20-A M.R.S. § 4103 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 202 / Section 4103
20-A §4103. Disposal or other use of real property closed for school purposes
Status: in_force

The following shall control the disposition or other use of school buildings which have been closed pursuant to section 4102 . [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

1. Control. The school building shall remain under the control of the school board. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

2. Lease, use of proceeds. The school board may lease the building for its fair rental value if there is a reasonable likelihood that the building will be needed again for educational purposes. A. Leases not to exceed 4 years may be entered and may be renewed at the end of any lease period if the school board determines there is still a reasonable likelihood that the building will be needed again for educational purposes. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).] B. The proceeds from the lease shall be used in the following order: (1) To cover the maintenance costs on the building; (2) To reduce any outstanding indebtedness on the building; and (3) To meet educational expenses which have been approved by the legislative body of the administrative unit in the ordinary budgetary process. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).] C. Any renovations to a leased building shall be compatible with its reuse as a school building. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

3. Transfer to municipality. The school board may transfer control or ownership of the building which does not have any anticipated use as a school building to the municipal officers or inhabitants of the town or towns. A. The receiving town or towns, if they accept the transfer, shall be liable for any outstanding indebtedness. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).] B. If the receiving town or towns are part of a school administrative district or a community school district, then: (1) If the building had been transferred by the town or towns to the district, the district may require the town or towns to pay the district any debt service expended on the building by the district over the 5 school years prior to the transfer of the building to the town or towns, minus their apportionment of that debt service; or (2) If the building had been constructed by the district, the district may require the receiving town or towns to pay the district a sum equal to the fair market value of the building, minus the town or town's apportioned share in the building, to be determined in accordance with the cost-sharing formula in effect at the time of the transfer. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).] C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the receiving town or towns may use the building for municipal purposes. [PL 2001, c. 586, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 586, §1 (AMD).]

4. Sale of school building. The school board of the school administrative unit may sell the school building on the open market if it determines that it will have no future use for the building and they have offered to transfer control or ownership to the municipal officers of the town or towns in which the building is located and the municipal officers have not accepted the transfer of control or ownership to the municipal officers or the inhabitants of the town or towns. If the school board is unable to sell the school building on the open market after a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 2 years, then it may attempt to sell the building through sealed bids. A. Sealed bids shall be solicited a minimum of 60 days prior to being opened. Appropriate notices shall be published in local news media. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).] B. The proceeds from the sale of the building shall be disbursed in accordance with section 4104 . [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).] C. The school board of a school administrative unit may convey title to any and all school buildings, regardless of whether they are held in the names of the inhabitants of a municipality, a school administrative district, a community school district, a career and technical education region or a union school. [RR 1991, c. 2, §58 (COR); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).] [RR 1991, c. 2, §58 (COR); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

5. Demolition of building. If the school committee or board of directors determines that it has no future use for a building, if it determines the property could be better used for other educationally related purposes without the building and if the legislative body of the unit approves, the school committee or board of directors may demolish the building on the site and retain the site. The school board may also demolish the building if it has been condemned by local or state officials for health and safety reasons, regardless of whether the site will be retained or sold. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11053 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11053
20-A §11053. Board
Status: in_force

1. Membership. Of the 8 members who shall represent this State: A. One shall be the current Chancellor of the University of Maine System, ex officio; [PL 1985, c. 779, §53 (AMD).] B. One shall be the commissioner, ex officio; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. Four shall be named by the Governor for 2-year terms; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] D. One shall be a member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] E. One shall be a member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1985, c. 779, §53 (AMD).]

2. Expenses. All members shall receive their actual expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15671-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15671-A
20-A §15671-A. Property tax contribution to public education
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12" means providing the cost of funding the essential programs and services described in this chapter, including the total allocations for other subsidizable costs, debt service costs and adjustments. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. "Local cost share expectation" means the maximum amount of money for funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 that may be derived from property tax for the required local contribution established in section 15688, subsection 3‑A . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] C. "Statewide total local share" means the local share, calculated on a statewide basis, of the statewide total cost of the components of essential programs and services as adjusted, if at all, pursuant to section 15671, subsection 7 to reflect the application of the transition targets to the base total component. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §21 (AMD).] D. "Statewide valuation" means the certified total state valuation for the year prior to the most recently certified total state valuation for all municipalities statewide. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §21 (AMD).]

2. Local cost share expectation. This subsection establishes full-value education mill rates that limit a municipality's required local contribution pursuant to section 15688, subsection 3‑A . The full-value mill rates represent rates that, if applied to the statewide valuation, would produce the statewide total local share. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to the assessment of any property taxes for property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2005, a municipality's required local contribution determined pursuant to section 15688, subsection 3‑A establishes the local cost share expectation for that municipality. A. Based on the funding requirements established in section 15671 , the commissioner shall annually by February 1st notify each school administrative unit of its local cost share expectation and tabulate that local cost share expectation, total allocation and the projected state subsidy for each school administrative unit and post those tabulations, itemized by school administrative unit, on the department's publicly accessible website. Each superintendent shall report to the municipal officers whenever a school administrative unit is notified of the local cost share expectation or a change made in the local cost share expectation resulting from an adjustment. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §22 (AMD).] B. The commissioner shall calculate the full-value education mill rate that is required to raise the statewide total local share. The full-value education mill rate is calculated for each fiscal year by dividing the applicable statewide total local share by the applicable statewide valuation. The full-value education mill rate must be applied according to section 15688, subsection 3‑A, paragraph A to determine a municipality's local cost share expectation. (1) For the 2005 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 47.4% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2005-06. (2) For the 2006 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 46.14% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2006-07. (3) For the 2007 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 46.49% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2007-08. (4) For the 2008 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 47.48% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2008-09. (4-A) For the 2009 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 51.07% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2009-10. (4-B) For the 2010 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 54.16% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2010-11. (4-C) For the 2011 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 53.98% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2011-12. (5) For the 2012 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 54.13% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2012-13. (6) For the 2013 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 52.71% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2013-14. (7) For the 2014 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 53.20% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2014-15. (8) For the 2015 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 52.46% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2015-16. (9) For the 2016 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 51.86% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2016-17. (10) For the 2017 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 50.86% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2017-18. (11) For the 2018 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 50.23% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2018-19. (12) For the 2019 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 49.22% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2019-20. (13) For the 2020 property tax year, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 48.17% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2020-21. (14) For the 2021 property tax year and subsequent tax years, the full-value education mill rate is the amount necessary to result in a 45% statewide total local share in fiscal year 2021-22 and after. [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. C, §§2, 3 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. C, §§2, 3 (AMD).]

3. Exceeding maximum local cost share expectations; separate article. Beginning with the 2005-2006 school budget, the legislative body of a school administrative unit may adopt an additional local appropriation that exceeds the local cost share expectation established by section 15688, subsection 3‑A, paragraph A only if that action is approved in a separate article by a vote of the school administrative unit's legislative body through the same process that the school budget is approved in that school administrative unit and in accordance with section 15690 . If that additional appropriation causes the school administrative unit to exceed the maximum state and local spending target described in subsection 4 , the requirements of subsection 5 apply. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

4. Maximum state and local spending target. The maximum state and local spending target for a school administrative unit is the sum of the following costs calculated by the commissioner for the unit: A. The base total calculated pursuant to section 15683, subsection 1 without the adjustment for transition targets under section 15671, subsection 7, paragraph A ; [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. Other subsidizable costs described in section 15681‑A ; and [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] C. The debt service allocation pursuant to section 15683‑A . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] The commissioner shall annually notify each school administrative unit of its maximum state and local spending target. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

5. Exceeding maximum state and local spending target. If the sum of a school administrative unit's required local contribution determined pursuant to section 15688, subsection 3‑A plus the state contribution as calculated pursuant to section 15688, subsection 3‑A, paragraph D plus any additional local amount proposed to be raised pursuant to section 15690, subsection 3 exceeds the school administrative unit's maximum state and local spending target established pursuant to subsection 4 , the following provisions govern approval of that additional amount. A. The article approving the additional amount must conform to the requirements of section 15690, subsection 3, paragraph B . Notwithstanding section 1304, subsection 6 ; section 1701, subsection 7 ; Title 30‑A, section 2528, subsection 5 , or any other provision of law, municipal charter provision or ordinance, voter approval of the article, whether in town meeting, district meeting or other voting process established by law, municipal charter or ordinance, including, but not limited to, any vote on the article initiated by voter petition, must be by referendum or written ballot. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §35 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. In a municipality where the responsibility for final adoption of the school budget is vested by the municipal charter in a council, this paragraph applies, except that the petition and referendum provisions apply only if the municipal charter does not otherwise provide for or prohibit a petition and referendum process with respect to the matters described in this paragraph. (1) A majority of the entire membership of the school board or committee must approve the additional amount in a regular budget meeting. (2) An article approving the additional amount must conform to the requirements of section 15690, subsection 3, paragraph B and be approved by a majority of the entire membership of the council in a vote taken in accordance with section 15690, subsection 5 or, if the council votes not to approve the article, by a majority of voters voting in a referendum called pursuant to subparagraph (4). (3) If an article is approved by the council pursuant to subparagraph (2), the voters may petition for a referendum vote on the same article in accordance with subparagraph (4). If a petition is filed in accordance with subparagraph (4), the vote of the council is suspended pending the outcome of the referendum vote. Upon approval of the article by a majority of the voters voting in that referendum, the article takes effect. If the article is not approved by a majority of the voters voting in that referendum, the article does not take effect. Subsequent to the vote, the school committee or board may again propose an additional amount, subject to the requirements of this section. (4) If a written petition, signed by at least 10% of the number of voters voting in the last gubernatorial election in the municipality, requesting a vote on the additional amount is submitted to the municipal officers within 30 days of the council's vote pursuant to subparagraph (2), the article voted on by the council must be submitted to the legal voters in the next regular election or a special election called for the purpose. The election must be held within 45 days of the submission of the petition. The election must be called, advertised and conducted according to the law relating to municipal elections, except that the registrar of voters is not required to prepare or the clerk to post a new list of voters and absentee ballots must be prepared and made available at least 14 days prior to the date of the referendum. For the purpose of registration of voters, the registrar of voters must be in session the secular day preceding the election. The voters shall indicate by a cross or check mark placed against the word "Yes" or "No" their opinion on the article. The results must be declared by the municipal officers and entered upon the municipal records. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §24 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12006 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 423 / Section 12006
20-A §12006. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, except that the Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall develop rules for determining underserved areas for the practice of osteopathic medicine. [PL 1991, c. 612, §12 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §7 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4724 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4724
20-A §4724. Computer instruction
Status: in_force

Instruction in the use and application of computer skills shall be available to secondary school students. Each school administrative unit shall develop, with the approval of the commissioner, standards for computer literacy, proficiency and performance levels which shall be required for graduation. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4009 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4009
20-A §4009. Civil liability
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to civil liability. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Reasonable force. A teacher or other person entrusted with the care or supervision of a person for special or limited purposes may not be held civilly liable for the use of a reasonable degree of force against the person who creates a disturbance if the teacher or other person reasonably believes it is necessary to: A. Control the disturbing behavior; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Remove the person from the scene of the disturbance. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Exceptions. Subsection 1 shall not apply to the intentional or reckless use of force that creates a substantial risk of death, serious bodily injury or extraordinary pain. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Effect on civil liability. This section may not be construed to increase the scope of potential civil liability of a teacher or other person entrusted with the care or supervision of a person for special or limited purposes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Emergency medical treatment. Notwithstanding any other provision of any public or private and special law, any nonlicensed agent or employee of a school or school administrative unit who renders first aid, emergency treatment or rescue assistance to a student during a school program may not be held liable for injuries alleged to have been sustained by that student or for the death of that student alleged to have occurred as a result of an act or omission in rendering such aid, treatment or assistance. This subsection does not apply to injuries or death caused willfully, wantonly or recklessly or by gross negligence on the part of the agent or employee. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4015 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4015
20-A §4015. Interlocking door controller technology
Status: in_force

When constructing a new elementary or secondary school or renovating an existing elementary or secondary school, a school administrative unit shall ensure that the school is equipped with interlocking door controller technology. The State shall provide funds to a school administrative unit to implement this section. For purposes of this section, "interlocking door controller technology" means an area in between 2 doors separating the interior of a school from the exterior and where both doors cannot be opened at the same time. [PL 2023, c. 452, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8606-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8606-A
20-A §8606-A. Reimbursement procedures
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. [PL 1991, c. 518, §38 (RP).]

2. Budget recommendation. Prior to February 1st of each year, the commissioner shall notify each school board of the estimated amount of the funding levels to be allocated to the school administrative unit for the various program categories in adult education for payment in the next fiscal year. The commissioner shall include these funding levels in the department's request to the Legislature for appropriations from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter. A. The recommended funding level must include funds in an amount that is sufficient to provide for state administration of adult education programs including funds for the cost of high school equivalency tests and administration; supporting volunteer literacy programs; state-sponsored professional development; state-level data collection, including the required software for units, regions or centers providing adult education programs; and reimbursement of the costs listed in section 8607‑A at the rates established in that section. The recommended funding level may not exceed the maximum allowable expenditures in the base year, adjusted pursuant to paragraph C . [PL 2017, c. 381, §12 (AMD).] B. A unit, region or center shall provide the commissioner with information requested by the commissioner to carry out the purpose of this chapter. The commissioner may withhold state subsidy payment or a portion of the state subsidy payment from a unit, region or center if the unit, region or center does not provide requested information to the commissioner in compliance with the specified format, content and time schedule established by the commissioner. [PL 2007, c. 131, §5 (AMD).] C. The recommendation must include local adult education program cost adjustment to the equivalent of the year prior to the year of allocation. This adjustment is calculated according to the same guidelines established, for purposes of chapter 606‑B , by section 15689‑C, subsection 3 . [PL 2017, c. 381, §12 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 381, §12 (AMD).]

3. State reimbursement. State reimbursement for expenditures on adult education programs must be based on each unit's, region's or center's actual adult education program costs in the base year. A. The state reimbursement must be based on the unit's, region's or center's expenditures for the base year in accordance with the maximum allowable expenditures and the local program cost adjustment to the equivalent of the year prior to the year of the allocation. [PL 2007, c. 131, §5 (AMD).] B. State reimbursement must be paid to each eligible unit, region or center during the 2nd quarter of the State's fiscal year. [PL 2007, c. 131, §5 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 517, §8 (AMD).]

4. Action by Legislature. The Legislature shall appropriate the necessary funds to meet the State's obligation for reimbursement of adult education program costs as provided in this section. [PL 1991, c. 518, §38 (AMD).]

5. Rule-making authority. [PL 1991, c. 518, §38 (RP).]

6. State administration. [PL 2007, c. 131, §5 (RP).]

7. Notification. If the state allocation for expenditures on adult education programs falls below 95% of the allocation established for the prior year pursuant to subsection 2 , the department's office of adult education shall notify the Governor's office and the Legislature in writing. The notice must include the total amount necessary to fulfill the State's obligation for reimbursement of adult education program costs as provided in this section and the total amount that is available. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. RRR, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1464 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1464
20-A §1464. Collective bargaining
Status: in_force

1. Assumption of obligations, duties, liabilities and rights. On the operational date established pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 , the regional school unit board of directors shall assume all of the obligations, duties, liabilities and rights of the participating school administrative units for all purposes under Title 26, chapter 9‑A . The regional school unit is considered a single employer. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the responsibilities of the regional school unit include: A. Continued recognition of all bargaining agents that represented any bargaining units of employees who were employed by a participating school administrative unit, pending completion of merger proceedings described in this section; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. Assumption and continued observance of all collective bargaining agreements between such bargaining agents and a participating school administrative unit, which agreements continue in effect for the remainder of their unexpired terms unless the bargaining agent and regional school unit mutually agree otherwise; and [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. Collective bargaining for an initial or successor collective bargaining agreement in any bargaining unit in which a collective bargaining agreement is not in effect on the operational date and for any interim agreement that may be required to align expiration dates in a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit, as described in this section. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Structure of bargaining units. As early as possible after reorganization, all bargaining units must be structured on a regional school unit-wide basis. Bargaining units that existed in the participating school administrative units shall merge in accordance with the procedures and criteria in this section. Merger into regional school unit-wide bargaining units is not subject to approval or disapproval of employees. A. Merger into regional school unit-wide bargaining units must be completed according to the schedule contained in this section and, except as required by paragraph H , no later than the latest expiration date of any collective bargaining agreement that was in effect on the operational date established pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 that covered any employees in the merged unit. [PL 2007, c. 566, §1 (AMD).] B. There must be one unit of teachers and, to the extent they are on the effective date of this section included in bargaining units, other certified professional employees, excluding principals and other administrators. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. Any additional bargaining units in a regional school unit must be structured as follows: (1) In the initial establishment of such units, units must be structured primarily on the basis of the existing pattern of organization, maintaining the grouping of employee classifications into bargaining units that existed prior to the creation of the regional school unit and avoiding conflicts among different bargaining agents to the extent possible; and (2) In the event of a dispute regarding the classifications to be included within a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit, the current bargaining agent or agents or the regional school unit may petition the Maine Labor Relations Board to determine the appropriate unit in accordance with this section and Title 26, section 966, subsections 1 and 2 . [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] D. When there is the same bargaining agent in all bargaining units that will be merged into a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit, the units must be merged as of the operational date established pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 , and the regional school unit shall recognize the bargaining agent as the representative of the merged unit. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] E. When all bargaining units that will be merged into a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit are represented by separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization, the units must be merged as of the operational date established pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 . The identity of the single affiliate that will be designated the bargaining agent for the merged unit must be selected by the existing bargaining agents and the state labor organization. Upon completion of the merger and designation of the bargaining agent and notification by the state labor organization to the regional school unit, the regional school unit shall recognize the designated bargaining agent as the representative of employees in the merged unit. If necessary, the parties will then execute a written amendment to any collective bargaining agreement then in effect to change the name of the bargaining agent to reflect the merger. Prior to the operational date of the regional school unit, the single affiliate that is designated as the bargaining agent for the merged unit shall take measures necessary to prepare to meet its obligations as the bargaining agent on and after the operational date pursuant to Title 26, chapter 9‑A , including, but not limited to, the authority and duty to negotiate a successor collective bargaining agreement that will take effect on or after the operational date. Until the operational date of the regional school unit, each existing bargaining agent retains all other authority, duties and obligations of the bargaining agent of the employees of the school administrative unit pursuant to Title 26, chapter 9‑A . [PL 2009, c. 107, §3 (AMD).] F. When there are bargaining units that will be merged into a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit in which there are employees who are not represented by any bargaining agent and other employees who are represented either by the same bargaining agent or separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization, the units must be merged as of the operational date pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 as long as a majority of employees who compose the merged unit were represented by the bargaining agent prior to the merger. The procedures for merger of separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization described in paragraph E must be followed if applicable. If prior to the merger a bargaining agent did not represent a majority of employees who compose the merged unit, a bargaining agent election must be conducted by the Maine Labor Relations Board pursuant to paragraph H , except that the petition for an election must be filed not more than 90 days prior to the expiration date of the agreement having the latest expiration date among the bargaining units that will be merged into the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit. [PL 2007, c. 566, §2 (AMD).] G. When there are unexpired collective bargaining agreements with different expiration dates in the merged bargaining units described in paragraphs D , E and F , all contracts must be honored to their expiration dates unless mutually agreed to otherwise by the public employer and the bargaining agent. Collective bargaining agreements must be bargained on an interim basis in any merged bargaining unit so that all collective bargaining agreements expire on the same date. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] H. When bargaining units with different bargaining agents must be merged into a single regional school unit-wide bargaining unit pursuant to this section, the bargaining agent of the merged bargaining unit must be selected in accordance with Title 26, section 967 except as modified in this section. (1) A petition for an election to determine the bargaining agent must be filed with the Maine Labor Relations Board by any of the current bargaining agents or the regional school unit. (2) The petition must be filed not more than 90 days prior to the first August 31st occurring after the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the regional school unit established pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 . (3) The election ballot may contain only the names of the bargaining agents of bargaining units that will be merged into the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit and the choice of "no representative," but no other choices. No showing of interest is required from any such bargaining agent other than its current status as representative. (4) The obligation to bargain with existing bargaining agents continues from the operational date established pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 until the determination of the bargaining agent of the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit under this section; but in no event may any collective bargaining agreement that is executed after the operational date extend beyond the first August 31st occurring after the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the regional school unit. (5) The Maine Labor Relations Board shall expedite to the extent practicable all petitions for determination of the bargaining agent in the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit filed pursuant to this section. (6) The bargaining units must be merged into a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit as of the date of certification of the results of the election by the Maine Labor Relations Board or the expiration of the collective bargaining agreements in the unit, whichever occurs later. (7) Until the first August 31st occurring after the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the regional school unit, existing bargaining agents shall continue to represent the bargaining units that they represented on the day prior to the operational date of the regional school unit. If necessary, each bargaining agent and the regional school unit must negotiate an interim collective bargaining agreement to expire on the first August 31st occurring after the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the regional school unit. (8) When there are 2 or more bargaining units in which there are employees who are represented either by the same bargaining agent or by separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization that will be merged into a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit with one or more other bargaining units pursuant to the election procedures described in this paragraph, the bargaining units that are represented either by the same bargaining agent or by separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization must merge as of the operational date. The procedures for merger of separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization described in paragraph E must be followed if applicable. [PL 2009, c. 580, §6 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 580, §6 (AMD).]

3. Agent to engage in collective bargaining. After the merger of bargaining units into a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit, the bargaining agent of a regional school unit-wide bargaining unit and the regional school unit shall engage in collective bargaining for a collective bargaining agreement for the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit. In the collective bargaining agreement for each regional school unit-wide bargaining unit, the employment relations, policies, practices, salary schedules, hours and working conditions throughout the regional school unit must be made uniform and consistent as soon as practicable. In the event that the parties are unable to agree upon an initial regional school unit-wide collective bargaining agreement, the parties must use the dispute resolution procedures pursuant to Title 26, section 965 to resolve their differences. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

4. Application of collective bargaining agreements. On or after the operational date of a regional school unit established pursuant to section 1463, subsection 1 but before the completion of negotiations for a single regional school unit-wide collective bargaining agreement for the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit as described in subsection 3 , the wages, hours and working conditions of an employee of the regional school unit who is in a bargaining unit and who is reassigned to a different position that is or, upon the completion of the merger of bargaining units, will be included in the same regional school unit-wide bargaining unit are determined by the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreement that applies to the position to which the employee is reassigned, except as provided in this subsection. A. If the application of the existing collective bargaining agreement would cause a reduction in the employee's wage or salary rate, the employee's wage or salary rate must be maintained at the rate the employee was paid immediately prior to the reassignment until the completion of negotiations for a single regional school unit-wide collective bargaining agreement for the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit as described in subsection 3 or the applicable collective bargaining agreement or any interim successor agreement requires a higher wage or salary rate for the employee, whichever occurs sooner. [PL 2007, c. 668, §6 (NEW).] B. If the application of the existing collective bargaining agreement would cause a reduction in the amount that is paid by the regional school unit for premiums for health insurance for the employee and the employee's dependents, the regional school unit's payment must be maintained at the amount that was paid immediately prior to the reassignment until the completion of negotiations for a single regional school unit-wide collective bargaining agreement for the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit as described in subsection 3 or the applicable collective bargaining agreement or any interim successor agreement requires a higher payment, whichever occurs sooner. [PL 2007, c. 668, §6 (NEW).] C. If the application of the existing collective bargaining agreement provides for coverage under a different health insurance plan, the employee may elect to retain coverage under the health insurance plan in which the employee was enrolled immediately prior to reassignment if the eligibility provisions of the plan permit until the completion of negotiations for a single regional school unit-wide collective bargaining agreement for the regional school unit-wide bargaining unit as described in subsection 3 . [PL 2007, c. 668, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §6 (NEW).]

5. Bargaining units of employees of school unions. For purposes of section 1463, subsection 4 and this subsection, a school union that employed public employees, within the meaning of Title 26, section 962, subsection 6 , who were represented by a bargaining agent on the day prior to the operational date of a regional school unit board of directors is considered to be a school administrative unit. [PL 2009, c. 580, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13101 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502-B / Section 13101
20-A §13101. Professional Standards Board
Status: in_force

1. Board established. There is established the Professional Standards Board, referred to in this chapter as "the board," to advise the state board regarding professional growth, certification, endorsement, authorization and governance of the education profession in this State. The board consists of the following 22 members and 2 ex officio members: A. Two elementary school teachers; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] B. Two middle school teachers; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] C. Two high school teachers; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] D. Two educational specialists; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] E. Two special education teachers; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] F. Two education technicians; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] G. Three building administrators, one from an elementary school, one from a middle school and one from a high school; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] H. One special education director; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] I. One curriculum coordinator; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] J. Two district-level administrators; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] K. Two faculty members teaching in an approved teacher preparation program; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] L. One member of the public; [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] M. One member, ex officio, of the state board; and [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] N. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, serving as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the board. The board shall consider the commissioner's or the designee's recommendations. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] A member whose employment status changes during that member's term on the board remains on the board for the duration of the term for which that member was appointed. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]

2. Appointments. The Governor shall appoint the 23 members of the board specified in subsection 1, paragraphs A to M from nominations submitted by the education profession and interested persons. Members representing practitioner groups must be active practitioners and are appointed from a list of nominees presented by the largest organization in the State representing education paraprofessionals, elementary and secondary teachers, university faculty and each administrator specialty. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. E, §1 (AMD).]

3. Terms. The appointed members of the board serve for 3-year terms and may not serve more than 2 full terms. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]

4. Compensation. The appointed members of the board serve without compensation and are entitled to reimbursement by the state board for mileage and expenses incurred in performing required duties. The state board shall furnish the board with materials, secretarial assistance and meeting facilities. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]

5. Chair; duties. The members of the board shall annually elect a chair from among their membership. The chair shall present budget requests to the state board. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]

6. Powers and duties. The board has the following powers and duties. A. The board shall make recommendations to the state board, including, but not limited to, preservice education, continuing education, professional growth, initial certification, recertification and paraprofessional training and certification, and shall advise the department on rule-making procedures. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] B. The board shall monitor the impact of the policies adopted pursuant to paragraph A on the education profession in making recommendations and reports to the commissioner and the state board. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] C. In making policy recommendations on the certification process, the board shall consider complaints received by the department regarding the certification or certification approval process. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] D. The board shall meet 5 times annually. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] E. The board shall maintain records and minutes of its meetings and shall file them in the certification office within the department. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5021 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5021
20-A §5021. Standards for participation in public schools by students enrolled in equivalent instruction programs
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit shall conform to the following standards in making public school resources and services available to a student enrolled in a home instruction program under section 5001‑A, subsection 3, paragraph A , subparagraph (4) for a student otherwise eligible to attend school in that school administrative unit, including a student who resides in the unorganized territory. [PL 2005, c. 151, §1 (AMD).]

1. Participation in regular classes. A student receiving home instruction may enroll in specific day school classes at the appropriate public school if each of the following conditions is met. A. The student or the student's parent or guardian, on the student's behalf, applies in writing to and receives written approval from the superintendent or the superintendent's designee. Approval may not be unreasonably withheld. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. The student can demonstrate prior satisfactory academic achievement consistent with school unit policy and procedures applicable to all students. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] C. The student shall comply with behavioral, disciplinary, attendance and other classroom rules applicable to all students. If a student fails to comply, the school may withhold credit or terminate participation. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] D. Transportation must be provided by the parent or guardian or student. The student may use the same transportation as all other students in the school unit, as long as additional expenses are not incurred. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] E. The student shall complete all assignments and tests as required of all students in the class. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] F. A home-schooled student may audit a course in accordance with established local policy at the appropriate public school under the following conditions. (1) The student or the student's parent or guardian, on behalf of the student, applies in writing to and receives written approval from the superintendent or the superintendent's designee to audit a specific course or courses. Participation may not be unreasonably withheld. (2) The student agrees to meet established behavioral, disciplinary, attendance and other classroom rules applicable to all students. If a student fails to comply, the school may terminate participation. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

2. Academic credit. A student receiving home-school instruction must receive academic credit subject to the following requirements. A. Academic credit for individual courses must be awarded if the student meets required academic standards applicable to all students enrolled in the same course. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. Academic credit must be awarded for successful completion of alternative instruction opportunities sponsored by the school and available to all students. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

3. Special education services. A student receiving home-school instruction is eligible for special education services, as provided under federal regulations, in accordance with section 5001‑A and relevant department procedures and standards. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

4. Participation in cocurricular activities. A student receiving home-school instruction is eligible to participate in cocurricular activities sponsored by the local school unit provided the following requirements are met. A. The student or the student's parent or guardian, on behalf of the student, applies in writing to and receives written approval from the principal of the school or the principal's designee. Participation may not be unreasonably withheld. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. The student agrees to meet established behavioral, disciplinary, attendance and other rules applicable to all students. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

5. Participation in extracurricular activities. Students receiving home-school instruction are eligible to try out for extracurricular activities sponsored by the local school unit, provided the student applies in writing, if the following requirements are satisfied. A. The student agrees to abide by equivalent rules of participation as are applicable to regularly enrolled students participating in the activity and provides evidence that the rules of participation are being met. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. The student complies with the same physical examination, immunization, insurance, age and semester eligibility requirements as regularly enrolled students participating in the activity. All required documentation must be made available upon request by the school unit. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] C. The student meets equivalent academic standards as those established for regularly enrolled students participating in the activity and provides evidence that the academic standards are being met. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] D. The student abides by the same transportation policy as regularly enrolled students participating in the activity. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

6. Use of school facilities and equipment. A student receiving home-school instruction may use public school facilities and equipment on the same basis as regularly enrolled students if the following conditions are met: A. Use does not disrupt regular school activities; [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. Use is approved by the school principal in accordance with established school policy; [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] C. Use does not create additional expense to the school unit; [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] D. Use is directly related to the student's academic program; and [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] E. Use of potentially hazardous areas, such as shops, laboratories and the gymnasium, is supervised by a qualified employee of the school administrative unit. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

7. Use of school textbooks and library books. Subject to availability, a student receiving home instruction may use school textbooks if the number of particular copies are sufficient and library books owned by the school unit subject to the following conditions: A. Use does not disrupt regular student, staff or special program functions; [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. The student's sign-out period for a library book is the same as that applicable to regularly enrolled students; [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] C. The student may sign out a textbook for a period not to exceed one year; and [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] D. The parent or guardian and student agree to reimburse the school unit for lost, unreturned or damaged library books and textbooks and for consumable supplies used. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

8. Reimbursement for students enrolled in equivalent instruction programs. A school administrative unit is entitled to receive state subsidy for any student who receives instruction through one or more on-site academic courses from a public school but is not a full-time student. A school administrative unit that sends any tuition student to another school administrative unit or to a private school approved pursuant to chapter 219 is also entitled to receive state subsidy under this subsection. The rate of reimbursement must be established in increments of 0.25 full-time equivalent status up to 1.0 full-time equivalent status based on the average amount of time per day that a student receives on-site academic services from a public school. School administrative units shall keep an accurate count of the number of students receiving on-site academic services and shall include the full-time equivalency status of these students in the annual count of students attending school in accordance with section 6004 . [PL 1999, c. 439, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4708 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4708
20-A §4708. Grades final
Status: in_force

When grades are given for any course of instruction offered by a school, the grade awarded to a student is the grade determined by the teacher of the course and the determination of a student's grade by that teacher, in the absence of clerical or mechanical mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetence, is final. [PL 1991, c. 248 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 203 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 203
20-A §203. Appointments
Status: in_force

1. Commissioner's appointments. The following officials are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the commissioner: A. Deputy Commissioner; [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. D, §7 (AMD).] B. [PL 1997, c. 266, §2 (RP).] C. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. F, §2 (RP).] D. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. F, §2 (RP).] E. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. F, §2 (RP).] F. Director of Policy and Government Affairs; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. W, §2 (AMD).] G. [PL 2001, c. 344, §4 (RP); PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. H, §4 (RP).] H. [PL 1997, c. 266, §2 (RP).] I. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. F, §10 (RP).] J. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. W, §3 (RP).] K. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. NN, §2 (RP).] L. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. NN, §2 (RP).] M. Director of Marketing and Communications; [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. FF, §4 (AMD).] N. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. NN, §2 (RP).] O. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. W, §2 (RP).] P. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. W, §2 (RP).] Q. Associate Commissioner of Policy and Programs; and [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. W, §2 (NEW).] R. Associate Commissioner of Public Education. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. W, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. W, §2 (AMD).]

2. Appointment of directors and others. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §13 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12924 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 439 / Section 12924
20-A §12924. Loan agreement; repayment
Status: in_force

A STEM student applying for a loan under section 12922 shall enter into an agreement with the authority that includes the following provisions. [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]

1. Principal; interest. Upon completion of postsecondary education, the STEM student shall repay the entire principal of the loan plus simple interest. Interest does not begin to accrue until 6 months following completion of the loan recipient's education, withdrawal from school or discontinuance in school. [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]

2. Term of loan. Loans must be repaid over a term no longer than 10 years, except that the authority may extend a loan recipient's term as necessary to ensure repayment of the loan. Repayment must commence within 6 months following completion of the loan recipient's education, withdrawal from school or discontinuance in school. [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15908-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15908-A
20-A §15908-A. School energy efficiency standards rules
Status: in_force

1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "substantially renovated" means any renovation for which the cost exceeds 50% of the building's current value prior to renovation. [PL 2003, c. 497, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 497, §5 (AFF).]

2. Rules. The state board, in consultation with the Department of Administrative and Financial Services and the Public Utilities Commission, shall by rule require as a condition for state funding for construction that, except as provided in subsection 4 , all planning and design for new or substantially renovated schools or school buildings subject to state board approval: A. Involve consideration of architectural designs and energy systems that show the greatest net benefit over the life of the building by minimizing long-term energy and operating costs; [PL 2003, c. 497, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 497, §5 (AFF).] B. Include an energy-use target that exceeds by at least 20% the energy efficiency standards in effect for commercial and institutional buildings pursuant to the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code under Title 10, chapter 1103 ; and [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §3 (AMD).] C. Include a life-cycle cost analysis that explicitly considers cost and benefits over a minimum of 30 years and that explicitly includes the public health and environmental benefits associated with energy-efficient building design and construction, to the extent they can be reasonably quantified. [PL 2003, c. 497, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 497, §5 (AFF).] The state board shall adopt rules pursuant to this section by July 1, 2004. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §3 (AMD).]

3. Requirements for approval. Except as provided in subsection 4 , the state board shall withhold approval of a state-funded new or substantially renovated school or school building if the local school authority proposing the project can not show that it has duly considered the most energy-efficient and environmentally efficient designs suitable in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to this section. [PL 2007, c. 578, §1 (AMD).]

4. Renovation of historic school buildings; waiver. The state board may, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission and the Executive Director of the State Historic Preservation Commission, grant a waiver from the requirements of this section on a case-by-case basis for instances of substantial renovation of a historic school building. For the purposes of this subsection, "historic school building" means a school building that is on the National Register of Historic Places, eligible for nomination to the national register or designated as a historic building by a certified municipal historic preservation ordinance. A. The state board shall grant a waiver request if, in the board's opinion, the local school authority proposing the renovation project has demonstrated that renovation of the historic school building would not compromise the public health and safety requirements of this chapter and that 2 or more of the following circumstances exist: (1) Renovation of the historic school building is in substantial compliance with the energy efficiency standards required under this section as determined by the Public Utilities Commission; (2) Renovation of the historic school building provides substantial energy efficiency as determined by the Public Utilities Commission and also provides education, social or environmental benefits as determined by the department over alternative proposals, including, but not limited to, any proposals to construct a new school on an alternative site; and (3) Adherence to the energy building standards would result in irreparable damage to the historic character of a historic school building as determined by the Executive Director of the State Historic Preservation Commission. [PL 2007, c. 578, §1 (NEW).] B. An application for a waiver from the requirements of this section must be submitted to the state board in accordance with requirements established by the state board by rule pursuant to paragraph D . The waiver application must include documentation to substantiate the conditions of this subsection. If the request is denied, the state board shall communicate the reasons for denying the request to the applicant. [PL 2007, c. 578, §1 (NEW).] C. The state board shall render a decision on an application for a waiver from the requirements of this section within 60 days of the receipt by the state board of a complete application for a waiver. In rendering a decision, the state board may place conditions upon the granting of a waiver. Failure on the part of the state board to render a decision within the 60-day period constitutes approval of the request for the waiver. [PL 2007, c. 578, §1 (NEW).] D. The state board shall adopt or amend rules to implement the requirements of this subsection. Rules adopted under this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2007, c. 578, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 578, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6352 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6352
20-A §6352. Immunization
Status: in_force

To assure a safe and healthful school environment, the Legislature intends that the provisions of this subchapter on immunization shall apply in the schools of the State. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4516 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4516
20-A §4516. Rules
Status: in_force

1. Adoption of rules. Accreditation rules shall be adopted in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 20, 25 (NEW).]

2. Advisory committee. The commissioner, with the approval of the state board, shall appoint an advisory committee of professional and lay people to advise the commissioner in the adoption of accreditation standards. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §17 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12715 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12715
20-A §12715. Accreditation
Status: in_force

The colleges may seek and maintain membership in the appropriate regional accrediting association and shall strive to satisfy the requirements necessary to achieve and maintain accreditation as community colleges and to meet the requirements necessary to receive federal aid. Whenever feasible and appropriate, programs of study offered by the colleges shall meet the requirements of the corresponding occupations for licensing, certification or registration. As provided in Title 32 , college graduates with appropriate training and experience shall be eligible for licensure as journeyman workers in certain specified occupations upon passage of the journeyman's examination. [PL 1989, c. 443, §51 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1485 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1485
20-A §1485. Cost center summary budget format
Status: in_force

After January 31, 2008, the format of the annual budget of a regional school unit must be in accordance with this section. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1. Cost center summary budget format. The regional school unit budget must consist of the following cost centers and supporting data: A. Expenditures: (1) Regular instruction; (2) Special education; (3) Career and technical education; (4) Other instruction, including summer school and extracurricular instruction; (5) Student and staff support; (6) System administration; (7) School administration; (8) Transportation and buses; (9) Facilities maintenance; (10) Debt service and other commitments; and (11) All other expenditures, including school lunch; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. Revenue sources: (1) Total education costs appropriated pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1 ; (2) Non-state-funded debt service costs approved pursuant to section 15690, subsection 2 , if any; and (3) Additional local funds, if any, approved pursuant to section 15690, subsection 3, paragraph A ; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. A summary of total regional school unit expenditures; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] D. Other optional local data showing the amount and percentage of changes proposed in the state allocation, the local share and the total regional school unit budget and related information determined appropriate by the regional school unit board of directors; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] E. Data similar to that provided in paragraph A for a high-performing regional school unit of a size and demographic profile determined by the department that is comparable to the regional school unit; and [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] F. For fiscal year 2008-09, data documenting state and local savings from the reorganization to regional school units and the resulting mill rate reduction for each municipality. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1-A. Instructional expenditures transition; annual targets. Each school administrative unit shall meet the annual targets for the direct instruction percentage share of total General Fund expenditures as follows: A. For fiscal year 2018-19, the target is 61%; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §4 (NEW).] B. For fiscal year 2019-20, the target is 63%; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §4 (NEW).] C. For fiscal year 2020-21, the target is 65%; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §4 (NEW).] D. For fiscal year 2021-22, the target is 67%; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §4 (NEW).] E. For fiscal year 2022-23 and succeeding years, the target is 70%. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §4 (NEW).] For the purposes of this subsection, "direct instruction" means those expenditures in subsection 1, paragraph A for regular instruction, special education instruction, career and technical education instruction and other instruction including summer school instruction and extracurricular instruction as defined in the State's accounting handbook for local school systems. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §4 (NEW).]

2. Budget warrant. The warrant articles presented to the legislative body of the regional school unit for approval of the regional school unit budget must correspond to the categories of the cost center summary budget described in subsection 1 . In addition to expenditure and revenue cost center summary totals, the regional school unit board shall provide to voters a reasonably detailed breakdown for each major subcategory within each budget category. The department shall adopt routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A defining and establishing the content of those informational subcategories. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

3. Budget approval. A regional school unit's cost center summary budget must be approved at a regional school unit budget meeting and by a budget validation referendum as provided in section 1486 . [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

4. Transfer between budget cost center lines. During the year for which the budget is approved using the cost center summary budget format, the regional school unit board may transfer an amount not exceeding 5% of the total appropriation for any cost center to another cost center or among other cost centers without voter approval. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

5. Additional state subsidy. The warrant presented to the legislative body of the regional school unit at a regional school unit budget meeting may include an article or articles providing that, in the event that the regional school unit receives more state education subsidy than the amount included in its budget, the regional school unit board is authorized to use all or part of the additional subsidy to: A. Increase expenditures for school purposes in cost center categories approved by the regional school unit board. If that article is approved by the voters at the budget meeting, the regional school unit board may increase expenditures for school purposes in cost center categories approved by the regional school unit board as provided in the article, without holding a special budget meeting and budget validation referendum; [PL 2015, c. 463, §1 (NEW).] B. Increase the allocation of finances in a reserve fund. If that article is approved by the voters at the budget meeting, the regional school unit board may increase the allocation of finances for a reserve fund approved by the regional school unit board as provided in the article, without holding a special budget meeting and budget validation referendum; or [PL 2015, c. 463, §1 (NEW).] C. Decrease the local cost share expectation, as defined in section 15671‑A, subsection 1, paragraph B , for local property taxpayers for funding public education. If that article is approved by the voters at the budget meeting, the regional school unit board may decrease the local cost share expectation for local property taxpayers approved by the regional school unit board as provided in the article, without holding a special budget meeting and budget validation referendum. [PL 2015, c. 463, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 463, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15675 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15675
20-A §15675. Specialized student populations; additional weights
Status: in_force

For the purpose of calculating the total operating allocation under this chapter pursuant to section 15683 , the following additional weights must be added to the per-pupil count calculated under section 15674, subsection 1, paragraph C or D , whichever is applicable. [PL 2021, c. 428, §5 (AMD).]

1. English learners. The additional weights for school administrative units with English learners are as follows: A. For a school administrative unit with 15 or fewer English learners, the unit receives an additional weight of .70 per student; [PL 2019, c. 398, §32 (AMD).] B. For a school administrative unit with more than 15 and fewer than 251 English learners, the unit receives an additional weight of .50 per student; and [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §49 (COR).] C. For a school administrative unit with 251 or more English learners, the unit receives an additional weight of .525 per student. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §50 (COR).] D. [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. AAAA, §5 (AMD); MRSA T. 20-A §15675, sub-§1, ¶D (RP).] Eligibility for state funds under this subsection is limited to school administrative units that are providing services to English learners through programs approved by the department. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §§49, 50 (COR).]

2. Economically disadvantaged students. For each economically disadvantaged student, an eligible school administrative unit receives the following additional weights: A. An additional weight of .15. The number of economically disadvantaged students for each school administrative unit is determined by multiplying the number of resident pupils in the most recent calendar year by the most recent available elementary free or reduced-price meals percentage. The elementary free or reduced-price meals percentage may be applied to determine the number of economically disadvantaged students in the unit's secondary grades; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §30 (NEW).] A-1. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §2 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §15675, sub-§2, ¶A-1 (RP).] B. An additional weight for approved extended learning programs that specifically benefit economically disadvantaged students equal to .05. The commissioner shall approve qualifying extended learning programs based on evidence-based research by a statewide education policy research institute. To be eligible to receive funds under this paragraph, a school administrative unit must certify that any funds previously received under this section and any funds that will be received are used in direct support of learning for economically disadvantaged students through summer schools, extended learning programs, tutoring and other evidence-based practices conforming to rules developed by the department and informed by evidence from a statewide education policy research institute. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §30 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §2 (AMD).]

3. Public preschool program to grade 2 students. If a school administrative unit is eligible to receive targeted funds for its public preschool to grade 2 program under section 15681 , then for each public preschool program to grade 2 student the unit receives an additional weight of .10. A. For purposes of the additional weight under this subsection, the count of public preschool program to grade 2 students is calculated based on the number of resident pupils in the most recent calendar year. Beginning with funding for the 2015-2016 school year, the pupil count for students 4 years of age and students 5 years of age attending public preschool programs must be based on the most recent October 1st count prior to the allocation year. [PL 2013, c. 581, §8 (AMD).] B. Only school administrative units with public preschool to grade 2 programs approved by the department are eligible for funds pursuant to this subsection or other comparable index. [PL 2007, c. 141, §15 (AMD).] C. Funds provided pursuant to this subsection may be expended only on behalf of public preschool program to grade 2 students. [PL 2007, c. 141, §15 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 581, §8 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11474 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11474
20-A §11474. Powers of the authority
Status: in_force

The authority, in the capacity as administrator of the program fund, in addition to all of the powers set out in Title 10, section 969‑A , may: [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

1. Enter into contracts. Make and enter into contracts necessary for the administration of the program fund, including, without limitation, agreements with any financial institution or institution of higher education or with the State or any federal or state agency or any other entity; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

2. Invest funds. With the advice of the advisory committee, invest and reinvest, or cause to be invested and reinvested, money in the program fund in any investments determined by the authority to be appropriate, notwithstanding any general statutory limitations on investments of public funds specifically determined to be inapplicable to the program fund. The authority may invest, or cause to be invested, money from the program fund in financial institutions located in the State to the extent determined reasonable by the authority; [PL 2021, c. 17, §3 (AMD).]

3. Participation agreements. Enter into participation agreements with participants in accordance with the requirements of section 11475 ; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

4. Make payments. Make payments to beneficiaries and to institutions of higher education on behalf of beneficiaries; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

5. Make refunds. Make refunds to participants on the termination of participation agreements pursuant to the provisions, limitations and restrictions set forth in this chapter; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

6. Appoint a program administrator. Appoint a program administrator and other employees necessary to carry out the duties of this chapter; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

7. Carry out studies. Carry out studies and projections to advise participants regarding present and future estimated higher education expenses and levels of financial participation in the program required to enable participants to achieve their educational funding objectives; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

8. Participate in programs. Participate in any federal, state or local governmental program for the benefit of the program or the program fund, including, without limitation, soliciting, establishing and participating in a program providing limits on future increases in the costs of education at participating institutions of higher education on those terms and conditions that the authority may negotiate with the institutions; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

9. Procure insurance. Procure insurance against any loss in connection with the property or assets or activities of the program or the program fund; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

10. Administer the program fund. Administer the program fund; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

11. Borrow money. Borrow money the authority determines necessary and prudent to the administration of the program and the program fund. Loans may be obtained from any source, including other funds of the authority; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

12. Transfer investments. Sell, assign, transfer and dispose of any of the securities and investments of the program. All investments must be clearly marked to indicate designation to the program fund and, to the extent possible, must be registered in the name of the program. All interest derived from investments and any gains from the sale or exchange of investments must be credited by the authority to the account of the program; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

13. Employ investment managers and consultants. Contract for goods and services and engage personnel and consultants, including investment advisors and managers, actuaries, managers, counsel, marketing consultants, fiduciaries and auditors, and evaluation services or other services as determined necessary by the authority for the effective and efficient operation of the program. Directly or through an investment consultant, the authority may contract to provide services that are a part of the comprehensive investment plan or as determined necessary by the authority or the consultant, including, but not limited to, providing consolidated billing, individual and collective record keeping and accounting and asset purchase, control and safekeeping; and [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

14. Fund costs and expenses. Fund all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the exercise of its powers under this chapter as administrative costs of the program and the program fund. The authority may not assess the program fund a fee in excess of 1% of the balance in the fund in any year for the administrative costs and expenses of the program. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4011 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4011
20-A §4011. Employment reference immunity (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 20-A, SECTION 4010)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 20-A, SECTION 4010)

An employee of a school administrative unit who discloses information about a former employee's job performance or work record to a prospective employer of the former employee is presumed to be acting in good faith and, unless lack of good faith is shown by clear and convincing evidence, is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences. "Clear and convincing evidence of lack of good faith" means evidence that clearly shows the knowing disclosure, with malicious intent, of false or deliberately misleading information. This section is supplemental to and not in derogation of any claims available to the former employee that exist under state law and any protections that are already afforded employers under state law. [RR 2011, c. 1, §26 (RAL).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11458 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-C / Section 11458
20-A §11458. Program established
Status: in_force

There is established the Higher Education Loan and Loan Insurance Program, administered by the Finance Authority of Maine, to carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 2013, c. 34, §4 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 213 / Section 5202
20-A §5202. Residence
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, "parent" means the parent or guardian with legal custody. [PL 1983, c. 806, §56 (AMD).]

2. General rule. A person is eligible to attend schools in the school administrative unit where the person's parent resides, where the person resides upon reaching the age of 18 years or upon becoming an emancipated minor. A federal installation shall be considered part of the school administrative unit in which it is located. [PL 1985, c. 789, §§ 3, 9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 401
20-A §401. State Board of Education
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is established by Title 5, section 12004‑C, subsection 1 . The State Board of Education shall be an autonomous body and shall maintain an office in Augusta. The appointments, terms and expenses of the State Board of Education members shall be as follows. [PL 1989, c. 503, Pt. B, §72 (AMD).]

1. Appointment. The state board consists of 9 members and, beginning in the 2007-2008 school year, 2 nonvoting student members, one junior and one senior in high school. All members are appointed by the Governor. Four members must reside in the State's First Congressional District at the time of appointment, 4 members must reside in the State's Second Congressional District at the time of appointment and one member may reside in either the First Congressional District or the Second Congressional District at the time of appointment. One of the student members must attend school in the State's First Congressional District at the time of appointment and the other student member must attend school in the State's Second Congressional District at the time of appointment. Each appointment is subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and to confirmation by the Senate. [PL 2013, c. 15, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Nomination of student members. Each student member of the state board serves for a term of 2 years, except that the senior appointed in the 2007-2008 school year serves for one year. A junior in high school must be added each year to the state board to serve a term of 2 years. A. The state board shall notify every public high school principal by March 15th of the year in which applications are being accepted for the student member's position. [PL 2007, c. 200, §2 (NEW).] B. Applications for the student member's position must be submitted to the state board no later than April 15th of the year in which applications are being accepted. [PL 2007, c. 200, §2 (NEW).] C. A screening committee of the state board shall select 6 semifinalists for the student member's position. [PL 2007, c. 200, §2 (NEW).] D. The state board shall, by May 1st of the year in which applications are being accepted, select 3 finalists for the Governor's consideration and shall rank the finalists according to its preference. [PL 2007, c. 200, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 200, §2 (NEW).]

1-B. Term of student member. Notwithstanding subsection 4 , the term of office of the student member of the state board is 2 years. [PL 2007, c. 200, §3 (NEW).]

1-C. Qualifications for service as student member. At the time a student member of the state board's term commences, the student must: A. Be enrolled in good standing in a public high school in the State; [PL 2007, c. 200, §4 (NEW).] B. Have completed 10th grade prior to the commencement of the term; [PL 2007, c. 200, §4 (NEW).] C. Provide at least 3 references from teachers in the school that the student attends; and [PL 2007, c. 200, §4 (NEW).] D. Meet other criteria established by the state board in consultation with students in the State. [PL 2007, c. 200, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 200, §4 (NEW).]

2. Composition. The membership of the state board must be broadly representative of the geographic regions of the State and of municipalities of varying sizes. Members must have a strong interest in and knowledge of education. [PL 2019, c. 421, §1 (AMD).]

3. Expenses. Members of the state board shall be compensated according to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 379 ; a member shall receive compensation whenever that member fulfills any board duties in accordance with board bylaws. [PL 1987, c. 851, §3 (AMD).]

4. Term. The term of office of each member is 5 years and the term begins when the member is sworn into office. A person may not serve more than any 2 5-year terms. A vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. If a person appointed to fill a vacancy serves more than 2 1/2 years of an unexpired term, that service counts as one term for purposes of the limitation on terms imposed in this subsection. The state board shall promulgate rules in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , which establishes the procedure and criteria by which the state board may recommend to the Governor the removal of a member from office prior to completion of the term of appointment for failure to perform the duties of office. [PL 2007, c. 528, §1 (AMD).]

5. Assistance. The department shall provide staff assistance to the state board in carrying out its functions. [PL 1987, c. 851, §5 (NEW).]

6. Release time for state board meeting attendance. A teacher or administrator serving on the state board must be granted release time for attendance at state board meetings. The state board is responsible for the cost of any substitute teacher for a teacher granted release time under this subsection. [PL 2019, c. 421, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1482-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1482-A
20-A §1482-A. Budget meeting
Status: in_force

A regional school unit board shall hold a regional school unit budget meeting at a time it determines. [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).]

1. Warrant. The budget meeting must be called by a warrant. The warrant must: A. Be signed by a majority of the regional school unit board; [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).] B. Specify the time and place of the meeting; [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).] C. Include the proposed school budget and other articles the regional school unit board chooses to place before the voters, excluding authorization to borrow money for school construction purposes; [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).] D. Specify the state and local shares of the state-local allocation and local leeway and additional expenditures without state participation; and [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).] E. Be directed to a resident of the regional school unit by name ordering the resident to notify all voters within the regional school unit to assemble at the time and place appointed. [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).]

2. Notice. An attested copy of the warrant must be posted by the person to whom it is directed in some conspicuous public place in each of the municipalities within the regional school unit at least 7 days before the meeting. The person who gives notice of the meeting shall make a return of the posting on the warrant stating the manner of notice in each municipality and the time when it was given. [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).]

3. Requested articles. If requested by a written petition of at least 10% of the number of voters voting for the gubernatorial candidates in the last gubernatorial election in each municipality within the regional school unit, the regional school unit board shall place specific articles, not in conflict with existing state statutes, in the warrants for consideration at the next annual regional school unit budget meeting. To be included in the warrant, a petition must be received by the regional school unit board at least 15 days before the date set for the budget meeting. When placed on the warrant, the articles must be considered before action relating to the appropriation of money for the operation of schools may be taken. [PL 2007, c. 668, §17 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10959 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10959
20-A §10959. Refunding indebtedness
Status: in_force

Pursuant to sections 10953 to 10955 , the university may enter into financing transactions and issue evidences of indebtedness for the purpose of refinancing obligations or evidences of indebtedness issued under this chapter or to refund general obligation debt of the State, including the payment of any redemption premium on the evidences of indebtedness or general obligation debt of the State and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of those obligations, and if deemed advisable by the university for the additional purpose of construction or enabling the construction of improvements, extensions, enlargements or additions of the project or projects in connection with which the obligations to be refunded have been issued. The university's refunding authority includes authority to borrow and issue evidences of indebtedness for the combined purpose of refunding any evidences of indebtedness issued under this chapter then outstanding or refunding general obligation debt of the State, including the payment of any redemption premium on the evidences of indebtedness or general obligation debt of the State and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of those obligations, and paying all or any part of the cost of acquiring or constructing or enabling the acquisition or construction of any additional project or projects or part of a project, or any improvements, extensions, enlargements or additions of any project or projects. The incurring of indebtedness for refunding purposes and the issuance of evidences of indebtedness in connection with the indebtedness, the maturities and other details, the rights and remedies of the holders and the rights, powers, privileges, duties and obligations of the university with respect to the indebtedness are governed by this chapter insofar as the chapter may be applicable. In the event the university refunds general obligation debt of the State not previously issued to finance any project or projects, the Treasurer of State is authorized to discharge the university from an amount of its obligations to reimburse the State for debt service on general obligation debt of the State issued to finance any project or projects that is equivalent to the general obligation debt of the State actually being refunded by the issuance of bonds under this chapter. Equivalent amounts must be determined on the basis of the discounted present value of all such obligations. [PL 1993, c. 2, §4 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3631 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3631
20-A §3631. Treasurer
Status: in_force

The treasurer has custody of all of the moneys belonging to the district and shall pay out the same only upon the order of the interstate board. The treasurer shall keep a fair and accurate account of all sums received into and paid from the interstate district treasury, and at the close of each fiscal year the treasurer shall make a report to the interstate district, giving a particular account of all receipts and payments during the year. The treasurer shall furnish to the interstate directors statements from the treasurer's books and submit the treasurer's books and vouchers to them and to the district auditors for examination whenever so requested. The treasurer shall make all returns called for by laws relating to school districts. Before entering on the treasurer's duties, the treasurer shall give a bond with sufficient sureties and in such sum as the directors may require. The treasurer's term of office is from July 1st to the following June 30th. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §12 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 251-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 251-A
20-A §251-A. Responsibilities of the commissioner
Status: in_force

The commissioner is the chief executive officer of the department. In that capacity, the commissioner has primary responsibility for the following: [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §45 (NEW).]

1. Enforcing regulatory requirements. Enforcing applicable regulatory requirements for school administrative units; [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §45 (NEW).]

2. Providing technical assistance. Providing technical assistance to school administrative units; and [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §45 (NEW).]

3. Providing educational leadership. Providing educational public leadership for the State. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §45 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1053 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 1053
20-A §1053. Allocation of services
Status: in_force

1. School unions. The union committee shall establish a policy to guide the relative amount of service to be performed by the superintendent in each unit. [PL 2001, c. 588, §13 (AMD).]

2. Community school district. In community school districts, the district school committee shall also establish a policy to guide the relative amount of service to be performed by the superintendent in each school administrative unit. [PL 2001, c. 588, §13 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7406 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7406
20-A §7406.  Board
Status: in_force

The Board of the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf is established as the policy-making authority and the governing body of the center. [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

1. Membership. In appointing members to the center board, the Governor shall give proper consideration to achieving statewide geographical representation, cultural equity and gender equity. In appointing voting members to the center board, the Governor shall select nominees with experience or special knowledge in one or more of the following areas: law, finance, organizational issues, management, education, human resources and collective bargaining. The center board and interested parties may submit a list of recommended candidates to the Governor to aid in making appointments of voting and nonvoting members. The appointments of voting members made by the Governor are subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and subject to confirmation by the Legislature. The appointments of nonvoting members made by the Governor are not subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters or subject to confirmation by the Legislature. The Governor shall appoint the center board consisting of 15 voting members and 2 nonvoting members as follows: A. Four parents of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, including a minimum of one parent with a child enrolled in the site-based program and one parent with a child receiving service from the center's outreach program; [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).] B. Three deaf representatives of the State's deaf community; [PL 1995, c. 676, §5 (NEW).] C. Eight members of the general public, at least 2 of whom must have expertise in deaf education; and [PL 1999, c. 775, §7 (AMD).] D. [PL 1999, c. 775, §7 (RP).] E. [PL 1999, c. 775, §7 (RP).] F. Two students, one who attends a site-based program and one who receives outreach services, both of whom are nonvoting members and who may not participate as board members in executive sessions or receive materials as board members from executive sessions. [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

2. Chair. The center board shall choose annually one of its members to serve as chair. [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

3. Meetings. The center board shall meet at regular intervals determined by the board. [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

4. Quorum. Each voting member of the center board is entitled to one vote. A majority of voting members of the center board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of any official business. [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

5. Terms of voting members. The terms of the voting members of the center board are for 3 years, unless otherwise designated, and are staggered with 1/3 of the voting members appointed each year. Members may be appointed for consecutive terms. [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

6. Terms of nonvoting members. The terms of the nonvoting student members, pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph F , must be determined by the center board. [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

7. Expenses. Voting members of the center board must be compensated according to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 2021, c. 646, §10 (AMD).]

8. Appointments. [PL 1999, c. 775, §7 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1474 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1474
20-A §1474. Vacancies
Status: in_force

1. Definition of vacancy. A vacancy on a regional school unit board occurs: A. When the term of office of a regional school unit board director expires; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. When a regional school unit board 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 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. On the death of a regional school unit board director; or [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] D. When a regional school unit board director resigns. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] In addition to paragraphs A , B , C and D , except in municipalities having a municipal charter, when a director is absent without excuse from 3 consecutive regular board meetings, the regional school unit board may declare that a vacancy exists. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Regional school unit board. The regional school unit board shall notify the municipal officers of the municipalities within the regional school unit of a vacancy before the annual town meeting or before the regular municipal election. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

3. Filling vacancies. A vacancy on a regional school unit board must be filled according to this subsection. 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 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. The municipal officers shall provide at the next municipal or subdistrict election for the election of a director to fill the vacancy. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10909 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10909
20-A §10909. University of Maine System Scholarship Fund
Status: in_force

The University of Maine System Scholarship Fund is created and established as a nonlapsing fund under the jurisdiction and control of the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System. All revenues credited to this fund must be distributed as need-based scholarships for students attending the University of Maine System. These scholarships may be awarded only to those students who are residents of the State. The fund may not be used for the costs of administering the scholarships. Fees credited from the University of Maine System registration plate pursuant to Title 29‑A, section 456 may not be distributed as scholarships to students attending the University of Maine. [PL 2005, c. 109, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10908 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10908
20-A §10908. Educational opportunities for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Status: in_force

In conjunction with the Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Advisory Council established pursuant to Title 22, section 3789‑D , the University of Maine System: [PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §5 (AMD).]

1. Placement. Shall promote opportunities for educational placement for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families who meet applicable admissions requirements; and [PL 1983, c. 806, §82 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §34 (AMD).]

2. Supportive services. Within the limits of available funds for supportive services, shall make available to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients admitted as students opportunities for supportive services which may include, but are not limited to, remedial educational courses, day care services, counseling services and other programs and services consistent with the policy and intent of Title 22, chapter 1054 . [PL 1983, c. 806, §82 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §34 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 312 / Section 8202
20-A §8202. Intent; funding
Status: in_force

The school is established as a public, residential school located in Limestone and the following provisions apply. [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

1. Curriculum. The school's curriculum is designed to exceed existing state educational standards in the content areas of the system of learning results established in section 6209 . [PL 2001, c. 454, §35 (AMD).]

2. Tuition; room and board; funding. Students from this State may attend the school free of tuition charges and free of the cost of room and board. Additional funding for students from this State may be provided within amounts appropriated for that purpose as follows. A. The amount must be paid in 4 equal quarterly payments during the year of attendance. The first payment must be made by July 31st. The amount of tuition and other costs paid for all students is limited to the amount appropriated for this purpose. To be eligible for state funding under this paragraph, a student must reside in Maine with a parent, other relative or guardian at the start of the academic year for which state funding is appropriated. The student's residency must be reaffirmed to the school at the beginning of each school year that the student is enrolled. [PL 2025, c. 464, §1 (AMD).] B. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, and to the extent funds are not appropriated for this purpose, the student or the student's parent or guardian shall pay to the school the cost of room and board for the school year. In the case of financial need, the State shall pay to the school the difference between the cost of room and board and the student's or the student's family's ability to pay that cost. The board of trustees shall adopt rules governing the determination of financial need and the cost and schedule of payment of room and board under this paragraph. The determination of financial need must be based on a nationally recognized public or private school financial needs assessment system. A student may use scholarship funds in place of payment for all or part of the cost of room and board and any other fees or expenses incurred as a result of that student's enrollment at the school. [PL 2023, c. 464, §1 (AMD).] C. [PL 1995, c. 665, Pt. FF, §1 (RP).] [PL 2025, c. 464, §1 (AMD).]

3. Out-of-state tuition. Students from other states and countries and students pursuing a postgraduate high school year of education may attend the school on a space-available basis by paying the cost of tuition, fees and room and board as established by the board of trustees. [PL 2009, c. 486, §2 (AMD).]

4. Scholarship fund. The school must demonstrate its ability to raise private funds to support a scholarship fund. Based on this ability, the Legislature may provide General Fund appropriations to the scholarship fund. Funds available in the scholarship fund may not be used to offset, reduce or eliminate the appropriation of state funds described in subsection 2 . The existence of the scholarship fund may not reduce or eliminate the State's funding obligations described in subsection 2 . [PL 2009, c. 486, §3 (AMD).]

5. Educational enhancement fund. The school may raise private funds to support an educational enhancement fund to enrich the educational experience of students enrolled at the school. The Legislature may provide General Fund appropriations to the educational enhancement fund. Funds available in the educational enhancement fund may not be used to offset, reduce or eliminate the appropriation of state funds described in subsection 2 . The existence of the educational enhancement fund may not reduce or eliminate the State's funding obligations described in subsection 2 . [PL 2009, c. 486, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7405-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7405-C
20-A §7405-C. Mackworth Island preschool
Status: in_force

1. Free, appropriate public education responsibility. The State's intermediate educational unit is responsible for providing a free, appropriate public education pursuant to chapter 301 and Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Public Law 91-230, for deaf and hard-of-hearing students attending the Mackworth Island preschool. [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).]

2. Responsibility for Mackworth Island preschool. The center is responsible for the following services, required pursuant to Section 1419 of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, for deaf and hard-of-hearing students attending the Mackworth Island preschool: A. Specially designed instruction; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] B. Speech-language therapy, including listening and spoken language services; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] C. Audiology services in conjunction with the student's managing audiologist; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] D. Occupational therapy; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] E. Social work services; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] F. American Sign Language interpreting; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] G. Cue transliteration services for educational programming; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] H. Transition planning; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] I. Extended school year services; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] J. Remote hearing technology services designed for educational use; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] K. Acoustic consultation, including measurement of unoccupied classroom noise levels and observation of the environment, in order to make recommendations for acoustically appropriate treatment; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] L. Educational technician services in general education classes; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] M. Evaluations for the following: (1) American Sign Language services; (2) Occupational therapy; (3) Speech-language therapy; (4) Psychoeducational services; (5) Academic achievement services; and (6) Functional listening services; [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] N. Observations in the learning environment; and [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] O. Behavioral support services and planning, including functional behavioral evaluations and behavior intervention plans. [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 646, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10960 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10960
20-A §10960. Tax exemption
Status: in_force

Indebtedness incurred under this chapter and evidences of indebtedness issued in connection with the indebtedness shall be deemed to constitute a proper public purpose and the evidences of indebtedness issued, their transfer and the income from them, including any profits made on the sale of the evidences of indebtedness, shall at all times be exempt from taxation within the State. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12901 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 437 / Section 12901
20-A §12901. State Education and Employment Outcomes Task Force
Status: in_force

1. Task force established. The State Education and Employment Outcomes Task Force, established in Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 10‑E and referred to in this chapter as "the task force," is established to develop procedures to maintain and disseminate information and data from the Department of Labor's educational outcome database, referred to in this chapter as "the database," including but not limited to information and data on education results, program completion, graduation, credentials earned and employment and earnings outcomes for graduates of postsecondary educational institutions in the State over time. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]

2. Membership. The task force consists of 15 members as follows: A. Four members appointed by the President of the Senate as follows: (1) Two members of the Senate, one from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature; (2) A representative from the University of Maine System; and (3) A representative from the Maine School Management Association or a successor organization; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] B. Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House as follows: (1) Two members of the House of Representatives, one from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature; and (2) A representative from the Maine Community College System; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] C. Four members appointed by the Governor as follows: (1) A representative from the Maine Maritime Academy; (2) A representative from a private postsecondary educational institution in the State; (3) A representative from the Maine State Chamber of Commerce or a successor organization; and (4) A person with expertise in state and national higher education policy; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] D. The Commissioner of Education or the commissioner's designee; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] E. The Commissioner of Labor or the commissioner's designee; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] F. The administrator of the database or the administrator's designee; and [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] G. The Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine or the chief executive officer's designee. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]

3. Meetings. The task force may meet no more than 4 times per calendar year. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]

4. Chairs. The first-named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the task force. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]

5. Terms of appointment. Nonlegislative appointed members of the task force are appointed for terms of 3 years and may serve beyond their designated terms until their successors are appointed. Terms of appointment of Legislators coincide with their respective legislative terms of office. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]

6. Staffing. The Legislative Council shall provide staff support to the task force, except that the Legislative Council staff support is not authorized when the Legislature is in regular or special session. The Department of Education and the Department of Labor shall provide assistance and information to the task force as is consistent with the departments' current federal grants related to the work of the task force and to the extent time and funding allow as determined by the departments. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]

7. Duties. The task force shall: A. Review procedures to maintain and disseminate information regarding the employment and earnings of graduates of postsecondary educational institutions in the State based on the database; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] B. Advise on the use of the information provided in the database by state agencies, higher education organizations that have partnerships with the task force, local school systems and the public; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] C. Make recommendations regarding the design and content of a website jointly hosted by the Department of Education and the Department of Labor that provides maximum information to the public regarding higher education and employment; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] D. Identify a viable long-term funding method to maintain the database; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] E. Produce recommendations for the Department of Education regarding how to provide relevant, timely information to secondary school students who are making higher education decisions; [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] F. Address any issues that may arise from the use or impact of the database; and [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] G. Explore the feasibility of and possible methods for including data from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation regarding licensure, as well as data covering other workforce credentials, into the database. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]

8. Reports; legislation. The task force shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters and the joint select or joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over workforce training matters by November 1st each year on the status of the database. The reports must describe funding sources for the database and the sustainability of that funding, how the website under subsection 7, paragraph C is used, including by whom and how frequently they use it, efforts to incorporate its use into secondary schools and any other issues the task force determines necessary. The task force shall as part of its report recommend whether the task force should continue its work, or if its work could best be handled by another entity. If the task force recommends that the task force should continue its work, it shall recommend any suggested changes in the membership and size of the task force. The task force may submit with the reports legislation required to implement its recommendations. [PL 2013, c. 593, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3630 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3630
20-A §3630. Clerk
Status: in_force

The clerk shall keep a true record of all proceedings at each district meeting, shall certify its records, shall make an attested copy of any records of the district for any person upon request and tender of reasonable fees therefor, if so appointed, shall serve as secretary of the board of school directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be required by custom or law. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4730 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4730
20-A §4730. Statewide employment projections
Status: in_force

A secondary school, when providing career or educational programming materials and guidance for students and parents, shall include an electronic link to the publicly accessible website of the Department of Labor, Center for Workforce Research and Information containing statewide employment projections. The department, working with the Department of Labor, shall develop age-appropriate advice for navigating the website containing the statewide employment projections and shall update this advice from time to time as needed. [PL 2021, c. 75, §2 (NEW).]

Revisor's Note: §4730. Life and career readiness standards (As enacted by PL 2021, c. 190, §4 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 20-A, SECTION 4731)
20-A M.R.S. § 1486 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1486
20-A §1486. Budget validation referendum
Status: in_force

After January 31, 2008, the procedure for approval of the annual budget of a regional school unit must be in accordance with this section and section 1485 . [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1. Budget validation. Following development of the annual regional school unit budget and approval at a regional school unit budget meeting as provided in section 1485 , a referendum must be held in the regional school unit as provided in this section to allow the voters to validate or reject the total budget adopted at the regional school unit budget meeting. Every 3 years, the voters in a regional school unit shall consider continued use of the budget validation referendum process. The warrant at the budget validation referendum in the 3rd year following adoption or continuation of the referendum process must include an article by which the voters of the school administrative unit may indicate whether they wish to continue the process for another 3 years. The warrant for the referendum to validate the fiscal year 2010-11 budget is deemed the 3rd-year warrant. A vote to continue retains the process for 3 additional years. A vote to discontinue the process ends its use beginning with the following budget year and prohibits its reconsideration for at least 3 years. An article to consider reinstatement of the budget validation referendum process may be placed on a warrant for a referendum vote by either a majority vote of the regional school unit board or a written petition filed with the regional school unit board by at least 10% of the number of voters voting in the last gubernatorial election in the municipalities in the school administrative unit. The regional school unit board shall place the article on the next scheduled warrant or an earlier one if determined appropriate by the regional school unit board. If adopted by the voters, the budget validation referendum process takes effect beginning in the next budget year or the following budget year if the adoption occurs less than 90 days before the start of the next budget year. Once approved by the voters, the budget validation referendum process may not be changed for 3 years. [PL 2011, c. 171, §3 (AMD).]

2. Validation referendum procedures. The budget validation referendum must be held on or before the 45th calendar day following the scheduled date of the regional school unit budget meeting. The referendum may not be held on a Sunday or legal holiday. The vote at referendum is for the purpose of approving or rejecting the total regional school unit budget approved at the regional school unit budget meeting. The regional school unit board shall provide printed information to be displayed at polling places to assist voters in voting. That information is limited to the total amounts proposed by the regional school unit board for each cost center summary budget category article, the amount approved at the regional school unit budget meeting, a summary of the total authorized expenditures and, if applicable because of action on an article under section 15690, subsection 3, paragraph A , a statement that the amount approved at the regional school unit budget meeting includes locally raised funds that exceed the maximum state and local spending target pursuant to section 15671‑A, subsection 5 . If the legislative body of the regional school unit at the regional school unit budget meeting approves an article pursuant to section 1485, subsection 5 , the substance of the article must be included in the printed information displayed at polling places for the budget validation referendum. [PL 2023, c. 256, §1 (AMD).]

3. Budget validation referendum voting. The method of calling and voting at a budget validation referendum is as provided in sections 1502 and 1503 , except as otherwise provided in this subsection or as is inconsistent with other requirements of this section. A. A public hearing is not required before the vote. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. [PL 2007, c. 668, §20 (RP).] C. The warrant and absentee ballots must be delivered to the municipal clerk no later than the day after the date of the regional school unit budget meeting. [PL 2007, c. 668, §20 (AMD).] D. Absentee ballots received by the municipal clerk may not be processed or counted unless received on the day after the conclusion of the regional school unit budget meeting and before the close of the polls. [PL 2007, c. 668, §20 (AMD).] E. All envelopes containing absentee ballots received before the day after the conclusion of the regional school unit budget meeting or after the close of the polls must be marked "rejected" by the municipal clerk. [PL 2007, c. 668, §20 (AMD).] F. The article to be voted on must be in the following form: (1) "Do you favor approving the (name of regional school unit) budget for the upcoming school year that was adopted at the latest (name of regional school unit) budget meeting? Yes No" [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. B, §7 (RPR).] G. [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. B, §8 (RP).] [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §4 (AMD).]

4. Failure to approve budget. If the voters do not validate the budget approved in the regional school unit budget meeting at the budget validation referendum vote, the regional school unit board shall hold another regional school unit budget meeting in accordance with this section and section 1485 at least 10 days but no longer than 45 days after the referendum to vote on a budget approved by the regional school unit board. The budget approved at the regional school unit budget meeting must be submitted to the voters for validation at referendum in accordance with this section. The process must be repeated until a budget is approved at a regional school unit budget meeting and validated at referendum. If a budget is not approved and validated before July 1st of each year, section 1487 applies. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12123 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424-A / Section 12123
20-A §12123. Selection committee for students of veterinary medicine
Status: in_force

The chief executive officer shall annually convene a selection committee of not fewer than 3 members to advise the authority in developing application materials designed to identify students likely to practice livestock veterinary medicine, emergency and critical care veterinary medicine or in an underserved geographic region in the State and to make recommendations to the authority regarding the priority of applicants for loans to students of veterinary medicine. The selection committee must include the state veterinarian and a representative of a statewide association of veterinarians. [PL 2021, c. 725, §10 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12005 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 423 / Section 12005
20-A §12005. Agreement for osteopathic loan students after July 1, 1981 and prior to January 1, 1993
Status: in_force

1. Agreement. Any osteopathic loan student commencing professional education on or after July 1, 1981 and prior to January 1, 1993 shall, as a condition precedent to receiving the loan, enter into an agreement with the authority stating that following completion of professional education including internship, residency, fellowship, obligated public health service or obligated national service the student will pay the State an amount of money equal to the loan received. [PL 1991, c. 832, §9 (AMD).]

2. Repayment. This amount is payable at 9% simple annual interest over a period not to exceed 10 years; however, students may extend the repayment period by one to 10 years with the approval of the chief executive officer for a total repayment period not to exceed 20 years. These payments commence at such time as the student concludes professional education under rules adopted by the authority. [PL 1991, c. 832, §9 (AMD).]

3. Deferment. Any student who has received a loan under this section who, during the repayment period, either returns to a Maine practice and then leaves the State or initially remains out of state and then returns to a Maine practice may seek a deferment of the annual principal and interest payments while outside the State for a period of time not to exceed 3 years. Interest must be assessed during this time and the student's total debt to the authority, including principal and interest, must be repaid either through return service or cash payments within 10 years from the date that marks the beginning of the repayment period. Requests for deferments must be made to the chief executive officer, who shall make a determination on a case-by-case basis. The decision of the chief executive officer is final. [PL 1991, c. 832, §9 (AMD).]

4. Forgiveness. Any student who, upon the conclusion of the student's professional education, including, if applicable, internship, residency, fellowship, obligated public health service and obligated national service as defined in section 11802, subsection 7 , elects to serve as a practitioner of osteopathic medicine in a designated, underserved area, as determined by the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and as defined in section 11802, subsection 6 , in the State is forgiven 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness for each year of that practice. A. Any student electing to complete an entire residency at any family practice residency program in the State is forgiven 50% of the original outstanding indebtedness upon completion. [PL 1991, c. 612, §11 (NEW).] B. Any student who practices osteopathic medicine in an underserved geographic area is forgiven the larger of 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness or $10,000 for each year of that practice. [PL 1991, c. 612, §11 (NEW).] Any student who elects to practice in the State and receive the benefits of these provisions shall provide a reasonable level of service to all patients regardless of their ability to pay, including Medicare and Medicaid patients, and participate in public health clinics where necessary. [PL 1991, c. 832, §9 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §7 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1305 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1305
20-A §1305. Alternative voting procedures
Status: in_force

If requested before January 31, 2001 by a written petition of at least 10% of the number of voters voting in the last gubernatorial election in the municipalities within the district, the board of directors shall cause the following article to be voted on by the voters of the member municipalities. "Shall School Administrative District No..... require that the voting at future district budget meetings and special district budget meetings be done by referendum within each member municipality of the district instead of using the district meeting procedure? Yes No " [PL 1999, c. 710, §3 (AMD).]

1. Procedure. The procedure for voting on the article shall be as follows. A. On receipt of a request and if the request complies with the requirement of this section, the board of directors shall immediately notify the municipal officers within the district of the receipt of the request. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. The municipal officers of each municipality within the district shall then cause the article to be placed on the ballots for that municipality for the next statewide election occurring at least 45 days after the date on which the municipal officers received the notice. [PL 1983, c. 485, §12 (AMD).] C. The warrants, notices and voting procedures to be followed within a municipality, including absentee voting procedures, shall be the same as those provided in Title 21‑A , except that the duties of the Secretary of State shall be performed by the board of directors. [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §51 (AMD).] D. Municipal clerks shall, within 24 hours of the determination of the results of the vote in their municipality, certify to the board of directors the total number of votes cast in the affirmative and in the negative on the article. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. As soon as all of the results from all of the municipalities have been returned to the board of directors, the board shall meet and compute the total number of votes cast in the affirmative and in the negative on the article in all of the municipalities within the district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] F. If the board of directors determines that there were more votes cast in the affirmative than there were in the negative on the article, they shall declare that the article has passed. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] G. If the board of directors determines that the total number of votes cast on the article in the affirmative is equal to or less than those in the negative, they shall declare that the article has not passed. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] H. The board of directors shall enter their declaration and computations in their records and send certified copies of it to the municipal clerk of each municipality within the district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §51 (AMD).]

2. Application. Following the board of director's declaration that the article has passed, the board shall cause the voting at all future district budget meetings and to be called within each municipality within the district. The voting must be held in accordance with the procedures set out in sections 1351 to 1354 , except that the warrant and absentee ballots for the meeting must be prepared and distributed to the municipal clerks at least 14 days prior to the date of the referendum. The board may hold informational meetings on voting procedure and budget prior to voting. The board shall be responsible for the form of the articles to be voted on in the municipalities, except as otherwise provided by law. [PL 1993, c. 372, §1 (AMD).]

3. Failure to approve a budget. If the budget or a portion of the budget fails to receive a majority vote at the referendum, the board of directors shall decide in a public proceeding whether subsequent votes on the portion of the budget that was defeated must be conducted in accordance with the referendum procedure in subsection 2 or at a district budget meeting held at a single place in the district in accordance with procedures in sections 1303 and 1304 . Subsequent votes conducted in accordance with the referendum procedure in subsection 2 must be held within 45 days. Subsequent votes conducted in accordance with sections 1303 and 1304 must be held within 30 days. These referenda or meetings must be held solely for the purpose of approving an alternative operating school budget to replace the part of the proposed budget that the voters failed to approve. The board may continue in this manner until an alternative budget is adopted. [PL 1993, c. 372, §2 (AMD).]

4. Reconsideration of alternative voting procedure. [PL 1999, c. 710, §4 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6802 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6802
20-A §6802. Forfeiture
Status: in_force

A forfeiture under this Title may be recovered in a civil action. Unless specifically provided for, it shall be disbursed as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. School purposes. It shall be paid into the treasury of the school administrative unit where the offense occurred, for use for school purposes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Prosecution costs. An amount equal to the cost of prosecution shall be paid into the county treasury. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Forfeiture. A school administrative unit shall forfeit the money it received to a person bringing civil suit, if the unit has not expended that money within one year of receiving it. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9001 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 319 / Section 9001
20-A §9001. Program
Status: in_force

The president may conduct programs to provide fire training and education for members of municipal fire departments, incorporated volunteer fire departments, industrial fire brigades, institutional fire brigades and the general public, to be known as the Maine Fire Service Institute. [PL 2011, c. 166, §1 (AMD).]

1. Voluntary participation. The president may not require participation in these programs by a member of a municipal fire department, incorporated volunteer fire department, industrial fire brigades, institutional fire brigades or the general public nor use participation in Maine fire training and education programs as a condition of eligibility to receive funds for training and education programs. [PL 1987, c. 124, §3 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §12 (AMD).]

2. Fees. The president may charge a fee for the training and education of private industrial fire brigades. The amount of the fee shall reflect, but not be limited to, instructional, material and administrative costs. [PL 1987, c. 124, §3 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §12 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13802 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 509 / Section 13802
20-A §13802. Teacher and principal evaluation models
Status: in_force

1. Department to propose models. The department shall propose models for evaluation of the professional performance of teachers and principals employed in a school administrative unit within the State. The models must include multiple measures. [PL 2011, c. 36, §1 (AMD).]

2. Use of models. Each school administrative unit within the State may select and incorporate one or more of the models proposed pursuant to subsection 1 for the evaluation of the professional performance of a teacher or principal employed by that school administrative unit. Nothing in this section prevents a school administrative unit from developing and adopting its own models for teacher and principal evaluation. [PL 2011, c. 36, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12103-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424 / Section 12103-A
20-A §12103-A. Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarship Program
Status: in_force

There is established the Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarship Program, referred to in this section as "the scholarship program," to provide a tuition subsidy of 50% of the cost of attendance annually, up to a maximum of $25,000 per student annually, for eligible students who enter qualifying Maine-based medical school programs for the purpose of increasing the number of physicians in this State who practice in primary care, underserved specialties or underserved areas of the State. For the purposes of this section, "cost of attendance" means the tuition and fees applicable to an eligible student, together with estimated other expenses reasonably related to cost of attendance at a qualifying Maine-based medical school program. [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).]

1. Eligibility. For purposes of this section, "eligible student" means a student who meets eligibility requirements set by the authority by rule that include at least the following: A. The student is or will be enrolled in a qualifying Maine-based medical school program; and [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).] B. The student has a substantial connection to the State as evidenced by factors such as prior education in this State, parental residence in this State and at least one year of non-education-related residence in this State. [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).]

2. Priority. In awarding scholarships, the authority shall give priority to an eligible student who meets at least 2 of the following provisions: A. The student has received a high school diploma, or its equivalent, in this State; [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).] B. The student has received a baccalaureate degree from a 4-year college or university in this State; and [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).] C. The legal residence of a parent of the student is in this State. [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).]

3. Allocation. The total number of scholarships available under the scholarship program must be allocated equally among qualifying Maine-based medical school programs, except that a program may not be allocated more than the number of scholarships for which the program has raised matching funds as of January 1st immediately preceding the scholarship award. [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).]

4. Matching funds. Commencing January 1, 2013, if a qualifying Maine-based medical school program raises matching funds in an amount less than the amount of scholarship funds allocable to it under this section from the State for a given year or does not have a sufficient number of qualified applicants to fill the number of scholarships allocable to it, the number of scholarships allocated to that program must be reduced accordingly and scholarships must be reallocated for that year to students of other qualifying Maine-based medical school programs. Qualifying Maine-based medical school programs must use funds raised through philanthropic and private medical education fundraising to increase the number of scholarships available to eligible students and must use matching funds to provide no fewer than the number of scholarships allocated to the program by the State in a given academic year. [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).]

5. Notification. For each student receiving a scholarship under this section, the student's qualifying Maine-based medical school program must notify the authority of the location of the student's medical residency, specialty and place of employment for each of the 8 years after the student's graduation from the school. [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).]

6. Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarship Fund created. A nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund under the jurisdiction of the authority, known as the Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarship Fund, and referred to in this subsection as "the fund," is created to carry out the purposes of this section. Any unexpended balance in the fund carries over for continued use under this section. The authority may receive, invest and expend on behalf of the fund money from gifts, grants, bequests and donations or other sources in addition to money appropriated or allocated by the State. Money in the fund 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 purposes of this section; interest income may be used for such purposes or to pay student financial assistance administrative costs incurred by the authority. [PL 2009, c. 410, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12713 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12713
20-A §12713. Presidents' council
Status: in_force

The presidents' council is a nonvoting, advisory council composed of the presidents of the colleges to advise the board of trustees and the president of the system. The presidents' council shall advise the president of the system in the performance of the duties assigned under this chapter and shall make recommendations to the president of the system and the board of trustees with respect to the administration of the colleges, courses of study, educational programs, curricula, coordination of programs between the colleges, coordination with other institutions of higher learning and other educational and training institutions and other matters as requested by the president of the system or the board of trustees. [PL 2017, c. 179, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7001 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 301 / Section 7001
20-A §7001. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subpart, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Agency. "Agency" means a public, quasi-governmental or private agency, school, organization, facility or institution. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Child Development Services System. "Child Development Services System" means the state intermediate educational unit under section 7209, subsection 3 to ensure the provision of child find activities, early intervention services and, when designated by the commissioner, free, appropriate public education services to eligible children. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §2 (AMD).]

1-B. Child with a disability. "Child with a disability" means: A. For children from birth to under 3 years of age: (1) A child who needs early intervention services because the child has a significant developmental delay, as measured by both diagnostically appropriate instruments and procedures, in one or more of the following areas: cognitive development; physical development, including vision and hearing; communication development; social or emotional development; and adaptive development; or (2) A child with a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay, with the condition being such that the child needs early intervention services; or [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (NEW).] B. For children at least 3 years of age and under 22 years of age evaluated in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1414, subsections (a) to (c) as measured by both standardized, norm-referenced diagnostic instruments and appropriate procedures with delays or impairments such that the children need special education: (1) A child at least 3 years of age and under 6 years of age with a significant developmental delay, at the discretion of the intermediate educational unit or school administrative unit, as defined in rules adopted by the department, in one or more of the following areas: cognitive development; physical development, including vision and hearing; communication development; social or emotional development; adaptive development; or (2) A child with at least one of the following: (a) Intellectual disability; (b) Deafness, including hearing loss; (c) Speech or language impairment; (d) Visual impairment, including blindness; (e) Emotional disability; (f) Orthopedic impairment; (g) Autism; (h) Traumatic brain injury; (i) Other health impairment; (j) Specific learning disabilities; (k) Deaf-blindness; and (l) Multiple disabilities. [PL 2023, c. 450, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 450, §1 (AMD).]

1-C. Early intervention services. "Early intervention services" means developmental services that are provided under public supervision; are provided at no cost except where federal or state law provides for a system of payments by families, including a schedule of sliding fees; are designed to meet the developmental needs of a child with a disability, as identified by the individualized family service plan team, in one or more areas including physical development, cognitive development, communication development, social or emotional development and adaptive development; meet the standards of the State; are provided by qualified personnel; to the maximum extent appropriate, are provided in natural environments, including the home, and community settings in which children without disabilities participate; and are provided in conformity with an individualized family service plan. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (NEW).]

1-D. Child eligible under Part B, Section 619. "Child eligible under Part B, Section 619" means a child who is at least 3 years of age and under 6 years of age who has not entered kindergarten and who requires special education and related services in order to access a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §3 (NEW).]

2. Exceptional student. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (RP).]

2-A. Free, appropriate public education. "Free, appropriate public education" means special education and related services that are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction and without charge; meet the standards of the department; include an appropriate preschool, elementary school or secondary school education in the State; and are provided in conformity with the individualized family service plan or individualized education program. The Child Development Services System shall provide free, appropriate public education to a preschool child with disabilities who reaches 5 years of age between July 1st and October 15th if that child is already receiving free, appropriate public education through the Child Development Services System and the child's individualized education program team determines, in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner, that it is in the best interest of the child not to enroll that child in kindergarten until the start of the following school year. [PL 2011, c. 477, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).]

2-B. Intermediate educational unit. "Intermediate educational unit" means an entity that meets the definition of intermediate educational unit in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1402, (23) as in effect prior to June 4, 1997 and that is a public authority, other than a local educational agency, under the general supervision of the department, that is established for the purpose of providing free public education on a regional basis and that provides special education and related services to children with disabilities within the State. An intermediate educational unit is considered a local educational agency under federal law. In this State, a local educational agency is a school administrative unit. For purposes of this chapter all references to school administrative units include intermediate educational units. [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD).]

2-C. Individualized education program team. "Individualized education program team" means the group of individuals composed in accordance with Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1414(d)(1)(B) to determine the individualized education program for a child with a disability. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. I, §1 (AMD).]

2-D. Individualized family service plan. "Individualized family service plan" means a plan to provide early intervention services in accordance with Part C to an infant or toddler with a disability or to the infant's or toddler's family in the natural setting. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §4 (NEW).]

2-E. Natural setting. "Natural setting" means the home, child care or other community setting of the infant or toddler with a disability. "Natural setting" does not include a preschool setting. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §5 (NEW).]

3. Mentally retarded. [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §3 (RP).]

3-A. Part B, Section 619. "Part B, Section 619" means Part B, Section 619 of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §6 (NEW).]

3-B. Part C. "Part C" means Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq. under which early intervention services are provided in the natural setting for infants and toddlers with disabilities. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §7 (NEW).]

3-C. Extended Part C option. "Extended Part C option" means the option under Part C that allows the family of a child eligible under Part B, Section 619 to continue early intervention programming on or after the child's 3rd birthday by remaining in the natural setting and continuing to receive services through an individualized family service plan. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §8 (NEW).]

4. Preschool handicapped child. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (RP).]

4-A. Regional site. [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. OO, §3 (RP).]

4-B. Related services. "Related services" means special education transportation and such developmental, corrective and other related services, as defined by the commissioner, as are required to assist children with disabilities to benefit from their special education programs. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (NEW).]

4-C. Regional support and service hub. "Regional support and service hub" means a support and service hub established by the Child Development Services System in accordance with section 7211 . [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §9 (NEW).]

5. Special education. "Special education" means specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities, as defined by the commissioner, including: A. Instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions and in other settings; and [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (NEW).] B. Instruction in physical education. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).]

6. Special education facility. "Special education facility" means a public or private school, or portion of a public or private school, intended for use in meeting the educational and related needs of children with disabilities. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).]

6-A. State intermediate educational unit. "State intermediate educational unit" means the Child Development Services System under subsection 1‑A . [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §10 (NEW).]

7. State licensed agency. "State licensed agency" means an institution or facility licensed by the State to provide education, emotional or mental health services, alcohol or drug rehabilitation, boarding care or other child care services to a person between the ages of 5 and 20 years. It includes: A. Facilities under Title 22, chapter 1661 ; and [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).] B. Community mental health services under Title 34‑B, chapter 3, subchapter 3 . [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).] C. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (RP).] D. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (RP).] [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).]

8. Children's residential care facility. "Children's residential care facility" is a facility defined in Title 22, section 8101, subsection 4 . [PL 2013, c. 179, §4 (AMD).]

9. Special education program. A "special education program" is a full-time or part-time educational program designed to provide an equal educational opportunity to children with disabilities through the delivery of special education services by qualified individuals. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).]

10. Special education services. "Special education services" are educational services provided by qualified individuals as defined by the commissioner. Special education services must be provided by qualified individuals employed or contracted by the school administrative unit. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9924 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 333 / Section 9924
20-A §9924. Community Schools Success Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Community Schools Success Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established within the department as a nonlapsing fund to provide grants to community schools, local education providers and nonprofit organizations. The commissioner shall administer the fund to provide community schools with assistance with the following: A. Community needs audits and community schools resources assessment; [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).] B. Readiness plan assessments; [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).] C. New and ongoing sustainability efforts; [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).] D. Professional development and training; and [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).] E. Peer support and mentoring efforts. [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).] For the purposes of this section, "local education provider" means a school administrative unit, a school located in an unorganized territory pursuant to chapter 119 , a public charter school authorized pursuant to chapter 112 and a school or program established under Part 4, Subpart 2 . [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).]

2. Grant recipients; supporting documentation. To receive a grant under this section, a potential recipient must be designated as a community school pursuant to section 9922 , must be a school administrative unit that has begun developing a community school plan pursuant to section 9922, subsection 1 for a school not yet designated as a community school or must be a local education provider located in a school administrative unit with a community school or a nonprofit organization that supports community school programs. A potential recipient shall submit to the department a grant utilization plan that includes the scope of work that will be supported by the grant and a description of programs administered by the potential recipient that support community schools. [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).]

3. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of the fund, including eligibility standards for the awarding of grants from the fund under this section and rules for determining the allowable uses of grants by eligible recipients, which must include, but are not limited to, hiring or contracting, technical assistance, professional development and training and attending statewide training and conferences. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2025, c. 410, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6212 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6212
20-A §6212. Innovative, autonomous public schools
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit may establish and operate an innovative, autonomous public school. The school board may approve an instruction design, a school calendar, a staff selection process and a method for assessing professional development to be used in an innovative, autonomous public school that exceed or differ from, but do not conflict with, applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The school board shall propose, receive and allocate funding for an innovative, autonomous public school as part of the budget process for that school administrative unit in accordance with this Title. A school board may request waivers as necessary to implement an instructional model and associated curriculum that meet the standards of this section for innovation and autonomy. [PL 2009, c. 616, §1 (NEW).]

1. Open enrollment. Any resident student in a school administrative unit is eligible to request enrollment in an innovative, autonomous public school. Enrollment may not be limited to a target population of students. A school board shall establish a method for selecting students when requests for enrollment exceed capacity. A school board may establish a process for determining the maximum enrollment from each municipality in the school administrative unit. [PL 2009, c. 616, §1 (NEW).]

2. More accountability for student achievement. An innovative, autonomous public school must demonstrate a system for accountability for student achievement that exceeds, but is not in conflict with, the State's accountability standards and the State's assessment system. [PL 2009, c. 616, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6662 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6662
20-A §6662. Foods outside school meal program
Status: in_force

1. Nutritional information. After August 31, 2008, food service programs must post caloric information for prepackaged a la carte menu items at the point-of-decision. [PL 2005, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]

2. Food and beverages outside school lunch programs. The department shall adopt rules to establish standards for food and beverages sold or distributed on school grounds but outside of school meal programs. These standards must include maximum portion sizes, except for portion sizes for milk, that are consistent with federal school nutrition standards. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection do not apply to food and beverages sold or offered at community events or fund-raisers held outside the hours of the normal school day and to products prepared in culinary arts programs provided by career and technical schools and programs. [PL 2011, c. 224, §1 (AMD).]

3. Food and beverage advertising. Brand-specific advertising of food or beverages is prohibited in school buildings or on school grounds except for food and beverages meeting standards for sale or distribution on school grounds in accordance with rules adopted under subsection 2 . For the purposes of this subsection, "advertising" does not include advertising on broadcast media or in print media such as newspapers and magazines, clothing with brand images worn on school grounds or advertising on product packaging. [PL 2007, c. 156, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 202
20-A §202. Department organization
Status: in_force

The department shall include the following: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. State Board of Education. The State Board of Education; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1-A. Commissioner of Education. The Commissioner of Education; [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §10 (AMD).]

2. Maine Education Council. [PL 1993, c. 252, Pt. C, §2 (RP).]

3. Maine State Commission for Higher Education Facilities. [PL 2009, c. 274, §6 (RP).]

4. Maine Representatives to the New England Board of Higher Education. The Maine Representatives to the New England Board of Higher Education; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Maine School Building Authority. The Maine School Building Authority; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Governor Baxter School for the Deaf. [PL 1995, c. 676, §3 (RP); PL 1995, c. 676, §13 (AFF).]

7. Maine Arts Commission. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §11 (RP).]

8. Arts Bureau. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §11 (RP).]

9. Maine State Museum Commission. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §12 (RP).]

10. Maine State Museum Bureau. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §12 (RP).]

11. State Historian. The State Historian; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

12. Maine State Library. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §12 (RP).]

13. Maine State Library Bureau. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §12 (RP).]

14. Maine Historic Preservation Commission. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §12 (RP).]

15. Educational bureaus. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. F, §1 (RP).]

16. Other entities. Other entities authorized by the Legislature; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

17. Other bureaus. Any other bureau the commissioner establishes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12671 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 430-B / Section 12671
20-A §12671. Program Established
Status: in_force

The Finance Authority of Maine shall administer an outreach program of post-secondary education information services as provided in this chapter. [PL 1989, c. 698, §73 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

1. Duties. The authority shall implement a program that: A. Provides middle school and high school students, the parents of these students and adults seeking to acquire a post-secondary education with career and financial aid counseling; [PL 1989, c. 698, §73 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).] B. Provides, to the extent of available resources, counseling services throughout the State in accessible locations to assist eligible participants; and [PL 1989, c. 698, §73 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).] C. Provides to eligible participants information concerning career options, educational programs and post-secondary schools. [PL 1989, c. 698, §73 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).] [PL 1989, c. 698, §73 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

2. Nonlapsing fund. There is created under the jurisdiction of the authority 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 1989, c. 698, §73 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6205 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6205
20-A §6205. Assessment data
Status: in_force

The department shall provide each school with assessment data on individual students. Such assessment data shall become part of the student's educational record and shall be made available to the parents of each student or student of majority age in accordance with local school policies. It shall be held confidential from unauthorized persons in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of this Title and federal law. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§ 3, 4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8308 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8308
20-A §8308. Memorandum of understanding for educational programs
Status: in_force

A center or region, adult education program pursuant to chapter 315 and a community college or university may enter into a memorandum of understanding with one another pursuant to this section to provide educational programs to career and technical education and adult education students. For the purposes of this section, "community college" means a community college of the Maine Community College System and "university" means a university of the University of Maine System. A memorandum of understanding under this section must include the following components. [PL 2021, c. 237, §1 (NEW).]

1. Schedules. The center or region, adult education program and the community college or university must address how to align schedules to allow students to take courses through the community college or university. [PL 2021, c. 237, §1 (NEW).]

2. Postsecondary credit. The community college or university shall grant full credit to any student who successfully completes a course at the community college or university provided pursuant to this section. The course must apply to graduation requirements at the community college or university in which it was taken or be transferable to another community college or university on an equal basis with a course taken by any other student at the community college or university. [PL 2021, c. 237, §1 (NEW).]

3. Funding. Funding for career and technical education students attending courses at a community college or university may be provided in accordance with section 15689‑A, subsection 23 or chapter 208‑A . [PL 2021, c. 237, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12997 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 447 / Section 12997
20-A §12997. Maine Credentialed Workforce Program Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund created. The Maine Credentialed Workforce Program Fund is established within the authority as a nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The fund consists of any funds appropriated, allocated or contributed from private or public sources, including from state and federal sources, and any existing funding for other authority programs that, at the discretion of the authority, may be combined with the program. The funds, to be accounted within the authority, must be held separate and apart from all other money, funds and accounts. Eligible investment earnings credited to the assets of the fund become part of the assets of the fund. Any unexpended balances remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year do not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

2. Fund administration. 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 and any federal funds received by the State for the benefit of workers in the State who have outstanding eligible student loans. Money received by the authority on behalf of the fund must be used for the purposes of this chapter. The fund must be maintained and administered by the authority. Any unexpended balance in the fund carries forward for continued use under this chapter, except for federal funds that must be expended according to guidelines issued by the Federal Government governing the use of those funds. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

3. Fund expenses. Costs and expenses of maintaining, servicing and administering the fund and of administering the program may be paid out of amounts in the fund. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4272 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 203 / Section 4272
20-A §4272. Expansion of public preschool programs report
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall report annually by February 15th to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters on the department's initiatives, incentives and progress to expand public preschool programs. [PL 2023, c. 477, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3633 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3633
20-A §3633. Superintendent
Status: in_force

The superintendent of schools shall be selected by a majority vote of the board of school directors of the interstate district with the approval of both commissioners. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6806 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6806
20-A §6806. Defacing schoolhouses; outbuildings
Status: in_force

A person who defaces, damages or destroys the walls, benches, seats, blackboards or other parts of a schoolhouse or school outbuildings, commits a civil offense and shall pay double the damages. [PL 2001, c. 189, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6202
20-A §6202. State assessment program established; content
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall establish a statewide assessment program to measure and evaluate on a continuing basis the academic achievements of students in grades 3 to 12 on the accountability standards set forth in section 6209 and in department rules implementing that section and other curricular requirements. The commissioner may elect to provide for the use of alternative measures of student achievement in grades 9 to 12. This assessment applies to students in the public elementary and secondary schools, in public charter schools, as that term is defined in section 2401, subsection 9 , and in all private schools approved for tuition whose school enrollments include at least 60% publicly funded students, as determined by the previous school year's October and April average enrollment. The assessment program must be adapted to meet the needs of children with disabilities as defined in section 7001, subsection 1‑A or other students as defined under rules by the commissioner. The assessment program may not include the use of the standardized test known as "the SAT" as a method for assessing student performance. [PL 2021, c. 462, §1 (AMD).]

1. Assessment in basic subjects. [PL 2001, c. 454, §29 (RP).]

1-A. Interpretation. The statewide assessment program results may be interpreted in a manner that takes into account the particular role within a school administrative unit of regional special education or regional alternative education programs or schools approved by the commissioner in accordance with section 7253 . For these programs or schools, the results may be interpreted by assigning the student and the scores of the student to the school in the community where the student resides. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §8 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §14 (AFF).]

2. Additional subjects. [PL 2001, c. 454, §29 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12714 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12714
20-A §12714. Name and program of the community colleges
Status: in_force

The program of the community colleges shall be designed to educate, train and prepare high school graduates, or the equivalent, for possible employment as technicians or technologists, including health technicians and technologists, engineering assistants, business and office administrators or workers, mechanics or repairers, craft workers, construction workers or precision production workers or other skilled workers, in accordance with the mission and goals set forth in section 12703 . Unless and until the board of trustees deems it necessary to adopt other nomenclature to fulfill the purposes of this chapter, the names of the colleges shall be: [PL 1989, c. 443, §50 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

1. Central Maine. Central Maine Community College; [PL 1989, c. 443, §50 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

2. Eastern Maine. Eastern Maine Community College; [PL 1989, c. 443, §50 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

3. Kennebec Valley. Kennebec Valley Community College; [PL 1989, c. 443, §50 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

4. Northern Maine. Northern Maine Community College; [PL 1989, c. 443, §50 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

5. Southern Maine. Southern Maine Community College; [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. O, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

6. Washington County. Washington County Community College; and [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. O, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

7. York County. York County Community College. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. O, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8704 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 316 / Section 8704
20-A §8704. Fee charged
Status: in_force

A public secondary school may provide driver education after the regular school day during the school year as part of its secondary course of study and may charge a fee based upon per pupil costs, but may not allow credit toward a high school diploma for that paid instruction. [PL 1985, c. 797, §45 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20113 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20113
20-A §20113. Oversight, enforcement and dispute resolution - Article 13
Status: in_force

1. Oversight. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce the compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of the compact and the rules promulgated under this chapter have standing as statutory law. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of the compact that may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the interstate commission. The interstate commission is entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding and has standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the interstate commission renders a judgment or order void as to the interstate commission, the compact or promulgated rules. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Default. If the interstate commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under the compact or the bylaws or promulgated rules, the interstate commission shall: A. Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of the nature of the default, the means of curing the default and any action taken by the interstate commission. The interstate commission shall specify the conditions by which the defaulting state must cure its default; and [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] B. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Failure to cure. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default, the defaulting state must be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by the compact must be terminated from the effective date of termination. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

4. Cure; obligations or liabilities incurred during default. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of the default. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

5. Suspension; termination. Suspension or termination of membership in the compact may be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate must be given by the interstate commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature and each of the member states. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

6. Responsibility after suspension; termination. The member state that has been suspended or terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of suspension or termination including obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of suspension or termination. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

7. Responsibility of commission. The interstate commission does not bear any costs relating to any state that has been found to be in default or that has been suspended or terminated from the compact, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the interstate commission and the defaulting state. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

8. Appeal. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the interstate commission by petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the interstate commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney's fees. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

9. Dispute resolution; rules. The interstate commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve disputes that are subject to the compact and that may arise among member states and between member and nonmember states. The interstate commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

10. Enforcement. The interstate commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact. The interstate commission may by majority vote of the members initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the interstate commission, in the federal district where the interstate commission has its principal offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws, against a member state in default. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party may be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney's fees. The remedies set forth in this subsection are not the exclusive remedies of the interstate commission. The interstate commission may avail itself of any other remedies available under state law or the regulation of a profession. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1472-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1472-C
20-A §1472-C. Term of office for elected directors
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, a regional school unit board may place an article before the voters in the member municipalities of the regional school unit that would permit the regional school unit board to establish a single common date for beginning the term of office for duly elected directors when the board members are elected at the regular municipal election of the member municipalities and these municipal elections are held at different times. [PL 2009, c. 580, §12 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7253 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7253
20-A §7253. Regional programs; approval
Status: in_force

Two or more school administrative units may enter into cooperative agreement to provide regional special education programs and support services. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. General criteria. Programs and services established through this agreement shall meet the requirements set forth in section 7204, subsection 4 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Special provisions. A program shall specify that: A. One of the school administrative units shall serve as fiscal agent; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. No requirement exists for separate budget approval and taxation; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. School construction may not be proposed for special education purposes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Plan. A plan for a regional program shall be subject to approval by the commissioner prior to its implementation. The plan shall specify: A. The objectives and functions to be performed by the regional program; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. The method of fiscal operation and cost sharing; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. The method of entering into and withdrawing from the agreement; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] D. The method of administering the regional program; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] E. The method of involving parent and community participation; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] F. The school administrative unit that shall act as fiscal agent for the regional program. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Funding. The regional program shall be supported by funds included in the special education appropriations of each of the member school administrative units. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12503 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12503
20-A §12503. Educators for Maine loan recipients
Status: in_force

Each year graduating high school seniors, undergraduates and students pursuing postbaccalaureate certification who show evidence of academic achievement may be considered for recognition as Educators for Maine loan recipients. Applications must be submitted to the chief executive officer at a time and in a format to be determined by rule of the authority. In determining loan recipients, the chief executive officer shall consider candidates in 3 categories: graduating high school seniors; undergraduates, other than graduating high school seniors; and students pursuing postbaccalaureate certification. [PL 2003, c. 427, §4 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11055 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11055
20-A §11055. Effective date
Status: in_force

When the Governor shall have executed this compact on behalf of this State, and shall have caused a verified copy thereof to be filed with the Secretary of State, and when the compact shall have been ratified by one or more of the states named in section 11051 then this compact shall become operative and effective as between this State and such other state or states. The Governor shall take such action as may be necessary to complete the exchange and filing of official documents as between this State and any other state ratifying the compact, and to take such steps as may be necessary to secure the consent of the Congress of the United States to the compact. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20102 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20102
20-A §20102. Definitions - Article 2
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

1. Active duty. "Active duty" means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 United States Code, Chapters 1209 and 1211. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. LLLL, §1 (AMD).]

2. Child of a military family. "Child of a military family" means a school-aged child enrolled in kindergarten to grade 12 in the household of an active duty member. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Compact. "Compact" means the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

4. Compact commissioner. "Compact commissioner" means the voting representative of each member state appointed pursuant to section 20109 . [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

5. Deployment. "Deployment" means the period one month prior to a service member's departure from the service member's home station on military orders to 6 months after return to the service member's home station. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

6. Educational records. "Educational records" means those official records, files and data directly related to a student and maintained by the school or local education agency, including but not limited to records encompassing all the material kept in the child’s cumulative folder such as general identifying data, records of attendance and of academic work completed, records of achievement and results of evaluative tests, health data, disciplinary status, test protocols and individualized education programs. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

7. Extracurricular activities. "Extracurricular activities" means voluntary activities sponsored by the school or local education agency or an organization sanctioned by the local education agency. Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays and club activities. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

8. Interstate commission. "Interstate commission" means the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children established under section 20109 . [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

9. Local education agency. "Local education agency" means a public authority legally constituted by a member state as an administrative agency to provide control of and direction for kindergarten to grade 12 public educational institutions. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

10. Member state. "Member state" means a state that has enacted the compact. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

11. Military installation. "Military installation" means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center or homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the federal Department of Defense, including any leased facility, that is located within any of the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands and any other United States territory. "Military installation" does not include any facility used primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors projects or flood control projects. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

12. Nonmember state. "Nonmember state" means a state that has not enacted the compact. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

13. Receiving state. "Receiving state" means the state to which a child of a military family is sent, brought or caused to be sent or brought. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

14. Rule. "Rule" means a written statement by the interstate commission adopted pursuant to section 20112 that is of general applicability; implements, interprets or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact or an organizational, procedural or practice requirement of the interstate commission; has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state; and includes the amendment, repeal or suspension of an existing rule. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

15. Sending state. "Sending state" means the state from which a child of a military family is sent, brought or caused to be sent or brought. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

16. State. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands and any other United States territory. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

17. State council. "State council" means the state council on educational opportunity for military children established in section 20108 . [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

18. Student. "Student" means the child of a military family for whom the local education agency receives public funding and who is formally enrolled in kindergarten to grade 12. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

19. Transition. "Transition" means: A. The formal and physical process of transferring from school to school; or [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] B. The period of time in which a student moves from one school in the sending state to another school in the receiving state. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

20. Uniformed service. "Uniformed service" means the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps or the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

21. Veteran. "Veteran" means a person who served in the uniformed services and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10713 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10713
20-A §10713. Investigations; hearings
Status: in_force

1. Investigations. Whenever the state board believes that an event, transaction or condition within the scope of section 10712 may have occurred or may exist, it may conduct an investigation, which may include, but is not limited to, an examination of the educational institution by a visiting committee convened by the state board for that purpose. As part of an investigation conducted under this subsection, the state board has the power to subpoena and examine under oath educational institutions, their trustees, directors, officers and employees, lenders, creditors and investors, together with their records, books and accounts. The state board may also require the educational institution to provide other written information relevant to the subject matter of the investigation in the format prescribed by the state board. The Superior Court has jurisdiction upon complaint filed by the state board to enforce any subpoena or request for other written information issued under this subsection. [PL 2007, c. 572, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).]

2. Hearings. Before making any of the determinations authorized by section 10712 , the state board shall give the educational institution an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV . [PL 1991, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6001-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6001-A
20-A §6001-A. Parental access to information on school activities
Status: in_force

1. Parental notification. Upon written request by a parent, a school administrative unit may provide written notification of all school activities and programs for which parental participation, involvement, notification or awareness is in the best interest of the student. A noncustodial parent may have access to information on school activities and programs upon written request and with the mutual agreement of the custodial parent and the school administrative unit. [PL 1997, c. 415, §4 (NEW).]

2. Exemption. This section does not apply to a parent denied parental rights and responsibilities in a court order. [PL 1997, c. 415, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10203 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 10203
20-A §10203. Authority
Status: in_force

ETLM may, among other things, conduct tests, list products, supply labels, make reports, provide consultant services and provide other services consistent with the overall goals and objectives of ETLM as set forth in section 10202 . [PL 1997, c. 607, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8456 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8456
20-A §8456. Voter approval of cooperative board articles
Status: in_force

A region shall vote on articles submitted by the cooperative board using the procedures set forth in sections 1351 to 1354 . For such purposes, references in those sections to "school administrative district" or "district" mean career and technical education region; references in those sections to "board of directors," "board," "school board," "school directors" or "school director" mean cooperative board; and references in those sections to "they" mean either, as appropriate in the context, cooperative board or members of the cooperative board. [PL 1991, c. 518, §24 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1468 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1468
20-A §1468. State board review of commissioner's decisions
Status: in_force

A regional school unit or other interested party may request that the state board reconsider decisions made by the commissioner under this subchapter. The state board has the authority to overturn decisions made by the commissioner. In exercising this power, the state board is limited by this subchapter. [PL 2009, c. 580, §11 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15695-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15695-A
20-A §15695-A. Bondholders of school administrative units
Status: in_force

1. Rights of bondholders of school administrative units. If legislation, including a ballot measure approved at referendum, becomes effective that dissolves a school administrative unit that has issued outstanding general obligation bonds or notes or repeals the laws pursuant to which such a school administrative unit is organized and exists, the rights of the holders of the outstanding bonds and notes issued by that school administrative unit are not impaired and the underlying indebtedness of any such outstanding general obligation bonds or notes is deemed to survive, whether or not replacement or successor school administrative units are organized or established, and any state subsidy with respect to those outstanding obligations or the relative portion of those outstanding obligations to be paid or reimbursed by the State is not affected. [PL 2009, c. 445, §1 (NEW).]

2. Power to tax. Until one or more school administrative units are organized or established to replace or succeed a former school administrative unit as described in subsection 1 and assume the outstanding bonds or notes issued by such former school administrative unit, all taxable property located in the municipalities that were members of that former school administrative unit is subject to ad valorem taxation to pay the underlying indebtedness of the bonds or notes issued by the former school administrative unit to the same extent as that taxable property was subject to ad valorem taxation in the former school administrative unit and as if such bonds or notes remained outstanding. Taxes to pay the underlying indebtedness of the outstanding bonds or notes of the former school administrative unit as described in subsection 1 must be levied and collected by the municipalities located in the former school administrative unit in the same manner as the taxes of the municipalities. If one or more school administrative units are organized or established to replace or succeed a former school administrative unit as described in subsection 1 , all taxable property located in the municipalities that were members of the former school administrative unit and that are located within the replacement or successor school administrative unit or school administrative units is subject to ad valorem taxation to pay the underlying indebtedness of the bonds or notes of the former school administrative unit to the same extent as that taxable property was subject to ad valorem taxation in the former school administrative unit. Taxes to pay the underlying indebtedness of the outstanding bonds or notes of the former school administrative unit as described in subsection 1 must be levied and collected by the replacement or successor school administrative unit in the same manner as the taxes of the replacement or successor school administrative unit. [PL 2009, c. 445, §1 (NEW).]

3. Power to levy. The holders of bonds and notes as described in subsection 1 retain the right to levy on taxable property located in the former school administrative unit and that taxable property is subject to Title 30‑A, section 5701 . [PL 2009, c. 445, §1 (NEW).]

4. Payment responsibility. Until one or more school administrative units are organized or established to replace or succeed a former school administrative unit as described in subsection 1 , the municipalities that were members of the former school administrative unit shall pay the underlying indebtedness of the bonds or notes of the former school administrative unit in accordance with their terms. As between the municipalities that were members of the former school administrative unit, payment responsibility for the underlying indebtedness of the bonds or notes of the former school administrative unit must be allocated in proportion to the most recent state valuations of those municipalities. A school administrative unit or school administrative units organized or established to replace or succeed a former school administrative unit as described in subsection 1 shall pay the underlying indebtedness of the bonds and notes of the former school administrative unit in accordance with their terms. As between replacement or successor school administrative units of a former school administrative unit, payment responsibility for the underlying indebtedness of the bonds or notes must be allocated based upon the most recent state valuations of the municipalities that are located in each of the replacement or successor school administrative units and that were members of the former school administrative unit. Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the organization or establishment of a school administrative unit or school administrative units that replace or succeed a former school administrative unit from employing a different method of allocating payment responsibility for the underlying indebtedness of the bonds or notes described in subsection 1 . [PL 2009, c. 445, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11051 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11051
20-A §11051. Ratification
Status: in_force

The Governor, on behalf of this State, may enter into a compact, substantially in the form provided in this chapter, with any one or more of the States of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, that compact to be effective upon the filing of a copy thereof in the office of the Secretary of State. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6907 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6907
20-A §6907. Liability of officers, directors and employees
Status: in_force

All officers, directors, employees and other agents of the corporation entrusted with the custody of the securities of the corporation or authorized to disburse the funds of the corporation must be bonded, either by a blanket bond or by individual bonds, with a surety bond or bonds with a minimum limitation of $100,000 coverage for each person covered, conditioned upon the faithful performance of duties, the premiums for which are paid out of the assets of the corporation. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11463 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-C / Section 11463
20-A §11463. Insure student loan payments
Status: in_force

The authority may make commitments and agreements to insure student loan payments. [PL 2013, c. 34, §7 (NEW).]

1. Loan serviced. A loan insured by the authority must be serviced as required by the authority. [PL 2013, c. 34, §7 (NEW).]

2. Compliance. A loan insured by the authority must be in compliance with the student loan insurance credit policy of the authority. [PL 2013, c. 34, §7 (NEW).]

3. Other terms. A loan insured by the authority may be subject to terms other than those specified in subsections 1 and 2 as may be required by law or by rule of the authority. [PL 2013, c. 34, §7 (NEW).]

4. Financial education. Prior to obtaining a loan insured by the authority, an applicant must satisfy financial education requirements established or approved by the authority. [PL 2013, c. 34, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11803 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 421 / Section 11803
20-A §11803. Agreement of state contract student
Status: in_force

1. Agreement. State contract students commencing their professional education between September 1, 1977, and June 30, 1981, shall, as a condition precedent to the commencement of that education, enter into an agreement with the State under which the student shall agree: A. To pay tuition to the institution; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. That, on the conclusion of the student's professional education, including internship, residency and obligated public health service and Armed Forces' service, the student shall pay the State or authority an amount of money equal to the state capitation payment for the student position that the student occupied. The authority may adopt or amend rules to define the conclusion of professional education; and [PL 1989, c. 698, §17 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).] C. The payments are payable at 6% simple annual interest over a period not to exceed 10 years; however, students may extend the repayment period by one to 10 years with the approval of the chief executive officer for a total repayment period not to exceed 20 years. [PL 1989, c. 698, §17 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).] [PL 1989, c. 698, §17 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

2. Forgiveness of indebtedness. The agreement must provide that 1/4 of the indebtedness is forgiven for each year in which the state contract student practices the student's profession within the State in primary care or other specialized areas as determined by the chief executive officer. For other state contract students returning to practice their profession in Maine, 1/4 of their indebtedness is forgiven for each of the first 2 years of practice. [PL 2023, c. 607, §12 (AMD).]

3. Deferment. Contract students under this section who, during the repayment period, either return to a Maine practice and then leave the State or who initially remain outside the State and then return to a Maine practice may seek a deferment of the annual principal and interest payments while outside the State for a period of time not to exceed 3 years. Interest must be assessed during this time and the student's total debt to the State, including principal and interest, must be repaid either through return service or cash payments as established by the chief executive officer. Requests for deferments must be made to the chief executive officer who shall make a determination on a case-by-case basis. The decision of the chief executive officer is final. [PL 1989, c. 698, §17 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13102 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502-B / Section 13102
20-A §13102. Work plan and annual report
Status: in_force

The board shall develop an annual work plan in consultation with the commissioner and the state board that includes ongoing work and new issues for study. The annual work plan must be set by September 1st of each year. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]

The board shall submit a report by June 30th of each year to the commissioner and the state board with its recommendations. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2954 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2954
20-A §2954. Rules of commissioner
Status: in_force

The commissioner may adopt rules regarding tuition charges, accounting, audits, contracts and other aspects of schooling privileges arranged between a private school and school administrative units. [PL 1985, c. 797, §28 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8455 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8455
20-A §8455. Career and technical education region considered a political subdivision
Status: in_force

A career and technical education region is a political subdivision within the meaning of Title 5, section 19002, subsection 6 , and a quasi-municipal corporation within the meaning of Title 30‑A, section 5701 , and all the provisions of those sections apply to it. [RR 1991, c. 2, §63 (COR); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]