the system shall implement the policies of the board of trustees and be responsible for the operation of the system. The powers and duties of the president of the system include: [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §8 (AMD).]

1. Leadership. To develop policies, goals and objectives with respect to the operation of the colleges, to be reviewed and, when necessary, approved by the board of trustees. The president of the system shall meet regularly with the presidents' council to develop these policies and goals; [PL 2017, c. 179, §12 (AMD).]

2. Maine Community College System Office staff appointment. Under procedures and standards developed by the board of trustees, to appoint the staff of the Maine Community College System Office, including professional and nonprofessional personnel and including, but not limited to, private legal counsel and financial experts; [PL 1989, c. 443, §42 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

3. Nomination of presidents. To nominate the presidents for appointment by the board of trustees; [PL 1989, c. 443, §43 (AMD).]

4. Staff oversight. To oversee the staff of the Maine Community College System Office and the presidents of the colleges; [PL 1989, c. 443, §44 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

5. Personnel evaluation. Under policies and standards developed by the board of trustees, to evaluate the performance of the Maine Community College System Office staff and of the presidents of the colleges and to make personnel recommendations to the board of trustees; [PL 1989, c. 443, §44 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

6. Perkins allocations. As the representative of the board of trustees, to meet and confer with representatives of the State Board of Education regarding the distribution or allocation of federal money for career and technical education in the State under the United States Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, Public Law 98-524, or its successor, and report the results to the board of trustees; [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. D, §3 (REV).]

7. Budget preparation. To assist the board of trustees in the preparation of the biennial operating budget for the system, as provided in section 12706, subsection 4 ; [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

8. Accounting system and procedures. To provide for an accounting system and procedures that reflect and identify all appropriations, allocations, income and revenues and all expenditures of each college and the Maine Community College System Office; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §8 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

9. Long-range planning and research. In cooperation with the presidents' council, to undertake long-range planning and research, including planning for construction, renovation and reconstruction projects and report findings and recommendations to the board of trustees; [PL 2017, c. 179, §13 (AMD).]

10. Intercampus cooperation and coordination. To promote cooperation among the community colleges and prepare plans for approval by the board of trustees with respect to the coordination of programs, activities and personnel; [PL 1989, c. 443, §45 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

11. Interagency cooperation and communication. To promote cooperation and communication with the Department of Education and the Bureau of Employment Services, or their successors, with the University of Maine System and with other public and private educational and training institutions; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. G, §6 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. G, §29 (AFF).]

11-A. Memorandum of understanding with career and technical education system. To enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Education that establishes a process by which the Maine Community College System will review programs of the career and technical education centers and career and technical education regions established in chapter 313 that are using national industry or state certification standards to determine the nature and amount of college credit that must be awarded upon successful completion of an approved secondary school program. College credits must be awarded upon completion of a program directly to the student regardless of whether the student has matriculated in the college awarding the credit. The awarding of college credits to a secondary career and technical education student does not entitle the student to acceptance into the community college awarding the credits. [PL 2011, c. 686, §5 (NEW).]

12. Coordination with the public sector. To work closely with other state and local agencies that have an impact upon career and technical education, to promote consistent and coordinated policies, procedures and programs; [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. D, §3 (REV).]

13. Coordination with the private sector. To work closely with the private sector in order to ensure that the colleges respond expeditiously to the needs of the private sector and the State's economy, particularly with respect to changing technology, industries and job training needs; [PL 1989, c. 443, §45 (AMD).]

14. Delegated duties. To undertake other duties as delegated by the board of trustees; [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

15. Delegate responsibility. To delegate duties and responsibilities as necessary to administer this chapter; and [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

16. Fulfillment of mission and goals. To implement the mission and goals set forth in section 12703 . [PL 1987, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12857 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 435 / Section 12857
20-A §12857. Area health education centers; statewide consortium for health professions education
Status: in_force

Each center is an autonomous unit of the system. Each center must be exempt from federal income taxation under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501(a), pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501(c)(3). Each center must have a governing board that includes a balance of health care providers or health profession educators and individuals who reflect the ethnic, cultural and geographical characteristics of the center's service area. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

Centers and the statewide consortium for health professions education are responsible to the system only for the programs and initiatives they agree to provide through contracts with the system and may develop initiatives, programs and contracts with other public and private agencies and educational institutions. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6356 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6356
20-A §6356. Exclusion from school
Status: in_force

1. Public health official action. When a public health official has reason to believe that the continued presence in a school of a child who has not been immunized against one or more diseases presents a clear danger to the health of others, the public health official shall notify the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the superintendent of the school. The superintendent shall cause the child to be excluded from school during the period of danger or until the child receives the necessary immunizing agent. Whenever, as a result of this section, a child is absent from the public school for more than 10 days, the superintendent shall make arrangements to meet the educational needs of the child. [PL 2007, c. 598, §3 (AMD).]

2. Superintendent's action. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subchapter on immunization against specified diseases, a superintendent may exclude from the public schools any child who is a public health threat, in accordance with section 6301 , and the superintendent shall exclude from school any child or employee who has contracted or has been exposed to a communicable disease as directed by a physician after consultation with the Bureau of Health. [PL 1989, c. 414, §11 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8613 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8613
20-A §8613. Enrichment courses
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a school administrative unit may offer enrichment courses as part of its adult education program as long as the school administrative unit tracks and reports annually to the department the number of enrichment courses offered and the total student enrollment in those courses. A school administrative unit is not required to undertake student intake, assessment, advising, instruction and individual learning plans for enrichment courses. [PL 2017, c. 381, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4726 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4726
20-A §4726. World languages
Status: in_force

Each school administrative unit: [PL 1985, c. 178 (AMD).]

1. Required to offer. Shall offer one 2-year sequence in a world language; and [PL 2007, c. 259, §1 (AMD).]

2. Encouraged to offer. Is encouraged to offer one or more additional world languages as part of its secondary school program. [PL 2007, c. 259, §1 (AMD).]

3. American sign language. [PL 1991, c. 279, §3 (RP).]

American sign language is a world language and may be offered to fulfill the requirements of this section. [PL 2007, c. 259, §1 (AMD).]

For purposes of this section, "world language" means a language, either ancient or modern, that is used or has been used for written, oral or signed communication in the multilingual and multicultural worldwide community. [PL 2007, c. 259, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11619-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-A / Section 11619-A
20-A §11619-A. Reduction of institutional or other grant aid
Status: in_force

Effective July 1, 2004, a grant received by a student under this chapter may be applied to reduce institutional or other grant aid to that student only if that institutional or grant aid is subsequently granted to a student with demonstrated financial need. [RR 2003, c. 2, §68 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12542 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-C / Section 12542
20-A §12542. Program established
Status: in_force

1. Program created; goals. The Job Creation Through Educational Opportunity Program, referred to in this chapter as "the program," is created to provide a student loan repayment tax credit. The program is designed to achieve the following goals: A. Promote economic opportunity for people in this State by ensuring access to the training and higher education that higher-paying jobs require; [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] B. Bring more and higher-paying jobs to this State by increasing the skill level of this State's workforce; [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] C. Offer educational opportunity and retraining to individuals impacted by job loss, workplace injury, disability or other hardship; [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] D. Keep young people in this State through incentives for educational opportunity and creation of more high-paying jobs; and [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] E. Accomplish all of the goals in this subsection with as little bureaucracy as possible. [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §7 (AMD).]

2. Principal cap. [PL 2009, c. 553, Pt. A, §8 (RP).]

2-A. Principal cap. [PL 2013, c. 525, §8 (RP).]

3. Eligibility for the program. [PL 2013, c. 525, §9 (RP).]

3-A. Educational loans. [PL 2013, c. 525, §10 (RP).]

4. Administration. [PL 2009, c. 553, Pt. A, §12 (RP).]

4-A. Administration. The program must be administered as described in this subsection. A. The department, in consultation with the State Tax Assessor, shall make information about the program available on the department's publicly accessible website. The department shall refer any questions regarding the program to the relevant accredited Maine community college, college or university's financial aid office. The assessor shall provide to an accredited Maine community college, college or university information that is necessary to document a student's eligibility for the student loan repayment tax credit. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §8 (AMD).] B. An accredited Maine community college, college or university shall, at a minimum, provide information about the program in financial aid award materials, entrance interviews, exit interviews, materials listing financial aid resources and, as appropriate, any promotional materials provided by state agencies, to the extent such contacts with students are already part of the accredited Maine community college, college or university's procedures. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §8 (AMD).] C. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §8 (RP).] D. [PL 2013, c. 525, §12 (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §8 (AMD).]

5. Effective date; participation by individual already enrolled in degree program. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §9 (RP).]

6. Promotion by state agencies. The department, the Finance Authority of Maine, the Department of Economic and Community Development and any other agency engaging in education-related outreach shall integrate promotion of the program into existing educational opportunity outreach efforts to the extent possible in a manner consistent with the scope of the program and its centrality to the State's efforts to raise educational attainment. A. The department shall notify superintendents about the program annually and encourage the superintendents to publicize the availability of the program among students, parents and school staff. [PL 2013, c. 417, §1 (NEW).] B. The Department of Labor shall require that publicly funded workforce development programs, including state and local workforce boards and the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program established in Title 26, section 2033 , include within their plans and programs efforts to promote and increase awareness of the program. [PL 2017, c. 110, §5 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 110, §5 (AMD).]

7. Promotion by institutions. Public higher education institutions identified in section 12541, subsection 1, paragraphs A to C shall make reasonable efforts to inform students about the program. [PL 2013, c. 417, §2 (NEW).]

8. Publicity. To assist institutions of higher education to promote the program, the Finance Authority of Maine shall contract with a private nonprofit corporation in the amount of at least $20,000 annually to market the program throughout the State, targeting high schools, postsecondary educational institutions and organizations of parents, teachers and other relevant audiences. Marketing efforts must include printed materials, online information and in-person promotional efforts. [PL 2013, c. 417, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1315 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1315
20-A §1315. Void contracts
Status: in_force

A contract made by the school directors in a school administrative district during the term of a member who is pecuniarily interested in that contract, either directly or indirectly, shall be void, unless the board of directors has advertised for sealed bids for that contract and that advertisement for sealed bids has been published at least 5 days prior to the date set for closing of bids in a newspaper having general circulation within the school administrative unit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4513 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4513
20-A §4513. Cooperative effort
Status: in_force

The rules may also establish alternate procedures for accreditation of secondary schools jointly with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges or its successor. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 20, 25 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2904 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2904
20-A §2904. Removal of basic approval
Status: in_force

1. Commissioner may remove basic approval. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner may remove basic approval from any private school for failure to meet applicable approval requirements. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Procedural requirements. Whenever a school fails to meet these requirements the commissioner shall: A. Give due notice; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Hold a hearing. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Hearing. The hearing on removal of basic approval shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 and rules of the state board adopted pursuant to section 405, subsection 3, paragraph E . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 253 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 253
20-A §253. Commissioner's duties
Status: in_force

The duties of the commissioner shall be as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. General duties. The commissioner shall exercise the powers and perform the duties granted to the department and enforce the requirements of this Title and shall devote full time to the duties of the office. [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §49 (AMD).]

2. Hiring. The commissioner may hire personnel deemed necessary to fulfill the duties of the department. These personnel shall be subject to the Civil Service Law, except as provided in section 203 . [PL 1985, c. 785, Pt. B, §78 (AMD).]

3. Delegation. The commissioner may authorize a designee to carry out the assigned duties. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Specific duties. The commissioner also shall: A. Coordinate, consolidate and prepare a budget for the department; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Transfer personnel within the department to ensure their efficient utilization; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Coordinate the purchase and use of all department equipment; [PL 2001, c. 454, §2 (AMD).] D. Review the function and operation of the department to ensure that overlapping functions and operations are eliminated; and [PL 2001, c. 454, §2 (AMD).] E. Provide leadership in the implementation of the system of learning results as established in section 6209 . [PL 2001, c. 454, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 454, §§2, 3 (AMD).]

5. Appointment of supervisors. The commissioner may appoint supervisors to assist and direct elementary and secondary teachers to work with school officers and school boards on request and to perform other duties in the field of education. The salary and necessary traveling expenses of these supervisors shall be paid from an appropriation for that purpose. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Agricultural education consultant. The commissioner shall appoint, subject to the Civil Service Law, an Education Specialist III or higher or agricultural education consultant to be responsible for supervision of agricultural technical education, including agribusiness and agriculture's relation to the environment. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. D, §1 (AMD).]

7. School nurse coordinator. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. DD, §1 (RP).]

8. Statewide support for efficiencies. The commissioner may expend and disburse funds for the statewide support of operational efficiencies for school administrative units. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).]

9. Transition to standards-based educational system. [PL 2017, c. 466, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7201
20-A §7201. Policy and purpose
Status: in_force

The policy of the State for the education of children with disabilities is as follows. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §22 (AMD).]

1. Equal educational opportunities. All students must be provided with equal educational opportunities and all school administrative units shall provide equal educational opportunities for all children with disabilities. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §22 (AMD).]

2. Least restrictive education alternative. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §22 (RP).]

2-A. Natural or least restrictive environment. To the maximum extent appropriate: A. Early intervention services must be provided in natural environments, including the home, and community settings in which children from birth to under 3 years of age without disabilities participate; and [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §22 (NEW).] B. Children with disabilities at least 3 years of age and under 22 years of age, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, must be educated with children without disabilities. Special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment may occur only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. [PL 2023, c. 450, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 450, §2 (AMD).]

3. Students diagnosed as deaf. A student diagnosed as deaf must be educated with students without disabilities whenever possible and must be educated under the principle of the least restrictive educational environment as set forth in state laws and rules and federal laws and regulations. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §22 (AMD).]

4. Parent's right to be a member of the team. Parents, surrogate parents or guardians have the right to be a member of the team that will carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with rules established by the commissioner. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §22 (AMD).]

5. Accessible instructional materials; visual impairment including blindness; Braille instruction. All students must have access to accessible instructional materials and may receive instruction in Braille as part of their individualized family service plans or individualized education programs. A student may not be denied the opportunity of instruction in Braille solely because the student has some remaining vision. If Braille is not provided to a child who is blind, the reason for not incorporating Braille in the individualized family service plan or individualized education program must be documented in the individualized family service plan or individualized education program. Accessible instructional materials and provisions for the accessibility of online learning programs for individuals with disabilities must be in alignment with the accessible instructional materials provisions of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Public Law 108-446, 118 Stat. 2647 and in alignment with the universal design provisions of the 1998 amendments to the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 United States Code, Chapter 28 contained in the federal Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Public Law 105-244, 112 Stat. 1581. [PL 2009, c. 508, §3 (AMD).]

6. Participation in cocurricular activities. Eligibility for a child with a disability to participate in cocurricular activities may not be denied solely because the student is enrolled in a reduced course load when the reduced course load is due to the student's disability, as long as the student is satisfactorily completing the requirements of the educational components of an individualized family service plan or individualized education program and is otherwise in compliance with the program. If the student is not satisfactorily completing the educational components of an individualized family service plan or individualized education program or is not otherwise in compliance with the program, the student's eligibility may be determined in the same manner as the eligibility of a child without disabilities who is not satisfying the applicable academic standards. [PL 2007, c. 466, Pt. C, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9921 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 333 / Section 9921
20-A §9921. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]

1. Community partner. "Community partner" means a provider of one or more of the following services to students, families or community members: A. Primary medical or dental care; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] B. Nurse home visitation services; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] C. Mental health treatment and counseling services; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] D. Developmentally appropriate physical education activities; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] E. Academic enrichment activities; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] F. Specialized instructional support services; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] G. Teacher home visits; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] H. Programs designed to improve student attendance at school, including programs that provide assistance to students who are truant or who have been suspended or expelled; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] I. Mentoring and other youth development programs, including peer mentoring and conflict mediation; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] J. Community service and service-learning opportunities; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] K. Early childhood education; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] L. Programs that promote parental involvement and family literacy; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] M. Parenting education activities; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] N. Parenting leadership development activities; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] O. Child care services; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] P. Youth and adult job training, internship opportunities and career counseling services; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] Q. Nutrition education; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] R. Adult education, including instruction in English as a second language; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] S. Remedial education and enrichment activities, including expanded learning time; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] T. Summer or after-school enrichment and learning experiences; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] U. Legal services; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] V. Juvenile crime prevention and rehabilitation programs; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] W. Homelessness prevention services; or [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] X. Any appropriate services and programs authorized by a community school that are consistent with the services and programs specified in paragraphs A to W . [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]

2. Community school. "Community school" means a public elementary or secondary school that: A. Participates in a community-based effort to coordinate and integrate educational, developmental, family, health and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships; and [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] B. Provides access to services under paragraph A to students, families and the community, such as access during the school year to services before school hours, after school hours and during the weekend, as well as access to such services during the summer. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12732 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 432 / Section 12732
20-A §12732. Goals
Status: in_force

The goals of the program as delineated by its articles of incorporation and bylaws are: [PL 1993, c. 392, §2 (NEW).]

1. Education and training. To provide higher education and training opportunities for youth in this State to become highly skilled and productive members of the work force; [PL 2005, c. 178, §3 (AMD).]

2. Skilled work force. To provide a skilled and educated work force for businesses in the State to increase their competitiveness in the global economy; and [PL 1993, c. 392, §2 (NEW).]

3. Economic future. To enhance the economic future of the State and improve its productivity and competitive position in a world economy by creating a skilled and educated work force. [PL 1993, c. 392, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20112 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20112
20-A §20112. Rule-making functions of the interstate commission - Article 12
Status: in_force

1. Authority. The interstate commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact; however, if the interstate commission exercises its rule-making authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this chapter or the powers granted under this chapter, then such an action by the interstate commission is invalid and has no force or effect. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Procedure. Rules must be promulgated pursuant to a rule-making process that substantially conforms to the "Model State Administrative Procedure Act," of 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p. 1 (2000) as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the interstate commission. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Judicial review. Not later than 30 days after a rule is promulgated, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule. The filing of a petition pursuant to this subsection does not stay or otherwise prevent the rule from taking effect unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the interstate commission consistent with applicable law and may not find the rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of the interstate commission's authority. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

4. Rejection by a majority of states. If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule by enactment of a law or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then that rule has no further force and effect in any member state. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11002 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11002
20-A §11002. Board of Higher Education - Article II
Status: in_force

1. Creation. The New England Board of Higher Education, established by Title 5, section 12004‑K, subsection 2 , and referred to as the "board," shall be an agency of each state party to the compact. [PL 1989, c. 503, Pt. B, §76 (AMD).]

2. Powers. The board shall be a body corporate and politic, having the powers, duties and jurisdiction enumerated and such other and additional powers as shall be conferred upon it by the concurrent act or acts of the compacting states. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Composition. The board shall consist of 8 resident members from each compacting state, at least 2 of whom shall be members of the Legislature, chosen in the manner and for the terms provided by law of the several states parties to this compact. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8802 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 317 / Section 8802
20-A §8802. Summer school tuition
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to summer school tuition. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Tuition. A school administrative unit may charge the students a tuition for enrollment in a summer school. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Maximum amount. Tuition may not exceed the following: A. In the first summer of its operation, an estimated cost for each student based on estimated costs to operate the summer school program divided by the estimated number of students expected to attend the summer school program; [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. G, §1 (AMD).] B. When a summer school is operated for 2 or more school administrative units and is operated alternately by a different unit each summer, the cost for each student for the preceding summer; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. In all other cases, the cost for each student for the preceding summer. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. G, §1 (AMD).]

3. Equality. Tuition in a summer school shall be the same for all students who are Maine residents. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Rules. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. G, §2 (RP).]