20-A M.R.S. § 13025 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13025
20-A §13025. Investigations
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (RP).] B. "Covered investigation" means an investigation by a school entity into the conduct of a holder of a credential that a school entity has a reasonable expectation would affect the credential holder's employment or contracted service because the alleged conduct involves alcohol, illegal drugs, physical abuse, emotional abuse, inappropriate contact between a credential holder and a student, stalking or similar behavior that endangers the health, safety or welfare of a student. [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (AMD).] C. "School entity" means an approved private school, school administrative unit, public charter school, education service center, school in the unorganized territory or school operated by the State. [PL 2019, c. 219, §6 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 219, §6 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (AMD).]

2. Subpoenas. When conducting an investigation relating to the credentialing of personnel under chapter 501 and this chapter and rules of the state board, the commissioner may issue subpoenas for education records relevant to that investigation. [PL 2017, c. 477, §1 (NEW).]

3. Duties of school entities. A school entity shall notify the department immediately if a credential holder who is the subject of a covered investigation leaves the school entity's employment for any reason prior to the conclusion of the covered investigation. A school entity shall notify the department immediately if a credential holder is disciplined, suspended or terminated as a result of a covered investigation in which the school entity determined that a student's health, safety or welfare was endangered. The school entity shall provide to the department any final report produced in support of the school entity's decision to discipline, suspend or terminate the credential holder. The credential holder who is the subject of the report may submit to the department a written rebuttal to the report. The written rebuttal must be placed in the department's investigative file. [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (AMD).]

4. Duties of department. The department shall act in accordance with this subsection. A. The department shall notify the superintendent or chief administrative officer of a school entity within 15 business days of the department's initiating an investigation into a holder of a credential who works for the school entity and shall notify the school entity immediately if the department takes action on that credential. Within 5 business days after completion of an investigation, the department shall notify each school entity for which the credential holder works of the final outcome of the investigation, including, but not limited to, any actions taken, and shall provide to the school entity any final written decision. [PL 2017, c. 477, §1 (NEW).] B. Immediately upon receipt from a school entity of notification pursuant to subsection 3 of the discipline, suspension or termination of a credential holder, or the leaving of employment by a credential holder prior to the completion of a covered investigation of that credential holder, the department shall notify the superintendent or chief administrative officer of all other school entities for which the credential holder works, as reported to the department under section 13026 , that the credential holder was disciplined, suspended or terminated as a result of a covered investigation, or that the credential holder left employment prior to completion of a covered investigation. If a credential holder provides consent as part of that credential holder's application for employment with a school entity, the department shall notify the superintendent or the chief administrative officer of that school entity if that credential holder left employment with a school entity prior to the completion of a covered investigation of that credential holder. [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (AMD).] C. The department shall destroy copies of all records and reports related to a finding resulting in discipline, suspension or termination of a credential holder if the finding resulting in that discipline, suspension or termination is reversed upon appeal at the school entity level. [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (AMD).]

5. Confidentiality. The department may share information that is confidential pursuant to section 6101 or 13004 with a school entity in accordance with subsection 4 . A school entity that receives confidential information shall maintain the confidentiality of that information. [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (AMD).]

6. Rules. [PL 2019, c. 403, §1 (RP).]

7. Certification hearing officers; immunity. The commissioner shall appoint a certification hearing officer for covered investigations. For the purposes of this section, while carrying out their official duties, certification hearing officers appointed pursuant to this subsection are considered state employees and are entitled to the immunity provided state employees under the Maine Tort Claims Act. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. Z, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13407 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 505 / Section 13407
20-A §13407. Minimum salaries beginning in 2020-2021 school year
Status: in_force

Each school administrative unit shall establish a minimum salary for certified teachers and career and technical education teachers as follows: [PL 2021, c. 441, §1 (AMD).]

1. School year 2020-2021. For the school year starting after June 30, 2020, the minimum salary is $35,000; [PL 2019, c. 343, Pt. UU, §2 (NEW).]

2. School year 2021-2022. For the school year starting after June 30, 2021, the minimum salary for certified teachers and career and technical education teachers is $37,500; and [PL 2021, c. 441, §1 (AMD).]

3. School years beginning in or after 2022. For the school year starting after June 30, 2022, and in each subsequent school year, the minimum salary for certified teachers and career and technical education teachers is $40,000. [PL 2021, c. 441, §1 (AMD).]

A school administrative unit shall provide to the department annually on or before October 1st the number of certified teachers and career and technical education teachers eligible for incremental salary increases as defined in section 15689, subsection 7‑A, paragraph A . [PL 2021, c. 441, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15915 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15915
20-A §15915. Energy service companies and 3rd-party financing
Status: in_force

1. Initial agreement for energy conservation improvements. A school administrative unit may enter into an agreement of up to 20 years with an energy services company. For the purposes of this section, "energy services company" means a company or 3rd-party financing company that provides design, installation, operation, maintenance and financing of locally funded energy conservation improvements, air quality improvements or combined energy conservation and related air quality improvements at existing school administrative unit facilities. The school administrative unit's costs to enter into such an agreement are not applicable to the unit's school construction project costs, the debt service on which is eligible for subsidy purposes under section 15907 . Such an agreement is deemed to be a professional service, which is not subject to the competitive bidding requirements of Title 5, section 1743‑A , if the agreement: A. Provides for operation or maintenance of the improvement for at least 5 years or the entire term of the financing agreement if longer than 5 years; [PL 2011, c. 279, §1 (RPR).] B. Requires a guaranty by the contractor that the improvement will meet performance criteria set forth in the agreement for at least 5 years or for the entire term of the financing agreement if longer than 5 years; and [PL 2011, c. 279, §1 (RPR).] C. Has a total contract cost, excluding private or federal grant funds, interest and operating and maintenance costs, of less than $10,000,000 for any school building or project. [PL 2019, c. 385, §1 (AMD).] A school administrative unit may select an energy services company on the basis of a request for qualifications or a request for proposals, and it is not required to use a competitive method set forth in this chapter and Title 5, section 1743‑A and Private and Special Law 1999, chapter 79. The selection process must include at a minimum a request for qualifications or a request for proposals that is advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the school administrative unit and a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Augusta. The deadline for receipt of requests for qualifications or requests for proposals may not be less than 15 days from the last day the advertisement was published. The school administrative unit shall establish an interview committee, which must include the superintendent of the school administrative unit and at least one school board member. The interview committee shall interview not fewer than 3 energy services companies unless a smaller number of energy services companies responds to the request for qualifications or request for proposals. A request for qualifications or a request for proposals may not contain terms that require an energy services company to have more than 3 years of experience in the energy conservation field, a minimum number of prior projects or project references or membership in or accreditation from a regional, national or international association of energy services companies or to use equipment that is not generally available to energy services companies or terms that are otherwise included for the purpose of bias or favoritism toward a particular energy services company. Objections to the terms of a request for qualifications or a request for proposals under this subsection are deemed waived if not delivered in writing to the office of the superintendent of schools in that school administrative unit within 7 days of the last publication of the newspaper advertisement. If an objection is received, the school board shall conduct a hearing on the objection within 14 days of its receipt. The school board shall allow interested energy services companies to speak at the hearing and shall issue a decision to either validate or invalidate the request for qualifications or the request for proposals within 7 days of the close of the hearing. A decision by the school board in response to an objection is a final government action subject to appeal to the Superior Court. [PL 2019, c. 385, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Performance criteria. An agreement under this section between a school administrative unit and an energy services company must include performance criteria that guarantee: A. Energy savings; [PL 2011, c. 279, §2 (NEW).] B. A maximum price, including operation, maintenance and financing costs; [PL 2011, c. 279, §2 (NEW).] C. That the project will meet local, state and federal codes; [PL 2011, c. 279, §2 (NEW).] D. That measurement and verification of energy savings are determined using the international performance measurement and verification protocol published by the United States Department of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information; and [PL 2011, c. 279, §2 (NEW).] E. An annual reconciliation of energy savings based on the measurement and verification process under this section. [PL 2011, c. 279, §2 (NEW).] Prior to entering into an agreement, a school administrative unit may request that the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services review the performance criteria in the agreement for conformance with this subsection. The Bureau of General Services shall review and advise school administrative units to the extent resources allow. [PL 2011, c. 279, §2 (NEW).]

2. Future operation. Any school administrative unit, at the termination of the agreement with the private party pursuant to this section, may acquire, operate and maintain the improvement, may renew the agreement with the private party or may make an agreement with another private party to operate and maintain the improvement. [PL 1987, c. 402, Pt. A, §134 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11425 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11425
20-A §11425. Enforcement of rights and duties
Status: in_force

Except to the extent that the rights are restricted by any applicable bond resolution or trust or other agreement, any holder of bonds issued under this chapter or a trustee under a trust agreement entered into under this chapter may, by any suitable form of legal proceedings, protect and enforce any rights granted under the laws of the State or by any applicable bond resolution or trust or other agreement. [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8353 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8353
20-A §8353. Tuition for students sent out of state
Status: in_force

If a unit that serves a student's residence determines that that student would be better served by receiving career and technical education, on a tuition basis, at an out-of-state secondary level career and technical school that is located closer to that student's residence than a Maine center, satellite program or region serving that student's residence, the State shall subsidize the unit the same amount for that student as would have been incurred by such a center, satellite program or region providing the same or similar career and technical education to the student. [RR 2003, c. 2, §51 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5104-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5104-A
20-A §5104-A. Alternative education programs outside the school administrative unit
Status: in_force

1. Alternative education programs. If the superintendents approve, a school administrative unit may enroll a student in an alternative education program in another school administrative unit or in an approved private alternative education program. [PL 2007, c. 667, §8 (AMD).]

2. Student count. A student properly approved for enrollment under subsection 1 must be counted as a 1.0 student on school administrative unit counts for each semester, or its equivalent, of alternative education program. [PL 2007, c. 667, §8 (AMD).]

3. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , to administer this section. [PL 1989, c. 415, §31 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13801 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 509 / Section 13801
20-A §13801. Residency requirement; collective bargaining
Status: in_force

If an administrative unit engages in collective bargaining as required in Title 26 , then it shall not enact any ordinance which requires employees to reside within the boundaries of the unit as a condition for employment. A collective bargaining agreement may include a residency requirement for persons not yet employed at the time the agreement becomes effective. If an administrative unit does not engage in collective bargaining as required in Title 26 , then any ordinance it enacts which requires employees to reside within the boundaries of the unit shall not apply to persons already employees at the time the regulation becomes effective. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9501 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9501
20-A §9501. License; exemptions; definitions
Status: in_force

1. Requirement of license. Any person located either within or outside the State shall obtain a license from the commissioner before operating or maintaining any proprietary school or before collecting any tuition, fee or other charge for operating or maintaining or soliciting for any proprietary school within the State. [PL 1983, c. 841, §2 (AMD).]

2. Exemptions. Educational programs related to the real estate professions that are subject to approval under Title 32, chapter 114 , commercial driver education schools subject to approval by the Secretary of State under Title 29‑A, chapter 11, subchapter 3 , schools of barbering and schools of cosmetology subject to approval by the Director of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation under Title 32, chapter 126 , educational programs offered by any Maine nonprofit corporation, any educational programs offered by any professional or trade association primarily for the benefit of its own members and any educational institution authorized by the laws of this State to grant a degree are exempt from the requirements of this chapter. [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §46 (AMD).]

3. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Person" includes a person, partnership, association or corporation, but does not include any public agency. [PL 1983, c. 841, §2 (NEW).] B. "Proprietary school" means a school as defined in the rules of the commissioner, but means, at a minimum, any school maintained or course of instruction conducted for the purpose of teaching any trade or any industrial, occupational, career and technical, business or technical skill, except as exempt under subsection 2 . [PL 1983, c. 841, §2 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 716, §7 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §6 (REV).] [PL 1983, c. 841, §2 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 716, §7 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §6 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3627 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3627
20-A §3627. Vice-chair of the board of directors
Status: in_force

The vice-chair of the interstate board must be elected in the same manner as the chair. The vice-chair must represent a member district in a state other than that represented by the chair. The vice-chair shall preside in the absence of the chair and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to the vice-chair by the interstate board. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §9 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6911 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6911
20-A §6911. General conditions; dissolution
Status: in_force

The Jobs for Maine's Graduates shall operate as a nonprofit organization consistent with its composition and broad public purposes. The following conditions apply to the operation or dissolution of the corporation. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

1. Net earnings. No part of the net earnings of the corporation may inure to the benefit of any officer, director or employee except that the corporation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and otherwise hold, manage and dispose of its property in furtherance of the purposes of the corporation. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

2. Dissolution. Upon dissolution of the corporation, the dissolved corporation shall transfer all unexpended General Fund appropriations to the State before paying or making provision for the payment of all other liabilities. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13007 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 501 / Section 13007
20-A §13007. Credential fee; disposition of fees
Status: in_force

1. Fees. The commissioner shall establish and assess fees for the processing of an application for a credential. The commissioner shall establish fees for the credentialing process and the procedures required to assess applications for credentials. A. [PL 2017, c. 235, §6 (RP); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. [PL 2017, c. 235, §6 (RP); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] C. [PL 2017, c. 235, §6 (RP); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] D. [PL 2017, c. 235, §6 (RP); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] E. [PL 2017, c. 235, §6 (RP); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] The department shall annually post at the beginning of the fiscal year the fees established by the commissioner for the initial issuance of and the renewal of a credential on its publicly accessible website. A fee established pursuant to this subsection may not increase by more than 10% of the previous fiscal year's fee, unless the increase is approved by the state board. [PL 2017, c. 235, §6 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Accounting. The commissioner shall: A. Collect and account for all fees collected pursuant to subsection 1 ; [PL 2017, c. 235, §6 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. Report and pay fees collected pursuant to subsection 1 , except those fees collected and credited to the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund pursuant to paragraph C and the National Board Certification Salary Supplement Fund pursuant to paragraph D , to the Treasurer of State to be credited to the General Fund; [PL 2011, c. 702, §1 (AMD).] C. Report and pay $75,000 in each fiscal year from fees collected pursuant to subsection 1 to the Treasurer of State to be credited to the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund, Other Special Revenue Funds account within the Department of Education; [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. EE, §1 (AMD).] D. Report and pay in each fiscal year from fees collected pursuant to subsection 1 to the Treasurer of State to be credited to the National Board Certification Salary Supplement Fund, Other Special Revenue Funds account within the Department of Education an amount sufficient to fund all salary supplements for national board-certified teachers as described in section 13013‑A, subsections 1 and 2 . If the fees are insufficient to fully fund the annual national board certification salary supplements, general purpose aid must be appropriated to fund the balance; and [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. EE, §2 (AMD).] E. Report and pay in each fiscal year from fees collected pursuant to subsection 1 to the Treasurer of State to be credited to the Higher Education Administrative Fund, Other Special Revenue Funds account within the department established under section 10017 an amount sufficient to fund annual dues of the New England Board of Higher Education established under Title 5, section 12004‑K, subsection 2 . [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. EE, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. EE, §§1-3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4710-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4710-B
20-A §4710-B. Dyslexia screening
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Alphabet knowledge" means the ability to name, distinguish shapes of, write and identify the sounds of the letters of the alphabet. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] B. "Decoding" means the ability to apply knowledge of letter-sound relationships. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] C. "Dyslexia" means a condition that is neurological in origin and characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities that typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and in relation to the provision of effective classroom instruction; the secondary consequences of dyslexia may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] D. "Encoding" means the ability to put ideas into messages to be delivered to and understood by other people. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] E. "Phonological and phonemic awareness" means awareness of the phonological structure of words. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] F. "Rapid naming" means the ability to connect visual and verbal information by giving appropriate names to common objects, colors, letters and digits. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] G. "Sound-symbol recognition" means the ability to understand the relationship between symbols or combinations of symbols and the sounds they make. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).]

2. Dyslexia screening. Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, a school administrative unit shall screen for dyslexia students from kindergarten to grade 2 who have difficulty, as identified by a classroom teacher, in an area described in paragraphs A to F . The screening of a student must include an examination of the student's: A. Phonological and phonemic awareness; [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] B. Sound-symbol recognition; [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] C. Alphabet knowledge; [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] D. Decoding skills; [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] E. Rapid naming skills; and [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] F. Encoding skills. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).]

3. Dyslexia coordinator. There is created within the department the position of dyslexia coordinator to assist the department in complying with the provisions of this section and the general education interventions required in the department's special education rules as they pertain to students struggling with reading or showing early indicators of reading difficulty. The dyslexia coordinator must have a background in reading and language difficulties, including dyslexia, and in language and literacy. The dyslexia coordinator shall develop before March 1, 2016 and update annually thereafter a plan that: A. Implements dyslexia awareness training for teachers; [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] B. Implements professional development in evidence-based screening practices; and [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] C. Identifies needs of school administrative units for implementing evidence-based practices and response to scientific, research-based intervention strategies for reading and language-based learning difficulties. [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 338, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8351 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8351
20-A §8351. State aid for career and technical education centers and career and technical education regions
Status: in_force

State aid for centers and regions must be administered in accordance with chapters 606‑B and 609 . [PL 2019, c. 398, §24 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12851 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 435 / Section 12851
20-A §12851. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

1. Center. "Center" means a community-based area health education center that is designated in accordance with section 12857 or that exists on the effective date of this chapter and contracts with the system. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

2. Committee. [PL 2001, c. 352, §7 (RP).]

3. System. "System" means the Maine Area Health Education Centers System. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3611 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3611
20-A §3611. Adoption by member districts
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of written notice from the state board in its state of the approval of the articles of agreement by both state boards, the school board of each member district shall cause the articles of agreement to be filed with the member district clerk. Within 10 days after receipt of such notice, the school board shall issue its warrant for a special meeting of the member district, the warrant to be in the form, and the meeting to be held at the time and place and in the manner prescribed by the state board. No approval of the Superior Court shall be required for such special school district meeting in New Hampshire. Voting shall be with the use of the checklist by a ballot substantially in the following form: "Shall the school district accept the provisions of the Maine and New Hampshire Interstate School Compact providing for the establishment of an interstate school district, together with the school districts of .............. and .............., etc., in accordance with the proposed articles of agreement filed with the school district (town, city or incorporated school district) clerk?" Yes ( ) No ( ) [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

If the articles of agreement included the nomination of individual school directors, those nominated from each member district shall be included in the ballot and voted upon, such election to become effective upon the formation of an interstate school district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

If a majority of the voters present and voting in a member district vote in the affirmative, the clerk for such member district shall forthwith send to the state board in its state a certified copy of the warrant, certificate of posting, and minutes of the meeting of the district. If the state boards of both states find that a majority of the voters present and voting in each member district have voted in favor of the establishment of the interstate school district, they shall issue a joint certificate to that effect; and such certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the lawful organization and formation of the interstate school district as of its date of issuance. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15908 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15908
20-A §15908. Design limits
Status: in_force

1. Technical assistance. In order to provide the technical assistance required by the state board in assessing proposed school construction projects, the department may contract for the services of a professional engineer whenever the department is not employing qualified personnel on a full-time basis. [PL 2019, c. 398, §39 (AMD).]

2. Energy conservation standards. The state board shall approve only those projects which have been designed in accordance with rigorous standards for the conservation of energy. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Life-cycle costs. The department may not approve the plans and specifications of a project that does not meet the requirements of Title 5, chapter 153, subchapter 1‑A . [PL 2019, c. 398, §40 (AMD).]

4. Consistent siting. The state board shall adopt criteria governing applications under this chapter to direct construction projects for new schools to areas determined suitable under the provisions of Title 30‑A, chapter 187, subchapter II , by the municipality within which the project will be located. The board may not require a minimum contiguous parcel size for the project as a condition of approval. [PL 1993, c. 721, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 721, Pt. H, §1 (AFF).]

5. Backup energy generators. In the case of a school construction project in which the school is expected to be used as a community shelter, the state board may approve only those projects designed to accommodate backup energy generators. [PL 2005, c. 634, §9 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4711 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4711
20-A §4711. Elementary course of study
Status: in_force

The basic course of study for the elementary schools must provide for the instruction of all students in life and career readiness, English language arts, world languages, health education and physical education, mathematics, science and technology, social studies and visual and performing arts, as described in the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements subject to the schedule specified in section 6209 . Health education must include instruction that addresses the relationship between physical and mental health in order to enhance student understanding of attitudes toward and behavior relating to mental illness and to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. [PL 2021, c. 190, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6214 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6214
20-A §6214. School accountability system; annual reports
Status: in_force

Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, for public schools, public charter schools and private schools approved for tuition purposes that enroll at least 60% publicly funded students, the commissioner shall implement a school accountability system to measure school performance in facilitating students' achieving the knowledge and skills described in the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements established under section 6209, subsection 2 and that meets the reporting requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, 20 United States Code, Section 6311(h) and related regulations. [PL 2017, c. 466, §13 (AMD).]

1. Performance measures. The measures of school performance for the school accountability system implemented under this section must include multiple measures of student achievement and: A. Align with the components of the state accountability system required to ensure equity in educational opportunity by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, 20 United States Code, Section 6311(c) and related regulations; [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).] B. [PL 2017, c. 466, §13 (RP).] C. Use a 6-year adjusted cohort graduation rate as the broadest allowable time frame for high school graduation rates; [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).] D. As available, use measures of postsecondary readiness, persistence and completion; [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).] E. Establish a school administrative unit's eligibility and priority for targeted state funding for school improvement and support under section 15688‑A, subsection 5 and other applicable targeted funds authorized under section 15688‑A ; and [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).] F. May include, but are not limited to, the use of: (1) Summative assessments aligned with the grade-level expectations of the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements established under section 6209, subsection 2 ; (2) Interim assessments that measure student growth over time; and (3) Information from the state assessment program under section 6204 on student achievement reported by the department in compliance with applicable federal statutes and regulations regarding student assessment. [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 466, §13 (AMD).]

2. Annual reports. As provided in the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, 20 United States Code, Section 6311(h), the commissioner shall annually report the statewide and school-level results of the school accountability system implemented under this section with regard to the performance of schools in each of the State's elementary and secondary schools. A. [PL 2017, c. 466, §13 (RP).] B. When a report is made under this subsection for purposes of comparative analysis of elementary and secondary schools, the reporting mechanisms and the categories reported must be uniform for each school compared at the elementary level or the secondary level. [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).] C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the commissioner may not provide a report of the statewide or school-level results of the school accountability system until the final adoption of rules in accordance with subsection 3 . [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 466, §13 (AMD).]

3. Rules. The department shall adopt rules to implement the school accountability system established pursuant to this section. The rules adopted by the department must specify the methods to be used as part of the annual assessment of the performance of elementary and secondary schools. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 466, §13 (AMD).]

Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent or inhibit the department from providing annual reports of the results of the state assessment program required by section 6204 to comply with the federal statutes and regulations pertaining to student assessment. [PL 2015, c. 500, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12927 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 439 / Section 12927
20-A §12927. Administration; rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall administer the program and the fund. The authority shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3002 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 3002
20-A §3002. Career and technical education
Status: in_force

The commissioner may contract with a private school, which is serving one or more municipalities in lieu of a public secondary school, for the conduct of career and technical education courses that meet the same standards for approval as those conducted in public secondary schools. [PL 2011, c. 679, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10002 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10002
20-A §10002. Records of educational institutions
Status: in_force

1. Preservation of records. The trustees or officers of a post-secondary institution, on going out of existence or ceasing to function as an educational institution, shall turn over records of attendance and academic achievements by its students to the department. The department shall preserve these records. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Duty of the commissioner. The commissioner shall collect all attendance and academic records of post-secondary institutions within the State which are now extinct and deposit the records in a place of safety and accessibility for preservation and future use. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Preparation of transcript. When requested, the commissioner shall prepare transcripts of grade records from these records of extinct institutions, when they are needed by the former student for: A. Further scholastic work at another institution of learning; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. Certification for teaching or for other professional positions. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Copy as best evidence. When a transcript is made from the original and certified by the commissioner, it shall be considered and accepted as legal evidence and, for all other purposes, as if it was the original. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Fee. The department shall charge a nominal fee for the actual cost of preparing those transcripts. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13111 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502-C / Section 13111
20-A §13111. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).]

1. Collaborative agreement. "Collaborative agreement" means an agreement for shared staff or staff training, including collaborative programs and support services for preservice and in‑service staff training between 2 or more school administrative units to form a collaborative partnership that specifies each school administrative unit's responsibility for and cost of the delivery of certain administrative, instructional and noninstructional functions, including collaborative programs and support services, for preservice and in‑service staff training for school principalship and other school leadership positions over a 3‑year period. [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).]

2. Collaborative board. "Collaborative board" means a board created pursuant to section 13112, subsection 2 . A collaborative board is composed of one representative from each of the: A. School administrative units participating in the collaborative partnership; [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).] B. Statewide education associations cooperating with the collaborative partnership; and [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).] C. Educator preparation programs cooperating with the collaborative partnership. [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).]

3. Collaborative partnership. "Collaborative partnership" means a regional school leadership academy collaborative partnership formed pursuant to this chapter between 2 or more school administrative units and, whenever possible, with educator preparation programs and statewide education associations that provides cohort‑based professional development and career pathways, including preservice training for prospective candidates for school principalship and other school leadership positions and in‑service training for new employees in school principalship and other school leadership positions. [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).]

4. Educator preparation program. "Educator preparation program" means an educator preparation program as defined in section 13001‑A, subsection 9 . [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).]

5. Regional school leadership academy. "Regional school leadership academy" or "academy" means a professional development consortium formed by a collaborative partnership that combines state and local programs and resources, including the preparation, licensure, certification, professional development and training for educational leadership, into a coherent system that can significantly improve the recruitment and preparation of prospective candidates for school principalship and other school leadership positions, as well as the induction, mentoring and retention of principals and school leaders during the first 2 years of employment in their school leadership positions. [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).]

6. Statewide education association. "Statewide education association" means a nonprofit education association or corporation in the State, including a principals association, a school superintendents association, a school boards association and an association of administrators of services for children with disabilities. [PL 2019, c. 70, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4514 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4514
20-A §4514. Costs of accreditation process
Status: in_force

The commissioner may require that schools applying for state accreditation pay the direct costs of the advisory committee, such as housing and meals of visiting committees, but these costs may not include the actual costs, salaries or general overhead expenses of the department. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 20, 25 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 851 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 851
20-A §851. Gifts
Status: in_force

The Governor may accept a gift of money, real or personal property, from any source, and grants-in-aid from the Federal Government to assist in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7206 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7206
20-A §7206. Investigation of noncompliance
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to an investigation of noncompliance with this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Complaint. An interested party may file with the commissioner a written complaint alleging that a school administrative unit or private school, intermediate educational unit or other public agency serving children with disabilities has failed to comply with this chapter. The complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more than one year prior to the date that the complaint is received or the complaint must request compensatory services for a violation that occurred not more than 2 years prior to the date the complaint is received. [PL 2023, c. 449, §5 (AMD).]

1-A. Determination of jurisdiction. [PL 1993, c. 483, §1 (RP).]

1-B. Notification. [PL 1993, c. 483, §1 (RP).]

2. Investigation; written report. The commissioner shall initiate, and complete within 60 days, an investigation and a written report. A. [PL 1993, c. 483, §2 (RP).] B. [PL 1993, c. 483, §2 (RP).] [PL 1993, c. 483, §2 (AMD).]

3. Post-investigation procedure. [PL 1993, c. 483, §3 (RP).]

4. Appeal. [PL 2005, c. 70, §1 (RP).]

5. Enforcement. If the school administrative unit, intermediate educational unit, public school or other public agency against which a complaint has been filed under subsection 1 fails to comply with an order issued by the commissioner, the commissioner: A. May withhold financial aid from the school administrative unit, intermediate educational unit, public school or other public agency until it complies with the commissioner's order; and [PL 2023, c. 449, §6 (AMD).] B. Shall refer the matter to the Attorney General, who shall take appropriate action to bring the school administrative unit, intermediate educational unit, public school or other public agency into compliance. [PL 2023, c. 449, §6 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 449, §6 (AMD).]

6. Additional remedies. The remedies provided in this section are in addition to any other remedy in law or equity. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

7. Complaint investigators; immunity. The State shall train complaint investigators. For the purposes of this section, while carrying out their official duties, complaint investigators are considered state employees and are entitled to the immunity provided state employees under the Maine Tort Claims Act. [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3201
20-A §3201. Definitions
Status: in_force

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

1. Unorganized territory. "Unorganized territory" means territory not part of a municipality. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Unorganized unit. "Unorganized unit" means an unorganized township, gore, strip, tract, surplus, point, patent, peninsula, island, deorganized town or plantation or any other distinct portion of the unorganized territory. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3629 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3629
20-A §3629. Moderator
Status: in_force

The moderator shall preside at the district meetings, regulate the business thereof, decide questions of order and make a public declaration of every vote passed. The moderator may prescribe rules of procedure; but such rules may be altered by the district. The moderator may administer oaths to district officers in either state. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §11 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3303 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3303
20-A §3303. Student census
Status: in_force

By April 1st of each year, the commissioner shall determine the number, names and ages of all students of eligible age in the unorganized territory who have not graduated from high school. [PL 1985, c. 490, §12 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10006 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10006
20-A §10006. Endowment incentives
Status: in_force

1. Endowment Incentive Fund; nonlapsing fund. The Endowment Incentive Fund, referred to in this section as the "endowment fund," is created to provide an incentive for private donations for endowment purposes to and for the benefit of the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy, referred to in this section as "postsecondary entities," by providing matching state funds for certain private donations for specified purposes. Any funds appropriated by the Legislature to carry out the purposes of this section may not lapse and must be carried forward for continued use in the fund. [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

2. Treasurer of State authority for deposit of state funds; interest earned on the endowment fund; disbursement of endowment funds. The Treasurer of State is responsible for the custodial care of the endowment fund and may deposit state funds pursuant to Title 5, section 135 . Interest earned on the investment of the endowment fund must be credited to the respective postsecondary entity or its qualified institutionally related foundation. The Treasurer of State is responsible for disbursement of the endowment fund, upon certification by the Chancellor of the University of Maine System, the President of the Maine Community College System and the President of the Maine Maritime Academy that the criteria established in subsection 3 are met. [RR 1999, c. 1, §26 (COR); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

3. Administration of endowment fund; boards of trustees; boards of visitors; academic purposes. The respective boards of trustees of the postsecondary entities shall adopt criteria establishing qualifications for private gifts and grants to be matched from the endowment fund. For each university in the University of Maine System, the respective university president must recommend qualifications for that institution's endowment fund criteria to the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System. Each university president may direct that university's board of visitors to review the institution's unique fund-raising needs and advise the president on the board of visitors' final recommendations to the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System. The endowment fund criteria must provide that only private donations for academic purposes may qualify for matching. For the administration of this endowment fund, "academic purposes" means scholarships, professorships or other endowed faculty positions. These endowment fund criteria must: A. Set standards for those types of gifts that qualify for matching; [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW).] B. Establish minimum and maximum amounts for gifts to be matched from the endowment fund; and [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW).] C. Establish any other qualifications determined by the respective boards of trustees to provide the greatest incentive for encouraging private endowment gifts for academic purposes. [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW).]

4. Qualified recipients; institutionally related foundations; management of endowment funds. Qualified recipients of private donations eligible for matching funds are the University of Maine System and each of its universities, the Maine Community College System and each of its colleges and the Maine Maritime Academy, as well as institutionally related foundations qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3). Qualified institutionally related foundations may receive and manage the investment of matching funds, and may, at their discretion, hold funds allocated to them. In the absence of any conditions or restrictions to the contrary made by the donor, qualified recipients of private donations eligible for matching funds may combine, pool or merge these funds with other similar gift and endowment funds. [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

5. Matching funds available to postsecondary entities. Upon determination that the criteria established in subsection 3 have been met, the State Treasurer shall provide that matching funds be available to the 3 entities as follows: A. For an appropriated amount of more than $10,000,000: (1) University of Maine System 70%; (2) Maine Community College System 25%; and (3) Maine Maritime Academy 5%; and [PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).] B. For an appropriated amount of $10,000,000 or less: (1) University of Maine System 75%; (2) Maine Community College System 20%; and (3) Maine Maritime Academy 5%. [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. A, §15 (AMD).]

6. University of Maine System; distribution formula. The Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System shall ensure that money from the endowment fund distributed to the University of Maine System is allocated to each of the universities in proportion to the respective amounts of education funds and funds appropriated to the General Fund allocated to the various universities. [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW).]

7. Reduction prohibited. Appropriations to the fund must be in addition to any other funds appropriated to the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy and may not be used to reduce appropriations for other purposes. [PL 1999, c. 511, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 263 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 263
20-A §263. Response to school bomb threats
Status: in_force

1. Prototype guidelines, policies and protocols. The commissioner, in consultation with state and local emergency services officials and representatives of school personnel and school board members, shall develop prototypical guidelines, policies and protocols for school administrative units to present to their communities when those communities are considering implementing local policies that concern prevention of and response to school bomb threats. The prototypical guidelines, policies and protocols developed by the commissioner must be made available to all schools in the State no later than December 31, 2001. [PL 2001, c. 67, §1 (NEW).]

2. Reporting of school bomb threats. Beginning with the 2001-2002 school year, all public schools and private schools enrolling more than 60% of their students at public expense in the State must report each bomb threat incident to the commissioner. The initial report must be made to the office of the superintendent within the school administrative unit or to the headmaster of the private school. The office of the superintendent or headmaster receiving a report of a bomb threat at a school must report that threat to the commissioner within 2 business days of the occurrence of the bomb threat. The commissioner shall report annually on the nature, frequency and impacts of school bomb threats in the State's schools to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters. [PL 2001, c. 67, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6151 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6151
20-A §6151. Annual report
Status: in_force

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

1. Duty of superintendent. The superintendent under oath shall, on or before the date established by the commissioner, make an annual report to the commissioner. The report shall contain a full and complete return of all educational statistics required to be reported for the year ending June 30th. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 21, 25 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. A school administrative unit whose superintendent fails to make the report shall be subject to the penalties of section 6801‑A . [PL 1989, c. 414, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6204 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6204
20-A §6204. Reports
Status: in_force

1. State profile report. The commissioner shall annually report the results of the state assessment program with regard to the general performance profile of the students of the state's elementary and secondary schools. A. When a report is made under this subsection for purposes of comparative analysis, the reporting mechanisms and the categories reported shall be uniform for each school. [PL 1987, c. 662, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 662, §1 (AMD).]

2. School profile reports. The commissioner shall also provide each participating school with a profile of student achievement based upon data from the assessment program. A. Every profile provided under this subsection shall use reporting mechanisms and categories which are uniform for each school. [PL 1987, c. 662, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 662, §2 (AMD).]

3. Teacher evaluation. [PL 2009, c. 646, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1351 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1351
20-A §1351. District referendum
Status: in_force

The school board: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Authority to call a district referendum. Shall initiate a district referendum: A. To approve the issuance of bonds or notes for school construction projects; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. To approve a change in the selection of a school building site; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. To approve a change in the method of sharing costs among the member municipalities; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. To approve an agreement to add one or more municipalities to the district; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. To approve an agreement to transfer a participating municipality to another school administrative district; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] F. To approve an agreement to merge with another school administrative district; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] G. To approve a proposed lease agreement with the Maine School Building Authority; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] H. To authorize the board of directors to contract for the schooling of secondary pupils; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] I. [PL 1983, c. 422, §8 (RP).] J. To accept or reject a prospective gift; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] K. To borrow funds for minor capital costs as defined in section 15672, subsection 20‑A . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §9 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §9 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

2. Required district referendum. Shall initiate a district referendum when 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 the municipalities within the district. At that referendum, the school board shall place before the voters the specific school construction article which has been requested by the petitioners. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12711 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12711
20-A §12711. Presidents of the colleges
Status: in_force

The president of the system shall nominate the presidents for appointment by the board of trustees. The presidents must be qualified by education and experience and shall serve at the pleasure of the board of trustees. [PL 1989, c. 443, §47 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15698 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15698
20-A §15698. Education Stabilization Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Education Stabilization Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established as an Other Special Revenue Funds account for the purposes specified in this section. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. Y, §1 (NEW).]

2. Nonlapsing. Any unexpended balances in the fund may not lapse but must be carried forward. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. Y, §1 (NEW).]

3. Fund purposes. Allocations from the fund must be used to prevent any reduction in the state share percentage of the statewide adjusted total cost of the components of essential programs and services pursuant to section 15671, subsection 7, paragraph B that would otherwise result from insufficient General Fund appropriations or any other shortage of funds. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. Y, §1 (NEW).]

4. Report by State Controller. The State Controller shall report at least annually on the fund on or before the 2nd Friday in November to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs. The report must summarize the status of and activity in the fund. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. Y, §1 (NEW).]

5. Transfer for payments. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the State Controller shall transfer from the balance available in the fund an amount for essential programs and services payments to the department. Amounts transferred may be expended based on allotment established by financial order upon recommendation by the State Budget Officer and approval by the Governor. The amounts transferred are considered adjustments to allocations. The Governor shall inform the Legislative Council and the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and education matters immediately upon such a transfer from the fund. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. Y, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2407 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 112 / Section 2407
20-A §2407. Charter applications
Status: in_force

1. Application. An applicant for approval as a public charter school must submit an application as set out in this section. An applicant may submit an application only to an authorizer that has issued a request for proposals in accordance with section 2406 . An applicant may submit a proposal for a particular public charter school to no more than one authorizer at a time. The purposes of the application are to present the proposed public charter school's academic and operational vision and plans, demonstrate the applicant's capacities to execute the proposed vision and plans and provide the authorizer a clear basis for assessing the applicant's plans and capacities. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

2. Conversion of existing noncharter public schools. A noncharter public school or public school program may apply to its local school board to become a conversion public charter school. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

3. Start-up schools. An application for a start-up public charter school may be submitted by a nonprofit, nonreligious organization. If the organizers of a start-up public charter school have been affiliated with a previous school or education program, they must form a separate nonprofit organization in this State to be eligible for state and federal grants. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

4. Application review process. In reviewing and evaluating applications, authorizers shall employ procedures, practices, criteria and standards consistent with nationally recognized principles and standards for authorizing high-quality public charter schools. A. The application review process must include, at a minimum, substantive participation by a team of reviewers who collectively possess appropriate academic expertise and operational experience with public charter schools. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] B. The application review process must include a thorough evaluation of each application, an in-person interview with the applicant and a public hearing. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] C. In deciding whether to approve applications, authorizers shall: (1) Grant charters only to applicants that have demonstrated competence in each element of the authorizer's published approval criteria and are likely to open and operate a successful public charter school; (2) Base decisions on documented evidence collected through the application review process; and (3) Follow charter-granting policies and practices that are transparent, based on merit and avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

5. Approval; denial. No later than 90 days after the deadline set by the authorizer for the filing of applications, an authorizer shall render a decision on each application. The authorizer shall make and announce all charter decisions in a meeting open to the public. A. An approval decision may include, if appropriate, reasonable conditions that the applicant must meet before a charter contract may be executed. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] B. If the authorizer denies an application, the authorizer shall clearly state, for public record, its reasons for denial. An applicant may subsequently reapply to that authorizer or apply to any other authorizer in the State. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] C. Within 10 days of rendering a decision on an application, the authorizer shall report to the commissioner and the Legislature the action it has taken. The authorizer shall provide a copy of the report to the applicant at the same time that the report is submitted to the commissioner and the Legislature. [PL 2015, c. 54, §2 (AMD).] D. The commissioner shall register the charters approved by all chartering authorities in chronological order by date of approval. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] E. An approved application may not serve as a school's charter contract. [PL 2013, c. 272, §1 (AMD).] F. A decision on an application must be conveyed in writing to the applicant. A decision may grant approval or conditional approval or reject the application and must include written reasons for the decisions. [PL 2013, c. 272, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2015, c. 54, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3402 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3402
20-A §3402. Deorganization of an organized unit
Status: in_force

If a municipality or plantation becomes deorganized by the Legislature, all school property in that municipality shall become the property of the State and under the charge of the commissioner, as is other school property in the unorganized territory. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4709 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4709
20-A §4709. Blind students; instruction in Braille
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Braille" means the system of reading and writing through touch. [PL 2021, c. 571, §4 (AMD).] B. "Student" means any student who is blind or any student eligible for special education services for the visually impaired. [PL 1991, c. 292, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 571, §4 (AMD).]

2. Level of instruction; individualized education plan. Instruction in Braille reading and writing for a student who has been evaluated as needing Braille through the individualized education plan should be sufficient to enable each student to communicate effectively and efficiently at that student's intellectual level. The individualized education plan for each student who has been evaluated as needing Braille must specify: A. The method of implementation utilizing Braille as a primary mode of learning through integration with normal classroom activities; and [PL 1991, c. 292, §1 (NEW).] B. The level of competency in Braille reading and writing to be achieved by the end of the period covered by the individualized education plan. [PL 1991, c. 292, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 292, §1 (NEW).]

3. Certification. [PL 2013, c. 506, §9 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3617 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3617
20-A §3617. Posting and publication of warrant
Status: in_force

The directors shall cause an attested copy of the warrant to be posted at the place of meeting, and a like copy at a public place in each member district at least 20 days, not counting the date of posting and the date of meeting, before the date of the meeting. In addition, the directors shall cause the warrant to be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation on at least one occasion, such publication to occur at least 10 days, not counting the date of publication and not counting the date of the meeting, before the date of the meeting. Although no further notice shall be required, the directors may give such further notice of the meeting as they in their discretion deem appropriate under the circumstances. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 19102 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 9 / Chapter 801 / Section 19102
20-A §19102. Fund purpose and plan
Status: in_force

1. Purpose. The fund must be used to enable the full integration of appropriate learning technologies into teaching and learning for the State's elementary and secondary students. The fund must be managed and governed in a manner that provides for the financially sustainable support, use and integration of learning technology in Maine schools as determined by the Legislature. [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).]

2. Learning technology plan. The use of the fund must be based on a learning technology plan, referred to in this section as the "plan," developed annually beginning for school year 2002-03 by the commissioner and adopted by the Legislature. The annual plan must be designed to achieve the goal of preparing students for a future economy that relies on technology and innovation. The plan developed annually by the commissioner must include, but is not limited to, consideration of the following: A. The appropriate structure, governance and oversight of the fund; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).] B. The current use of learning technology in classrooms in the State; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] C. The current readiness of faculty to use technology in teaching; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] D. The professional development needed to integrate technology into classroom teaching; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] E. Assessment of the strategy and goals for improving and equalizing access to and the use of learning technology in all schools; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] F. A plan for implementing the plan in several phases, with Phase I implementing the plan for all schools, students and teachers at the 7th and 8th grade levels; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] G. Strategies that coordinate the resources and goals of the fund and the plan with a network of schools and libraries in the State administered by the Public Utilities Commission and the telecommunications education access fund; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).] H. Strategies that coordinate learning technology in kindergarten to grade 12 education with initiatives and resources of the State's postsecondary education institutions; and [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] I. Data tracking and assessment of the progress of implementing the goals of the fund and the plan. [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 533, §14 (AMD).]

3. Guiding principles for plan. The plan must be consistent with the following guiding principles: A. Equity. The plan must promote equal opportunity for and provide meaningful access to learning technology resources for students who are economically disadvantaged or have special needs; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] B. Integration with the system of learning results established in section 6209 . The plan must support student achievement of the system of learning results through the integration of learning technologies that are content-focused and that add value to existing instructional methods; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] C. Sustainability and avoidance of obsolescence. The plan must provide future sustainability of learning technology resources to adapt to future educational needs and to avoid obsolescence of learning technology resources; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] D. Teacher preparation and professional development. The plan must provide effective preparation, professional development and training programs for teachers and other educators in the use and integration of learning technology tools in curriculum development, instructional methods and student assessment systems; and [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] E. Economic development. The plan must foster economic development across all regions of the State and the preparation of students for an economy that is dependent upon technology. [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §3 (NEW).]

4. Learning technology program; evaluation for implementation in grades 7 to 12. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner shall conduct an annual comprehensive review of the learning technology program and report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters on the progress and results of the comprehensive review by February 15th annually. In conducting the comprehensive review, the commissioner shall: A. Through a competitive bidding process consistent with Title 5, chapter 155, subchapter 1-A contract with an education policy research institute to assess the effect of the laptop program on student performance in achieving the content standards and performance indicators established by the statewide system of learning results established in section 6209 using valid, standardized assessment measures; [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).] B. Identify high-need areas for improvements in students' learning and skills; [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).] C. Provide targeted training and professional development of teachers from the 7th to 12th grade who participate in the laptop program; and [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).] D. Contract with an education policy research institute to conduct a biennial audit including an evaluation of the costs, effectiveness and achievement outcomes of the learning technology program. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).] The commissioner shall submit a report that includes findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation to revise and update chapter 606-B and this chapter, for presentation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters by January 31st annually. [PL 2013, c. 533, §15 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15676 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15676
20-A §15676. EPS per-pupil rate
Status: in_force

For each school administrative unit, the commissioner shall calculate the unit's EPS per-pupil rate for each year as the sum of: [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §39 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

1. Teaching staff costs. Beginning July 1, 2017, the salary and benefit costs for school level teaching staff that are necessary to carry out this Act, calculated in accordance with section 15678 and adjusted by the regional adjustment under section 15682 ; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §31 (AMD).]

2. Other staff costs. Beginning July 1, 2017, the salary and benefit costs for school-level staff who are not teachers, but including substitute teachers, that are necessary to carry out this Act, calculated in accordance with section 15679 and adjusted by the regional adjustment under section 15682 ; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §31 (AMD).]

3. Additional costs. The per-pupil amounts not related to staffing, calculated in accordance with section 15680 . [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

The EPS per-pupil rate is calculated on the basis of which schools students attend. For school administrative units that do not operate their own schools, the EPS per-pupil rate is calculated under section 15676‑A . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §39 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3640 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3640
20-A §3640. Interstate district indebtedness
Status: in_force

Indebtedness of an interstate district shall be a general obligation of the district and shall be a joint and several general obligation of each member district, except that such obligations of the district and its member districts shall not be deemed indebtedness of any member district for the purposes of determining its borrowing capacity under Maine or New Hampshire law. A member district which withdraws from an interstate district shall remain liable for indebtedness of the interstate district which is outstanding at the time of withdrawal and shall be responsible for paying its share of such indebtedness to the same extent as though it had not withdrawn. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8101-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 311 / Section 8101-A
20-A §8101-A. Gifted and talented education programs
Status: in_force

1. Implementation. Each school administrative unit shall implement a gifted and talented education program. The commissioner may provide technical assistance to a school administrative unit in planning and implementing its gifted and talented education program. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. H, §1 (NEW).]

2. Costs; approval. Costs of gifted and talented education programs approved by the department are subsidizable costs under the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. H, §1 (NEW).]

3. Waivers. Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, a school administrative unit that did not operate a gifted and talented program in the 2011-2012 school year may apply to the commissioner for a one-year waiver of this requirement if full implementation of this requirement presents an undue burden. The commissioner may grant a school administrative unit a waiver upon receipt of an application from the school administrative unit that includes the basis for the waiver request. Financial hardship is one criterion the commissioner must consider in determining whether to grant a waiver. The rules amended or adopted by the department under subsection 4 must establish requirements applicable to the commissioner's authority to grant a one-year waiver to a school administrative unit and must provide requirements for an extension of a one-year waiver granted to a school administrative unit, including provisions that require that any additional request for extensions must be submitted and reviewed on an annual basis. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. H, §1 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The department shall amend or adopt routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A establishing procedures and criteria for approval of gifted and talented education programs under this chapter. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. H, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20106 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20106
20-A §20106. Eligibility for enrollment, extracurricular activities - Article 6
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility for enrollment. Eligibility for enrollment is governed by this subsection. A. Special power of attorney, relative to the guardianship of a child of a military family and executed under applicable law, is sufficient for the purposes of enrollment and all other actions requiring parental participation and consent. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] B. A local education agency may not charge local tuition to a transitioning child of a military family placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] C. A transitioning child of a military family, placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent, may continue to attend the school in which the child was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility for extracurricular participation. State and local education agencies shall facilitate the opportunity for inclusion of a transitioning child of a military family in extracurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent that child is otherwise qualified. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4701 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4701
20-A §4701. English as language of instruction
Status: in_force

The language of instruction in elementary and secondary schools shall meet these requirements. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).]

1. Basic language. The basic language of instruction in all schools shall be the English language. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).]

2. Exceptions. A school may provide instruction in a language other than English in the following circumstances, subject to approval of the commissioner: A. Transitional instruction using bilingual techniques may be provided to students of limited proficiency in English; and [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).] B. Schools may also establish bilingual programs for the purpose of providing proficiency in both English and a 2nd language. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1472-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1472-A
20-A §1472-A. Election of initial regional school unit board
Status: in_force

1. Election; interim secretary; duties. Within 30 days of the issuance of a certificate of organization for the regional school unit by the state board pursuant to section 1461, subsection 7 , the members of the school boards of the school administrative units within the regional school unit shall conduct a joint meeting for the purposes of electing an interim secretary of the regional school unit and determining a date for the election of the initial regional school unit board. The interim secretary shall notify the municipal officers of the member municipalities of the regional school unit of the date of the election. The election must be conducted in accordance with section 1473, subsection 2 , except that the election duties of the secretary and the regional school unit board must be performed by the interim secretary. The duties of the interim secretary include: A. Notifying the municipal officers of the date of the election; [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] B. Furnishing nomination papers at least 10 days before the deadline for filing nomination papers; [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] C. Receiving completed nomination papers in accordance with section 1473, subsection 2 ; [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] D. Preparing and distributing election ballots in accordance with section 1473, subsection 2 ; [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] E. Receiving the town clerk's certification of the results of the voting in each member municipality; [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] F. Tabulating the town clerk's certification of the results of the voting in each member municipality; [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] G. Accepting any recount petitions that may have been filed pursuant to section 1473, subsection 2, paragraph C ; and [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] H. Totaling the votes cast for each candidate and notifying the clerk in each municipality, the candidates and the commissioner of the final results of the voting and the names and addresses of the persons elected as directors. [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).]

2. Initial meeting. In accordance with section 1473, subsection 1 , the clerk of each municipality within the regional school unit shall forward the names and addresses of the directors elected to represent that municipality to the state board with other data regarding their election as the state board may require. On receipt of the names and addresses of all of the directors, the state board shall set a time, place and date for the first meeting of the directors and give notice to the directors in writing, sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses provided by the municipalities. [PL 2007, c. 668, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12105 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424 / Section 12105
20-A §12105. Nonlapsing fund
Status: reserved

1. Fund created. A nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund under the jurisdiction of the authority is created to carry out the purposes of this chapter and chapter 424‑A . The fund may be used only for the following purposes: A. Prior to July 1, 2013, to secure positions under section 12103 and make loans under section 12104 for allopathic and osteopathic medical students; [PL 2009, c. 488, §10 (NEW).] B. Prior to July 1, 2014, to secure positions under section 12103 and make loans under section 12104 for veterinary students; [PL 2009, c. 488, §10 (NEW).] C. Beginning January 1, 2011, to make loans under the Maine Veterinary Medicine Loan Program established in chapter 424‑A ; [PL 2009, c. 488, §10 (NEW).] D. Prior to July 1, 2014, to make loans under section 12104 to students who are not occupying positions secured under section 12103 and who obtain their first loan under section 12104 prior to January 1, 2011; and [PL 2009, c. 488, §10 (NEW).] E. Beginning January 1, 2011, to make loans under section 12104 to students who have not received a loan under section 12104 prior to January 1, 2011. [PL 2009, c. 488, §10 (NEW).] Beginning July 1, 2009, the authority shall use any unexpended balance of funds previously designated for the purchase of positions of allopathic or osteopathic medicine under section 12103 to fund scholarships awarded under section 12103‑A . Any unexpended balance in the fund after the unused portion is redesignated to support the scholarships described in section 12103‑A carries over for use under section 12104 . 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. Loan repayments under this chapter or chapter 424‑A or other repayments to the authority under section 12103 or 12104 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 such purposes; interest income may be used for such purposes or to pay student financial assistance administrative costs incurred by the authority. [PL 2009, c. 488, §10 (RPR).]

2. Separate account authorized. The authority may divide each of the funds under subsection 1 and section 12103‑A, subsection 6 into separate accounts it determines necessary or convenient for implementing this chapter or chapter 424‑A , including, but not limited to, accounts reserved for the purchase of positions and accounts reserved for loans under this chapter or chapter 424‑A and accounts reserved for scholarships under this chapter. [PL 2009, c. 488, §11 (AMD).]

3. Allocation of repayments. The authority may allocate a portion of the annual loan repayments received under section 12104 for the purpose of recruiting primary health care physicians for designated health professional shortage areas and a portion of any loan repayments received under chapter 424‑A for the purpose of recruiting veterinarians to areas of the State with insufficient veterinary services as defined in chapter 424‑A . Those portions may be used: A. To generate additional matching funds for recruitment of physicians for designated health professional shortage areas or veterinarians to areas with insufficient veterinary services as defined in chapter 424‑A ; or [PL 2009, c. 488, §12 (AMD).] B. In accordance with criteria established by the authority, to encourage primary health care physicians to practice medicine in health professional shortage areas or to encourage veterinarians to practice in areas of the State with insufficient veterinary services as defined in chapter 424‑A , as applicable. [PL 2009, c. 488, §12 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 488, §12 (AMD).]

4. Borrowing permitted. The authority may borrow funds pursuant to chapter 417‑B for application to the fund established in subsection 1 and may pledge all or part of the fund or any assets or revenues of the fund in connection with any such borrowing. [PL 2001, c. 479, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11652 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-C / Section 11652
20-A §11652. Finance Authority of Maine sponsored credit card
Status: in_force

1. Finance Authority of Maine sponsored credit card. The Finance Authority of Maine may enter into an agreement with a financial institution, as defined in Title 9‑B, section 131, subsection 17‑A or a credit union, as defined in Title 9‑B, section 131, subsection 12‑A , or other credit card issuer to issue a credit card for the benefit of the Scholarships for Maine Fund. [PL 1997, c. 97, §5 (NEW).]

2. Agreement. If the Finance Authority of Maine enters into an agreement with a financial institution, credit union or other credit card issuer in accordance with subsection 1 , the Finance Authority of Maine shall negotiate the most favorable agreement for the Finance Authority of Maine, considering such factors as: A. The rate of the fee by a credit card issuer; [PL 1997, c. 97, §5 (NEW).] B. The ability of a financial institution, credit union or other credit card issuer to market the card successfully; and [PL 1997, c. 97, §5 (NEW).] C. Customer service offered by the financial institution, credit union or other credit card issuer. [PL 1997, c. 97, §5 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 97, §5 (NEW).]

3. Distribution of proceeds. Funds received by the Finance Authority of Maine under the agreement with the financial institution, credit union or other credit card issuer must be deposited into the Scholarships for Maine Fund. [PL 1997, c. 97, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3254-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3254-A
20-A §3254-A. Other educational programs
Status: in_force

1. Special education programs. The commissioner shall provide special education and related services to all children with disabilities of the unorganized territory in accordance with the provisions of chapter 303 , except that the commissioner shall carry out the duties of school administrative units and superintendents as described in that chapter. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]

2. Preschool programs. The commissioner may establish preschool programs for children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 5 years or contract with school administrative units to provide the programs. [PL 2021, c. 348, §25 (AMD).]

3. Other programs. The commissioner may establish evening schools, day schools, classes and educational programs for persons over 16 years of age residing in the unorganized territory and not attending school. Students in these schools or programs shall be subject to the same conditions and rules as students in other similar schools or programs established pursuant to this Title. [PL 1985, c. 490, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6804-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6804-A
20-A §6804-A. Remote instruction
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, "remote instruction" means instruction provided using audio or video transmission of a teacher or of a classroom with a teacher and participating students. "Remote instruction" includes real-time transmissions and recorded sessions. [PL 2021, c. 383, §1 (NEW).]

2. Distribution or retransmission. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and except as authorized by a public or private school for the purposes of remote instruction, a person may not distribute or retransmit a recorded session of remote instruction or any part thereof without the express written consent of the public or private school. [PL 2021, c. 383, §1 (NEW).]

3. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 383, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8405 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8405
20-A §8405. Director
Status: in_force

A unit operating a center shall employ a certified career and technical education director. [PL 2011, c. 679, §16 (AMD).]

1. Qualifications. The career and technical education director must meet the qualifications prescribed by the state board in accordance with section 13011, subsection 5 . [PL 2011, c. 679, §16 (AMD).]

2. Administrative status. The career and technical education director shall serve as chief administrative officer of the center and has the authority of a principal in the unit operating the center. [PL 2011, c. 679, §16 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 256 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 256
20-A §256. Miscellaneous duties
Status: in_force

1. Report to Governor and Legislature. The commissioner shall prepare and deliver to the Governor and Legislature an annual report on the status of public education in the State regarding the implementation of the system of learning results as established in section 6209 , including any suggestions and recommendations to improve public education. This annual report must also include a description of the activities and accomplishments of the state board. The commissioner shall include in the annual report a listing of requests by school districts for affirmative action workshops and an assessment of the department's ability to meet past and projected demand for in-service training related to affirmative action or gender equity. The commissioner may be invited by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate annually, in January, to appear before a joint session of the Legislature to address the Legislature on the status of public education in the State and such related matters as the commissioner desires to bring to the Legislature's attention. [PL 2009, c. 274, §7 (AMD).]

2. Joining educational organizations. The commissioner may authorize the department to join educational organizations and associations, both within and outside the State, when that membership will increase the efficiency or progress of education within the State. [PL 1983, c. 806, §4 (AMD).]

3. Limit on authority. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §14 (RP).]

4. Control of gift-established schools. The commissioner shall: A. Assume the control and management of all public schools established and maintained by gifts or bequests, when the gifts or bequests are conditioned on the commissioner assuming that control and management; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Carry out the provisions on which those gifts or bequests are conditioned, when those conditions are approved by the Governor. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Duties imposed by charters. The commissioner shall perform all duties assigned by charter granted by the Legislature to an educational institution. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Central information system. [PL 2019, c. 398, §6 (RP).]

7. Women in administration; data; report. [PL 2013, c. 506, §5 (RP).]

8. Gifts and donations. [PL 1995, c. 676, §4 (RP); PL 1995, c. 676, §13 (AFF).]

9. Collection of fees. [PL 1995, c. 676, §4 (RP); PL 1995, c. 676, §13 (AFF).]

10. Telecommunications education access fund. The commissioner or the State Librarian may enter into contracts or order services on behalf of schools and libraries in connection with the telecommunications education access fund pursuant to Title 35-A, section 7104-B . The commissioner or the State Librarian may take advantage of any discounts available pursuant to the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. [PL 2009, c. 274, §8 (NEW).]

11. Resources for people with disabilities. The department shall develop and maintain a comprehensive database of resources for people with disabilities on the department's publicly accessible website. [PL 2019, c. 398, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4710 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4710
20-A §4710. Kindergarten to grade 12 interventions
Status: in_force

By the school year that begins in the fall of 2012 all school administrative units shall develop and implement a system of interventions for kindergarten to grade 12 that provide each student who is not progressing toward meeting the content standards of the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements with different learning experiences or assistance to achieve the standard. The interventions must be specific, timely and based upon ongoing formative assessments that continuously monitor student progress. [PL 2009, c. 313, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8903 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 318 / Section 8903
20-A §8903. Report
Status: in_force

The department shall report by June 30, 2007 and annually thereafter to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs on the number of school administrative units participating in an after-school program, the nature of the after-school programs receiving money, the amount of money distributed and the number of children participating in an after-school program. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7301 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7301
20-A §7301. State aid
Status: in_force

1. State aid. The State shall provide financial aid to school administrative units for special education programs. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Contributions. The commissioner may receive contributions and donations to be used with appropriations to carry out this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12733 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 432 / Section 12733
20-A §12733. Activities
Status: in_force

To assist the State in increasing higher education attainment and developing a skilled workforce, the program shall provide career and college transition services to young adults who are not currently enrolling in higher education and who could benefit from enrolling in a community college. These services may include scholarships, internships and other work-based learning experiences; career exploration and planning; assistance in completing the community college application and financial aid processes; academic planning; and information related to continuing higher education beyond the certificate, diploma and associate degree levels, consistent with the student's educational and career objectives. These services must be provided either directly by the program or through referrals to other programs and services available within the Maine Community College System or by other education and service providers. To participate in any of these services, young adults must be enrolled in a public secondary school or a state community college or have recently completed a public secondary education program. The program shall provide those activities and services that best serve the goals of the program as defined in this chapter and the needs of students and the State and that are consistent with the Maine Community College System's goals and resources. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. A, §29 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12708 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12708
20-A §12708. President of the community college system
Status: in_force

The board of trustees shall appoint the president of the system who must be qualified by education and experience and shall serve at the pleasure of the board of trustees. [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11478 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11478
20-A §11478. Ownership of account; transfer of ownership rights
Status: in_force

For all purposes of the laws of the State, the following provisions apply. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

1. Participant retains ownership. The participant retains ownership of all contributions and all program earnings credited to a participant's account under a participation agreement up to the date of utilization for payment of higher education expenses and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, an amount credited to any account is not susceptible to levy, execution, judgment or other operation of law, garnishment or other judicial enforcement and the amount is not an asset or property of either the participant or the beneficiary for purposes of any state insolvency laws. Notwithstanding this subsection, an amount credited to the participant's account may not be included in any gross estate of the participant for purposes of state tax law, except to the extent that the amount may be includable in any gross estate for purposes of federal tax law. [PL 2021, c. 17, §6 (AMD).]

2. Institution of higher education is owner upon payment. The institution of higher education obtains ownership of the amounts disbursed from an account to the institution of higher education with respect to the higher education expenses paid to the institution at the time each disbursement is made to the institution, subject to any applicable refund policy or other policies of the institution. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

3. Transfer of ownership. A participant may transfer ownership rights to another eligible participant, including, but not limited to, a gift of the ownership rights to a minor beneficiary pursuant to Title 33, chapter 32 ; except that, notwithstanding any provision of Title 33, chapter 32 , the transfer must be effected and the property distributed in accordance with rules adopted by the authority or the terms of the participation agreement. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

3-A. Successor participants. A participant may designate another person as successor owner of the account in the event of the death or disability of the participant. [PL 2001, c. 380, §3 (NEW).]

4. Jurisdictional effect. A person may not be deemed a resident of the State or be deemed as present in the State for jurisdictional purposes solely by reason of being a beneficiary or participant of an account. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

5. Not security. A person may not pledge any interest in an account as security for a loan or other debt. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2907 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2907
20-A §2907. Nontraditional limited purpose school approval
Status: in_force

1. Requirements. A nonprofit institution, not otherwise approved under this subchapter, may operate as an approved nontraditional limited purpose school if it demonstrates a commitment to the educational process and to the State's youth by possessing the following: A. An incorporated council, board of trustees, board of directors or other governing board composed of a cross section of the community served by the school; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] B. An established educational plan; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] C. A written curriculum with appropriate goals, objectives and instructional strategies; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] D. Specific instructional time commensurate with the educational activities planned; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] E. Facilities that comply with state health, safety and fire codes; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] F. An instructional staff certified by the Department of Education where appropriate and endorsement by professional boards in areas where the State does not have certification standards or professional standards agreed upon by the department and the respective institution; [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. A, §47 (AMD).] G. School health services that include a registered nurse in residence when students are in attendance or the appointment of a school or consulting physician; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] H. Established written emergency and safety procedures, including periodic fire drills whenever appropriate; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] I. The unique up-to-date equipment necessary to the services provided; [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] J. A demonstrated commitment to work cooperatively with state public schools in an effort to meet the specific aspiration needs of Maine students; and [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] K. Scholarship assistance to the State's youth. [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).] The commissioner shall promulgate rules, pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , which shall incorporate the requirements set forth in this subsection. [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. A, §47 (AMD).]

2. Approval. The commissioner shall base approval of a school under this section on the school's ability to meet the requirements set forth in subsection 1 and on an annual on-site review by the department. [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]

3. Removal of basic approval. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner may remove approval from any nontraditional limited purpose school for failure to meet applicable approval requirements. [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]

4. Ineligible for state subsidy. A school eligible for approval under this section shall not be eligible for state subsidy. [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]

5. Credit. High school credit for programs completed at a school approved under this section may be granted to students by the school in which they are enrolled full time. [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]

6. Taxation. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner's approval of an institution as a nontraditional, limited purpose school shall not alter that institution's current status for the purpose of state or local taxation. [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3635 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3635
20-A §3635. Budget
Status: in_force

Before each annual meeting, the interstate board shall prepare a report of expenditures for the preceding fiscal year, an estimate of expenditures for the current fiscal year, and a budget for the succeeding fiscal year. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6624 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6624
20-A §6624. Prohibition on use
Status: in_force

A student participating in interscholastic sports may not use a performance-enhancing substance on the list of banned substances developed and maintained under section 6621 . A student who violates this section is subject to sanctions as determined by the governing body with statutory powers and duties for the school administrative unit in which that student is enrolled. [PL 2005, c. 674, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12122 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424-A / Section 12122
20-A §12122. Maine Veterinary Medicine Loan Program
Status: in_force

1. Establishment. The Maine Veterinary Medicine Loan Program is established. The authority shall administer the program. Beginning January 1, 2011 and until December 31, 2022, the chief executive officer shall, as resources allow, award up to 2 loans annually up to an aggregate of 8. Beginning January 1, 2023, the chief executive officer shall, as resources allow, award up to 8 loans annually up to an aggregate of 32. At least half, and no fewer than 2, of the annual loans awarded must be awarded to applicants who have demonstrated a likelihood to practice livestock veterinary medicine in the State unless the authority does not receive enough qualified applicants to meet this requirement, in which case the chief executive officer may award the remaining loans to other eligible applicants. Loans are available to Maine residents enrolled in a school of veterinary medicine. [PL 2021, c. 725, §3 (AMD).]

2. Application process. Application for participation in the program must be made directly to the authority. [PL 2009, c. 488, §14 (NEW).]

3. Eligibility. To be eligible to participate in the program, a person must be a Maine resident, be enrolled in a school of veterinary medicine and meet additional eligibility criteria established in rules adopted under section 12124 . In selecting recipients, priority must be given to a student who: A. Previously received a loan pursuant to this section; [PL 2009, c. 488, §14 (NEW).] B. Exhibits financial need; and [PL 2009, c. 488, §14 (NEW).] C. Demonstrates an interest in practicing in an area of the State with insufficient veterinary services or in an underserved geographic region. [PL 2021, c. 725, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 725, §4 (AMD).]

4. Maximum amount. The maximum loan amount available under the program to each participant is $35,000 per year for a period of up to 4 years. [PL 2021, c. 725, §5 (AMD).]

5. Loan agreement; forgiveness. A student selected as a loan recipient shall enter into a loan agreement as set out in this subsection. A. Upon completion of professional education, the loan recipient shall repay the loan in accordance with this paragraph. (1) A loan recipient who does not obtain loan forgiveness pursuant to subparagraph (2) shall repay the entire principal of the loan plus simple interest at a rate to be determined by rule of the authority. Interest does not begin to accrue until the loan recipient completes veterinary medical education. (2) A loan recipient who, upon conclusion of the loan recipient's professional education, including any fellowships, elects to serve as a veterinarian in an area of the State with insufficient veterinary services or in an underserved geographic region is forgiven 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness for each year of that practice. A loan recipient who practices in an area of the State with insufficient veterinary services or in an underserved geographic region less than full time may receive prorated loan forgiveness. A loan recipient who is not practicing in an underserved geographic region and who devotes less than 50% of the recipient's practice to the care of livestock or to emergency and critical care may receive prorated loan forgiveness. (3) A loan recipient must make a commitment to undertake specific training, including clinical experiences in livestock medicine or emergency and critical care medicine. [PL 2021, c. 725, §§6, 7 (AMD).] B. Loans must be repaid over a term no longer than 10 years, except that the chief executive officer may extend an individual's term as necessary to ensure repayment of the loan. Repayment must commence within 6 months of when the loan recipient completes, withdraws from or otherwise fails to continue veterinary medical education. [PL 2009, c. 488, §14 (NEW).] C. A veterinarian requesting forgiveness under this section shall report annually to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on the portion of the veterinarian's practice dedicated to livestock or emergency and critical care, the location of the veterinarian's practice and the geographic region served by the veterinarian's practice. [PL 2021, c. 725, §8 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 725, §§6-8 (AMD).]

6. Default. A loan recipient under the program who agrees to practice in an area of the State with insufficient veterinary services or in an underserved geographic region and who fails to complete the period of service required to pay off the loan is liable to the authority for an amount equal to the sum of the total amount paid by or on behalf of the authority to or on behalf of the recipient under the agreement plus interest at a rate determined by the authority. Credit for practicing in an area with insufficient veterinary services or in an underserved geographic region is awarded for each consecutive 12-month period served. Exceptions may be made by the authority in accordance with subsection 7 . [PL 2021, c. 725, §9 (AMD).]

7. Deferments. Deferments on the repayment of a loan under the program may be granted for causes established by rule of the authority. Interest at a rate to be determined by rule of the authority must be assessed during the deferment. The loan recipient's total debt to the authority, including principal and interest, must be repaid either through return service or cash payments. The chief executive officer shall make determinations of deferment on a case-by-case basis. The decision of the chief executive officer is final. [PL 2009, c. 488, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9504 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9504
20-A §9504. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall adopt rules for the administration and enforcement of this chapter. The rules must establish requirements relating to advertising, records and record keeping, health and sanitation, safety, personnel, tuition, fees, contracts and other matters that protect the public and consumer interests and must establish requirements for payment of refunds, and notices and information to be provided to students. Rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §44 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15008 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 601 / Section 15008
20-A §15008. Fuel cost stabilization fund
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit may establish and expend a fuel cost stabilization fund as provided in this section. [PL 2009, c. 104, §1 (NEW).]

1. Establishment and funding. The voters or other legislative body of a school administrative unit may establish a fuel cost stabilization fund and may raise and appropriate funds for that purpose in addition to the school operating budget. A separate warrant article for that purpose must be approved at the budget meeting and at the budget validation referendum. If a school administrative unit has discontinued the budget validation referendum process, the article must be approved by the voters or other legislative body using the same process as for approval of the school budget. If a school administrative unit has available fund balances at the end of a fiscal year, the transfer of those funds to the fuel cost stabilization fund may be authorized at a budget meeting or other meeting of the voters or other legislative body. An article authorizing an appropriation or transfer to the fuel cost stabilization fund must be accompanied by a statement that includes the balance in the fuel cost stabilization fund before and after the proposed appropriation or transfer, the amounts expended from the fund in each of the 2 prior fiscal years and, in the case of a transfer, the amount expended from the fund in the current fiscal year. [PL 2009, c. 104, §1 (NEW).]

2. Fund limit. An appropriation or transfer may not cause the aggregate amount in the fuel cost stabilization fund to exceed the school administrative unit's highest annual total cost for heating and transportation fuel in the 3 completed fiscal years prior to the authorization of that proposed funding amount. During the first 3 years of operation of a new or reorganized school administrative unit, the fuel costs of the original school administrative units may be aggregated for purposes of determining the total amount that may not be exceeded due to an appropriation or transfer. [PL 2009, c. 104, §1 (NEW).]

3. Expenditures. In addition to its approved operating budget, a school board may expend funds in the fuel cost stabilization fund to offset fuel costs for heating and transportation that exceed budgeted amounts. A school board may transfer funds from the fuel cost stabilization fund for another purpose only when authorized to do so at a budget meeting or other meeting of the voters or other legislative body. [PL 2009, c. 104, §1 (NEW).]

4. Investment. The money in the fuel cost stabilization fund may be invested as provided by law for school reserve funds with the earnings to be credited to that fund. [PL 2009, c. 104, §1 (NEW).]

5. Fund not to lapse. A balance in the fuel cost stabilization fund at the end of a fiscal year does not lapse. [PL 2009, c. 104, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4802 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 209 / Section 4802
20-A §4802. Holidays
Status: in_force

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

1. Unconditional holidays. Public schools shall close on the following days: A. Patriot's Day, the 3rd Monday in April; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Memorial Day, last Monday in May or May 30th if the Federal Government designates that date; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B-1. Juneteenth, June 19th; [PL 2021, c. 140, §4 (NEW).] C. Independence Day, July 4th; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Labor Day, the first Monday in September; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. Indigenous Peoples Day, the 2nd Monday in October; [PL 2019, c. 59, §3 (AMD).] F. Veteran's Day, November 11th; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] G. Thanksgiving Day, as designated by the Governor; [PL 1985, c. 787, §4 (AMD).] H. Christmas Day, December 25th; and [PL 1985, c. 787, §5 (AMD).] I. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the 3rd Monday in January. [PL 1985, c. 787, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 140, §4 (AMD).]

2. Conditional holidays. Public schools shall close on the following days unless the school board votes to keep its schools open and observe the day with special exercises as defined in section 4803 : A. New Years Day, January 1st; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Washington's Birthday, the 3rd Monday in February. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20104 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20104
20-A §20104. Educational records and enrollment - Article 4
Status: in_force

This section applies to the transition of students subject to this chapter pursuant to section 20103 . [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

1. Unofficial educational records. If official educational records cannot be released to the parent or parents of the transitioning student, the custodian of the records in the sending state shall prepare and furnish to the parent a complete set of unofficial educational records containing uniform information as determined by the interstate commission. Upon receipt of the unofficial educational records by a school in the receiving state, the school in the receiving state, as quickly as possible, shall enroll and appropriately place the student based on the information provided in the unofficial records pending validation by the official records. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Official educational records. Simultaneous with the enrollment and conditional placement of the student, the school in the receiving state shall request the student’s official educational record from the school in the sending state. Upon receipt of this request, the school in the sending state shall process and furnish the official educational records to the school in the receiving state within 10 days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the interstate commission. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Immunizations. A member state shall give 30 days from the date of enrollment or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the interstate commission for students to obtain any immunizations required by the receiving state. For a series of immunizations, initial vaccinations must be obtained within 30 days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the interstate commission. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

4. Kindergarten and first grade entrance age. A student must be allowed to continue enrollment at grade level in the receiving state commensurate with that student’s grade level from a local education agency in the sending state at the time of transition, regardless of age. A student that has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the sending state is eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving state, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving state must enter the school in the receiving state on that student's validated level from an accredited school in the sending state. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10204 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 10204
20-A §10204. Fees
Status: in_force

1. Payment of fees. Persons, corporations and all other bodies seeking services from ETLM shall pay all fees and charges set by ETLM for those services. All fees and charges shall be paid to ETLM in accordance with arrangements made by and between ETLM and those receiving the services. [PL 1983, c. 320, §2 (NEW).]

2. Dedicated account. All fees received by ETLM shall be paid to the Treasurer of State to be placed in a separate, dedicated, nonlapsing income-earning or interest-earning account and shall be used solely for fulfilling the purposes of this chapter. [PL 1983, c. 320, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5801 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5801
20-A §5801. Acceptance of tuition students
Status: in_force

A school board may decide whether schools in its school administrative unit shall accept tuition students whose parents reside in another school administrative unit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9204 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 321 / Section 9204
20-A §9204. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules for the administration and enforcement of this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7401
20-A §7401.  Deaf and hard-of-hearing service provider established
Status: in_force

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf is established as a deaf and hard-of-hearing service provider pursuant to this chapter for the purpose of educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The center is a body politic and corporate and is an instrumentality and agency of the State. The exercise by the center of the powers conferred by this chapter is the performance of an essential public function by and on behalf of the State. [PL 2021, c. 646, §1 (AMD).]

The center includes the Mackworth Island preschool, located at Mackworth Island, as an integrated preschool program for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and typically developing children, and includes early intervention services that include deaf and hard-of-hearing related services delivered to children from birth to under 3 years of age who are deaf and hard of hearing and statewide education and family services that are provided to schools by staff employed through the center, including, but not limited to, site-based programs, consultation, evaluation and specially designed instruction. [PL 2021, c. 646, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 16104 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 611 / Section 16104
20-A §16104. Appeals
Status: in_force

If the owner is aggrieved at the damages awarded that owner under this chapter, the owner may appeal to the Superior Court of the county in which the land or any part of it lies. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §25 (COR).]

1. Procedure. The owner shall file a complaint in the court and serve the school administrative unit with a copy within 90 days of the date of recording of the description of the lot in the registry of deeds. The complaint shall set forth substantially the facts, but shall not state the amount of the damages previously awarded to the owner. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Determination of damages. The damages may be determined in the Superior Court by a committee of reference if the parties so agree, or by a jury verdict. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Costs. If the damages are increased, the school administrative unit shall pay the damages and costs; otherwise, the costs shall be paid by the appellant. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Committee of reference compensation. A committee of reference shall be allowed a reasonable compensation for its services. This compensation shall be fixed by the court upon the presentation of its report and paid from the county treasury upon the certificate of the clerk of courts. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Further appeal. An appeal may be taken by a party from the judgment of the court to the Supreme Judicial Court. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4774 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 208-A / Section 4774
20-A §4774. Credits
Status: in_force

1. High school credit. A school administrative unit may grant academic credit toward a high school diploma to a student who successfully completes a course under this chapter. [PL 1997, c. 758, §2 (NEW).]

2. Postsecondary credit. The eligible institution shall grant full credit to any student who successfully completes a course at the eligible institution under this chapter. The course must apply to graduation requirements at the eligible institution in which it was taken or be transferable to another eligible institution on an equal basis with a course taken by any other student at the eligible institution. [PL 1997, c. 758, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6994 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 231 / Section 6994
20-A §6994. Partnerships between school administrative units
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit may partner with another school administrative unit to fulfill any of the requirements of this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2703 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 115 / Section 2703
20-A §2703. Contract
Status: in_force

The governing bodies of the sending units and receiving school shall establish a contract. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Specific provisions. The contract: A. Shall specify the duration of the contract from 2 to 10 years; [PL 1985, c. 797, §18 (AMD).] B. May include the establishment of a joint committee if the receiving school is a private school; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Shall include other provisions parties deem necessary; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Must be ratified by a majority vote of each of the governing bodies party to the contract; and [RR 2001, c. 1, §22 (COR).] E. Must meet any additional requirements set forth in rules established by the commissioner and must be filed with the commissioner. Contracts with private schools must be approved by the commissioner. [RR 2001, c. 1, §23 (COR).] [RR 2001, c. 1, §§22, 23 (COR).]

2. Tuition. Tuition shall be determined under chapter 219 . [PL 1985, c. 797, §19 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4801 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 209 / Section 4801
20-A §4801. School days
Status: in_force

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

1. Number. A school administrative unit shall make provision for the maintenance of all of its schools for at least 180 days a year. At least 175 days shall be used for instruction. In meeting the requirement of a 180-day school year, no more than 5 days may be used for in-service education of teachers, administrative meetings, parent-teacher conferences, records' days and similar activities. A. The commissioner may reduce or waive the minimum number of days required on application from a school board. The commissioner may authorize an equivalent number of hours to be substituted for days for a limited time period upon application from a school board. The application must be supported in writing with a statement of the reasons for the request. [PL 2009, c. 87, §1 (AMD).] A-1. [PL 1993, c. 349, §45 (RP).] B. Notwithstanding any other section of the statutes, school committees, with the approval of the commissioner, may adopt or amend rules necessary to implement an extended school year at the local level. The commissioner may make appropriate adjustments, not to exceed the allowable subsidy, to insure fair and equitable treatment in the distribution of state aid. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Notwithstanding this subsection, the commissioner shall promulgate a rule to provide that local school units may allow secondary school students to graduate up to 5 school days prior to the regular end of the school year. [PL 1985, c. 624 (NEW).] D. A school administrative unit, operating under a plan approved by the commissioner, may provide for the use of up to 5 of the 175 instructional days required by this section to be used for screening incoming first year students for the purpose of identifying children with disabilities and students at risk of school failure as required by state or federal law. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §10 (AMD).] E. [PL 2013, c. 506, §10 (RP).] F. A school administrative unit operating under a plan approved by the commissioner may provide for a one-hour extension of the school day for up to 25 days in a school year. Notwithstanding the required number of school days under this subsection, 5 one-hour extensions may be counted as one additional school day. A school administrative unit may, with the approval of the commissioner pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with this subsection, implement extended days pursuant to this paragraph only for the purpose of making up school days missed due to weather or emergency closures. A school administrative unit may develop other ways to make up school days missed due to weather or emergency closures not included in this paragraph as long as they are incorporated into a plan approved by the commissioner. [PL 2019, c. 105, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 105, §1 (AMD).]

2. Equal terms. A school administrative unit shall operate all its schools so that their regular annual sessions are as equal in length as practicable. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2-A. Regional school calendars; plan; rules. To be eligible for state subsidy, each school administrative unit and private school approved for tuition purposes shall work with affiliated units, as defined in section 8301‑A, subsection 1 , in its career and technical education center or school administrative units in its career and technical education region to develop and approve a regional school calendar that aligns the school calendars of sending schools with the school calendars of career and technical education programs in the region. The plan for a regional school calendar must meet the following requirements. A. There may not be more than 5 instructional days on which one or more of the school calendars of the school administrative units affiliated with a career and technical education center or one or more of the school calendars of the school administrative units within a career and technical education region are not aligned with the regional school calendar. [PL 2011, c. 686, §2 (AMD).] B. When career and technical education centers or regions overlap, there must be common calendars for each of the schools in those overlapping areas. [PL 2011, c. 686, §2 (AMD).] C. The authority for approving the regional school calendar must be within the school boards of the local school administrative units. [PL 2003, c. 617, §1 (NEW).] D. Regional school calendars for Aroostook County may have provisions for waivers of the number of dissimilar days for purposes of agricultural harvesting. [PL 2011, c. 686, §2 (AMD).] D-1. The commissioner, in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to this subsection, may authorize regional school calendars that do not comply with paragraph A if the commissioner determines that all school administrative units in the region have plans and will implement those plans to ensure compliance with paragraph F , notwithstanding the dissimilar calendar days. [PL 2011, c. 686, §2 (NEW).] E. Plans for regional school calendars that comply with this subsection must be approved and implemented in time for the 2013-2014 school year. [PL 2011, c. 686, §2 (AMD).] F. All career and technical education students must be given access to career and technical education programs for the entire instructional time required for those programs by department rules. [PL 2011, c. 686, §2 (NEW).] The commissioner shall adopt rules to establish requirements for regional school calendars. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 686, §2 (AMD).]

3. Noncompliance. A school administrative unit which fails to comply with this section may not receive its state school subsidy until it provides for future compliance. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11418 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11418
20-A §11418. Records confidential
Status: in_force

1. Confidential information. Records containing any information acquired by the authority or a member, officer, employee or agent of the authority from applicants for or recipients of financial assistance provided pursuant to the program are confidential for purposes of Title 1, section 402, subsection 3, paragraph A . [PL 2015, c. 170, §17 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

2. Wrongful disclosure prohibited. No member, officer, employee, agent, other representative of the authority or other person may knowingly divulge or disclose records declared confidential by this section, except that the authority may, in its discretion, make or authorize any disclosure of information of the following types or under the following circumstances: A. Impersonal, statistical or general information; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] B. If necessary in connection with processing any application for, obtaining or maintaining financial assistance for any person or in connection with acquiring, maintaining or disposing of property; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] C. To a financial institution or credit reporting service; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] D. Information necessary to comply with any federal or state law or rule or with any agreement pertaining to financial assistance; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] E. Information to the extent the authority deems the disclosure necessary to the sale or transfer of its bonds; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] F. If necessary to assure collection of any obligation in which it has or may have an interest; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] G. In any litigation or proceeding in which the authority has appeared, introduction for the record of any information obtained from records declared confidential by this section; and [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] H. Pursuant to a subpoena, request for production of documents, warrant or other order by competent authority, provided that any such order appears to have first been served on the person to whom confidential information sought pertains or belongs and provided that any such order appears on its face or otherwise to have been issued or made upon lawful authority. [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5813 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5813
20-A §5813. Driver education
Status: in_force

Students may be charged a fee for driver education as provided under section 8704 . [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §43 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12726 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431-A / Section 12726
20-A §12726. Purpose
Status: in_force

The primary purposes of the Maine Quality Centers are as follows: [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).]

1. Job creation. To encourage and facilitate the creation of new jobs in the State by offering customized education and training programs at the community colleges free of charge to businesses that are seeking to create new jobs in the State. The eligibility criteria for free customized education and training programs and other policies and terms governing the centers are established by the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees; [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

2. Workforce preparation. To offer education and training opportunities for unemployed Maine people to allow them to prepare for future jobs in new or expanding businesses in the State, and for underemployed Maine people seeking to upgrade their education, skills and credentials in order to facilitate career advancement and enhance job security; and [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).]

3. Partnerships. To establish and maintain long-term partnerships with prospective and established businesses with the goal of creating and maintaining a skilled, adaptable and competitive workforce. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12983 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12983
20-A §12983. Notice to proceed
Status: in_force

Each institution shall provide a reporting party and a responding party with written notice of the institution's decision to hold a disciplinary proceeding regarding an allegation of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking sufficiently in advance of a disciplinary proceeding to provide the reporting and responding parties with the opportunity to meaningfully exercise their rights. The disciplinary proceeding must provide due process and be prompt, fair and impartial and include the opportunity for both parties to present witnesses and other evidence. The written notice must include the information required to be posted on the institution's publicly accessible website pursuant to section 12982, subsection 1 . [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2410 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 112 / Section 2410
20-A §2410. Oversight
Status: in_force

1. Data collection; monitoring. For each public charter school it oversees, the authorizer is responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting all data from state assessments in accordance with the performance framework developed under section 2409, subsection 1 . An authorizer shall monitor the performance and legal compliance of the public charter schools it oversees, including collecting and analyzing all data to support ongoing evaluation according to the charter contract. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

2. Notification of unsatisfactory performance or compliance. In the event that a public charter school's performance or legal compliance appears unsatisfactory, the authorizer shall promptly provide written notice to the public charter school of perceived problems and provide reasonable opportunity for the school to remedy the problems. [PL 2011, c. 570, §11 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6808 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6808
20-A §6808. Misappropriation of funds; penalty
Status: in_force

If any part of the money raised by a school administrative unit, or paid to them by the State for superintendence, is expended for any other purposes, then each person misappropriating that money shall forfeit double the sum so misapplied. The money may be recovered in a civil action in the name and to the use of the school administrative unit by any of its residents. A school administrative unit or school union may not receive further aid from the State for superintendence until the amount so misapplied has been raised and expended for superintendence by that unit or school union. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 10202
20-A §10202. Goals and objectives
Status: in_force

The goals and objectives of ETLM are to provide those services that, among others, must meet the safety needs of industry and the public regarding the quality of construction of products tested by ETLM, the maintenance of high standards for testing conducted by ETLM and the provision of consultant services. [PL 1997, c. 607, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12305 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 426 / Section 12305
20-A §12305. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish rules necessary to implement this chapter. The rules authorized by this section must be adopted in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2 . Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 102, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10902-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10902-B
20-A §10902-B. Report by chancellor
Status: in_force

The Chancellor of the University of Maine System shall be invited by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate annually, in January, to appear before a joint session of the Legislature to address the Legislature on the state of the university system and such other matters as the chancellor desires to bring to the Legislature's attention. [PL 1985, c. 779, §50 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 19301 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 9 / Chapter 805 / Section 19301
20-A §19301. Digital content library
Status: in_force

1. Digital content library established. The commissioner shall establish a digital content library to house a collection of high-quality digital educational content and learning resources aligned with the State's educational initiatives, delivered electronically by school administrative units, private schools, public and private postsecondary institutions and nonprofit or for-profit content providers for sharing with other school administrative units, private schools, public and private postsecondary institutions and individuals. [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).]

2. Content. Content included in the digital content library established pursuant to subsection 1 must further the State's educational initiatives, including learning through technology, diploma standards based on achievement, college and career readiness and student achievement in the system of standards and assessment established under chapter 222 . [PL 2017, c. 466, §15 (AMD).]

3. Administration. The commissioner shall establish administrative specifications for the digital content library established pursuant to subsection 1 , including: A. Specifications and criteria in at least the following areas regarding digital educational content and learning resources to be included in the digital content library: (1) Alignment with the system of learning results established under section 6209 ; (2) Development of greater student depth of knowledge or complex reasoning; (3) Integration of technology; (4) Relevance to community involvement and employment in the State; (5) Level of interest to students; and (6) Quality of instruction; [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).] B. A method for involving educators, educational organizations and institutions, school administrative units, private schools, public and private postsecondary institutions and nonprofit or for-profit content providers to create content for possible inclusion in the digital content library; [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).] C. A method for reviewing digital educational content and learning resources to determine whether digital educational content and learning resources should be included in the digital content library; [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).] D. A method for curating digital educational content and learning resources included in the digital content library to provide for continuous review of currency and consistency with the specifications and criteria adopted under this section; and [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).] E. Technical specifications in at least the following areas: (1) Cataloguing available content, with information regarding each item of digital educational content or learning resource that includes: (a) Identification of appropriate grade level; (b) Subject area; (c) Brief descriptions, including descriptions of the type of digital educational content or learning resource; (d) Links to the digital educational content or learning resource; and (e) Number of instructional hours required to complete the digital educational content or learning resource; (2) A rating and recommendation system for students and educators to provide feedback on digital educational content and learning resources included in the digital content library; (3) Tracking use of specific digital educational content or learning resources; and (4) Accessibility of the digital content library from any device with Internet connectivity. [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).]

4. Review. The commissioner may convene an advisory group consisting of, at a minimum, a representative from the department, a public school educator from the State and a representative from a statewide educational association or organization to review and suggest modifications and updates to the digital content library established pursuant to subsection 1 . The commissioner shall review and may approve or modify the recommendations of the advisory group regarding the requirements set forth in this section. [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).]

5. Training. The commissioner may provide professional development and training on the use of the digital content library. [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).]

6. Power to contract. The commissioner may enter into a contract with an entity to implement any recommendations of the advisory group under subsection 4 . [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).]

7. Report. The commissioner shall report annually by January 15th to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs regarding the digital content library established pursuant to subsection 1 , and specifically the items in this section. [PL 2015, c. 372, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12705 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12705
20-A §12705. Board of trustees
Status: in_force

The board of trustees is the policy-making authority of the system. [PL 1991, c. 140, §1 (AMD).]

1. Membership. The board of trustees consists of 13 appointed voting members, one ex officio voting member and 1 ex officio, nonvoting member as follows: A. [PL 1991, c. 140, §2 (RP).] B. [PL 1991, c. 140, §2 (RP).] C. Twelve from the field of business and industry, the field of labor, the field of education and the general public; [PL 1993, c. 111, §1 (AMD).] D. The Commissioner of Education, or the commissioner's successor, who serves as an ex officio voting member; [PL 1995, c. 688, §11 (AMD).] E. [PL 2005, c. 425, §25 (RP).] F. The Commissioner of Labor, or the commissioner's successor, who serves as an ex officio nonvoting member; and [PL 1995, c. 688, §11 (AMD).] G. One member who is from the student body of one of the community college campuses at the time of appointment and who is a permanent resident of the State. To be eligible for appointment as a student member, a student must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. The student member is a full voting member of the board of trustees and serves for a 2-year term and until a successor is qualified. By January 1st of every 2nd year, the president of the system shall solicit a list of 6 eligible students from the student governments from 6 of the campuses within the Maine Community College System, the 7th campus being excluded in accordance with this subsection. The Governor shall then nominate a student trustee chosen from the list within 30 days of receiving the list of names. The nomination is subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and to confirmation by the Legislature. The student trustee may not come from the same campus in any 2 consecutive terms. In the event that the student trustee transfers from one campus to another during the student's term of appointment, the student's original campus of enrollment is the campus excluded when the next student trustee is appointed. [PL 1995, c. 688, §11 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 425, §25 (AMD).]

2. Appointment; terms. Members of the board of trustees are appointed by the Governor to 4-year terms of office, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and to confirmation by the Legislature. In appointing members to the board, the Governor shall give proper consideration to achieving statewide geographical representation and gender equity. No classified or unclassified employee of the State or person who holds elected state office may serve on the board of trustees, with the exception of the ex officio members. [PL 1991, c. 140, §3 (AMD).]

3. Vacancies. Vacancies on the board of trustees shall be filled for the unexpired term only. A member shall serve until a successor has been appointed and qualified. [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

4. Compensation. Members shall be compensated for their expenses according to Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

5. Chairman. From among the appointed members, the board of trustees shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman. The terms for the chairman and vice-chairman shall be established in the bylaws adopted by the board of trustees. [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

6. Meetings. The board of trustees shall meet at least 6 times each year and at the call of the chair or at the request of a majority of the members. [PL 1991, c. 376, §32 (AMD).]

7. Quorum. A quorum consists of a majority of the voting members of the board of trustees. No action may be taken without the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting. [PL 1995, c. 688, §12 (AMD).]

8. Secretary. The president of the system shall serve as the secretary of the board of trustees. [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12107 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424 / Section 12107
20-A §12107. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish rules necessary to implement this chapter. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall develop rules for determining health professional shortage areas for the practice of primary health care medicine and dentistry, for determining the reasonableness of the service provided by loan recipients to Medicaid and Medicare patients and participation by loan recipients in public health clinics, for determining underserved groups and for determining underserved specialties. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall develop rules for the determination of insufficient veterinary services. The rules authorized by this section must be adopted in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II . [PL 1991, c. 830, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 832, §10 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §7 (REV); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12301 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 426 / Section 12301
20-A §12301. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).]

2. Chief executive officer. "Chief executive officer" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).]

3. Maine resident. "Maine resident" means a person who has been a resident of the State for a minimum of 2 years at the time of the person's entry to dental school for purposes other than education, as determined by rule of the authority. In determining residency, the authority shall consider: A. Length of residence in the State for other than tuition purposes; [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] B. Secondary school attended; [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] C. Legal residence of parents; [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] D. Place of voting registration, if registered to vote; [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] E. Place where taxes are paid; and [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] F. Other indicators established by the authority. [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).]

4. Underserved population area. "Underserved population area" means an area in the State that is a dental health professional shortage area or medically underserved area or that contains a medically underserved population as defined by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration. [PL 2019, c. 102, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8105 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 311 / Section 8105
20-A §8105. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner may adopt or amend rules to implement this chapter, including the identification of students, needs and resource assessment and program planning, development and implementation. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2009, c. 147, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3647 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3647
20-A §3647. Tax exemption
Status: in_force

Bonds and notes of an interstate school district shall be exempt from local property taxes in both states, and the interest or discount thereon and any profit derived from the disposition thereof shall be exempt from personal income taxes in both states. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10705 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10705
20-A §10705. Courses for credit
Status: in_force

An educational institution may offer courses or programs for academic credit leading to degree-completion requirements only if: [PL 2007, c. 572, Pt. A, §11 (AMD).]

1. Authority. It has been authorized under sections 10704 and 10704‑A to grant degrees; [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §84 (AMD).]

2. State board authority. It has been given temporary authority by the state board to use the name "community college," "college" or "university"; [PL 2009, c. 274, §11 (AMD).]

3. Out-of-state institution. It is: A. Located outside the State; and [PL 2007, c. 572, Pt. A, §11 (AMD).] B. Authorized by the state board to offer courses for academic credit leading to degree-completion requirements; or [PL 2009, c. 274, §11 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 274, §11 (AMD).]

4. Coordinated programs. It is offering courses or programs in coordination with an educational institution in the State that is authorized to grant degrees and the state board has approved the coordination. [PL 2009, c. 274, §11 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1477 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1477
20-A §1477. Quorum
Status: in_force

A majority of the regional school unit board directors in number and voting power constitutes a quorum. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2902 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2902
20-A §2902. State requirements
Status: in_force

Private schools approved for attendance purposes by the department shall: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Immunization. Comply with the immunization provisions under chapter 223, subchapter 2 ; [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).]

2. Language of instruction. Use English as the language of instruction except as specified under section 4701 ; [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. B, §5 (AMD).]

3. Courses required by law. Provide instruction in elementary schools as specified in sections 4701 , 4704 , 4706 and 4711 and in secondary schools as specified in sections 4701 , 4704 , 4706 , 4722 , 4723 and 4724 . [PL 2017, c. 466, §4 (AMD).]

4. Commissioner's basic curriculum. Provide instruction in the basic curriculum established by rule by the commissioner under section 4704 and in alignment with the system of learning results established in section 6209 ; [PL 2001, c. 454, §10 (AMD).]

5. Certified teachers. Employ only certified teachers; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Secondary schools. For private secondary schools: A. Meet the requirements of a minimum school year under section 4801 ; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Provide a school day of sufficient length to allow for the operation of its approved education program; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Have a student-teacher ratio of not more than 30 to one; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Include not less than 2 consecutive grades from 9 to 12; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. Maintain adequate, safely protected records; [PL 1997, c. 266, §4 (AMD).] [PL 1997, c. 266, §4 (AMD).]

7. Approval rules. Meet the requirements applicable to the approval of private schools for attendance purposes adopted jointly by the state board and the commissioner; [PL 1999, c. 669, §2 (AMD).]

8. Release of student records. Upon the request of a school unit, release copies of all student records for students transferring from the private school to the school unit; [PL 2001, c. 452, §5 (AMD).]

9. Medication. Meet the requirements for administering medication under section 254, subsection 5 ; and [PL 2001, c. 452, §6 (AMD).]

10. Reintegration planning. Meet the requirements for administering reintegration planning under section 254, subsection 12 . [PL 2001, c. 452, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15002-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 601 / Section 15002-A
20-A §15002-A. Permanent School Fund
Status: in_force

The Treasurer of State shall keep a separate account of all money received from sales of lands appropriated for the support of schools or from notes taken therefor and of any other money appropriated for the same purpose. Those sums constitute the Permanent School Fund, which must be invested in such securities as are legal investments for savings banks under Title 9 . The income from these investments must be placed in a dedicated revenue, interest-bearing account and must be available to be used for: [PL 2007, c. 667, §14 (AMD).]

1. Alternative education, school dropouts and truants. Financing the department's obligation to provide services to encourage the development of alternative education programs, including high school completion programs through adult education programs and must address other needs of school dropouts and truants as more specifically set forth in sections 5151 to 5153 ; and [PL 2007, c. 667, §14 (AMD).]

2. Allocation to school units. Allocations to school administrative units for the purpose of surveying school systems and developing school plans. The allocations may not in any case exceed the unit's local share percentage determined under chapter 606‑A times the cost of those surveys or plans. [PL 2007, c. 667, §14 (AMD).]

3. Fees for equivalency certificates. [PL 1989, c. 525, §2 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4712 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4712
20-A §4712. Junior high school or middle school course of study
Status: in_force

The basic course of study for the junior high schools or middle schools must provide for the instruction of all students in life and career readiness, English language arts, health education and physical education, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, visual and performing arts and world languages, as described in the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements subject to the schedule specified in section 6209 . Health education must include instruction that addresses the relationship between physical and mental health in order to enhance student understanding of attitudes toward and behavior relating to mental illness and to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. [PL 2021, c. 190, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10965 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10965
20-A §10965. Validity of evidences of indebtedness
Status: in_force

Evidences of indebtedness bearing duly authorized signatures of officers or officials holding office on the date of signing shall be valid and binding obligations, notwithstanding that before the delivery of and payment for the obligation any or all persons whose signatures appear on the evidences of indebtedness shall have ceased to be such officers or officials. The validity of evidences of indebtedness shall not be dependent on nor affected by the validity or regularity of any proceedings to acquire any project financed with the proceeds of evidences of indebtedness, or to refund outstanding evidences of indebtedness, or otherwise taken in connection with the financing transaction. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1463 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1463
20-A §1463. Operational date and transfer of authority
Status: in_force

1. Operational date. A regional school unit board of directors becomes operational on the date set by the state board as provided in this chapter. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Transfer of governing authority. The regional school unit board of directors, on the date established pursuant to subsection 1 , shall assume responsibility for the management and control of the public schools and programs within the school administrative units in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit that are within the regional school unit. Those school administrative units in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit on the date established in subsection 1 have no further responsibility for the operation or control of the public schools and programs within the school administrative unit except those pursuant to section 1481‑A . [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §40 (AMD).]

3. Transfer of school accounts. Notwithstanding section 15004 or any charter of a municipal school unit, school administrative district, community school district or regional school unit, the balance remaining in the school accounts of the former municipal school unit, school administrative district, community school district or regional school unit within the new regional school unit must be paid to the treasurer of the new regional school unit and verified through the annual audit process pursuant to chapter 221, subchapter 2 . The balance from each of the former municipal school unit, school administrative district, community school district or regional school unit must be used to reduce that unit's or district's local contribution to the regional school unit. Payment may be made in equal monthly installments during the implementation year. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

4. Transfer of teachers and employees. Except as limited by paragraph A , all teachers and school employees who are employed by a participating school administrative unit on the day prior to the date established pursuant to subsection 1 must be transferred to and employed by the regional school unit as of the date established pursuant to subsection 1 . Except as limited by subsection 2 , the regional school unit shall assume all of the legal obligations and duties that the participating school administrative units owed to their employees, including but not limited to those obligations and duties arising under federal law, state law, collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts. It is the intent of this chapter to neither decrease nor increase the rights and benefits of transferred employees or the employer. The regional school unit shall also maintain and honor any agreements, contracts or policies regarding the rights and benefits of retirees and former employees created by a participating school administrative unit that is dissolved as a result of its inclusion within a regional school unit. A. Teachers or other employees whose employment terminates by application of law or contract or by action of a participating school administrative unit before the date in subsection 1 may not be transferred. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. Teachers and other employees who are transferred to the regional school unit prior to the completion of the applicable probationary period for their position have the length of their probationary period calculated from the date of their most recent date of employment by the participating school administrative unit. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

5. Superintendent contracts. The contracts between the superintendents and school administrative units within the regional school unit are transferred on the date established pursuant to subsection 1 to the regional school unit board of directors. The regional school unit board of directors shall determine the superintendents' duties within the regional school unit. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3401
20-A §3401. Organization of unorganized unit
Status: in_force

If an unorganized unit becomes organized as a municipality or plantation, it shall, within 5 years of the date of organization, pay to the Treasurer of State for each school building within its limits erected or remodeled prior to August 20, 1951, a sum to be determined by the commissioner from records kept by the commissioner of the cost of these buildings, lots and improvements. The sum shall be credited to the General Fund. A municipality or plantation dissatisfied with the sum determined by the commissioner may, after a vote taken by the municipality or plantation at a regular or special meeting called for the purpose, appeal to the Governor. The Governor's decision shall be final. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6005 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6005
20-A §6005. Maine Statewide Longitudinal Data System
Status: in_force

The department shall develop and maintain the Maine Statewide Longitudinal Data System, a continuing program of information management, the purpose of which is to compile, maintain and disseminate information concerning the educational histories, placement, employment and other measures of success of participants in state educational programs. [PL 2011, c. 223, §1 (AMD).]

1. Placement information. A project conducted by the department that requires placement information must use information provided through the Maine Statewide Longitudinal Data System. The department shall implement an automated system that matches former participants in state educational and training programs with information in the files of state and federal agencies that maintain educational, employment and United States armed services records and shall implement procedures to identify the occupations of those former participants. [PL 2011, c. 223, §1 (AMD).]

2. Dissemination of education records. The Maine Statewide Longitudinal Data System may not make public any information that could identify an individual or the individual's employer. The department must ensure that the purpose of obtaining placement information is to evaluate and improve education programs or to conduct research for the purpose of improving education services. Education records must be managed in compliance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 United States Code, Section 1232g, referred to in this section as "FERPA." Personally identifiable information in an education record that is not directory information may be released to other agencies within State Government, including postsecondary institutions, only under a signed memorandum of understanding requiring compliance with FERPA. [PL 2009, c. 448, §1 (NEW).]

3. Notification and consent. [PL 2011, c. 223, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6664 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6664
20-A §6664. School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund
Status: in_force

1. School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund. The School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established in the department to issue grants to eligible school administrative units to improve school meal equipment and programs. The fund consists of money received as appropriations, allocations and contributions from private and public sources. The fund 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. The fund may be used to provide grants to eligible school administrative units to: A. Purchase school kitchen and cafeteria equipment needed to serve healthy meals that meet federal nutrition standards; [PL 2023, c. 457, §1 (NEW).] B. Improve food safety in school kitchens and cafeterias; [PL 2023, c. 457, §1 (NEW).] C. Support the maintenance and expansion of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program within the school administrative unit; and [PL 2023, c. 457, §1 (NEW).] D. Reimburse food costs related to medically necessary dietary restrictions of students. [PL 2023, c. 457, §1 (NEW).] For the purposes of this subsection, "eligible school administrative unit" means a school administrative unit that participates in the National School Lunch Program under 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 210 and the School Breakfast Program under 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 220 and that meets federal compliance requirements established by the United States Department of Agriculture for those programs. [PL 2023, c. 457, §1 (NEW).]

2. Federal grant funding. The department shall apply for any federal grants available for the purposes of this section. [PL 2023, c. 457, §1 (NEW).]

3. Rules. The department shall adopt routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A to carry out the purposes of the fund. [PL 2023, c. 457, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20115 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20115
20-A §20115. Member states, effective date and amendment - Article 15
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility. Any state is eligible to become a member state. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Effective date. The compact becomes effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no fewer than 10 of the states. The effective date may be no earlier than December 1, 2007; thereafter, it becomes effective and binding as to any other member state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees are invited to participate in the activities of the interstate commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Amendments. The interstate commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the member states. An amendment is not effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the member states until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5809 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5809
20-A §5809. Students enrolled in career and technical educational programs
Status: in_force

Schools receiving tuition students who are enrolled in regular school day career and technical educational programs at career and technical education centers, satellites or career and technical education regions, under chapter 313 , may charge a tuition rate up to 2/3 of the maximum tuition rate as computed under section 5805 or 5806 . [PL 2017, c. 420, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1706 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1706
20-A §1706. Reserve fund
Status: in_force

Community school districts may establish a reserve fund as follows: [PL 1989, c. 132, §3 (NEW).]

1. Establishment. A community school district may establish a reserve fund for school construction projects, financing the acquisition or reconstruction of a specific or type of capital improvement, financing the acquisition of a specific item or type of capital equipment or any of the expenditures listed under section 1485, subsection 1, paragraph A by including a request in the district budget, which must include a description of the purpose of the reserve fund, and receiving voter approval. The district school committee is the trustee of the reserve fund. The reserve fund must be deposited or invested by the treasurer under the direction of the school committee. [PL 2019, c. 588, §7 (AMD).]

2. Deposit or investment. All district funds, including reserve funds and trust funds to the extent that the terms of the instrument or vote creating the fund do not prohibit, shall be deposited or invested by the treasurer under the direction of the district school committee according to the requirements for the deposit or investment of municipal funds contained in Title 30‑A, section 5706 . [PL 1989, c. 132, §3 (NEW).]

3. Expending money from reserve funds. The district school committee may expend the sum in the reserve fund when authorized to do so by a vote of the district at a district meeting or a district budget meeting, when an article for that purpose is set out in the warrant calling the meeting, except that the district school committee may expend funds from a reserve fund by a vote of the committee in accordance with the procedure in subsection 4 : A. In the event of an emergency that requires the immediate expenditure of funds and when, in responding to the emergency, a vote of the district for permission is cost-prohibitive; or [PL 2019, c. 588, §8 (NEW).] B. When the expenditure is required by law. [PL 2019, c. 588, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 588, §8 (AMD).]

4. Procedure for expending money from reserve funds by vote of committee. The procedure for the district school committee to expend funds from the reserve fund pursuant to subsection 3, paragraph A or B must be as follows. A. The district school committee shall provide public notice of the regular or special meeting at which the vote to expend funds from the reserve fund will be taken. [PL 2019, c. 588, §9 (NEW).] B. The district school committee shall hold a public hearing prior to the vote to expend funds from the reserve fund. [PL 2019, c. 588, §9 (NEW).] C. The vote to expend funds from the reserve fund must be recorded in the meeting minutes of the district school committee. [PL 2019, c. 588, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 588, §9 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4707 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4707
20-A §4707. Instruction in Braille and Unified English Braille
Status: in_force

Schools may offer instruction in Braille and Unified English Braille as part of the school curriculum. If Braille or Unified English Braille courses are offered, schools shall determine appropriate credit for completion of those courses. [PL 2021, c. 571, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11459 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-C / Section 11459
20-A §11459. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §35 (NEW).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §35 (NEW).]

1-A. Consolidation loan. "Consolidation loan" means a loan under this chapter to or for the benefit of an individual made for the purpose of refinancing education loans that, when made, were made to or for the benefit of a student then enrolled in an eligible program of study at an institution of higher education that meets the other requirements of this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 103, §1 (NEW).]

1-B. Education loan. "Education loan" means a loan made by the Federal Government under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 United States Code, Chapter 28, Title IV, Part B, as amended, or a loan made by a regulated financial institution for the express purpose of financing the costs of higher education under a program designed solely for such purposes. [PL 2015, c. 103, §1 (NEW).]

2. Eligible program of study. "Eligible program of study" means a certificate program of at least one year, an associate degree program, a baccalaureate degree program or a graduate degree program. [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §35 (NEW).]

3. Institution of higher education. "Institution of higher education" means an accredited institution of higher education located within the United States. [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §35 (NEW).]

3-A. Student loan. "Student loan" means a loan under this chapter to or for the benefit of a student enrolled or to be enrolled in an eligible program of study at an institution of higher education that meets the other requirements of this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 103, §1 (NEW).]

4. Unmet need. "Unmet need" means the difference between the total cost of attendance for an academic year at an institution of higher education and the total of all sources of financial assistance, including loans, grants, work-study programs and all other available sources, as determined by the authority by rules adopted in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §35 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 503 / Section 13201
20-A §13201. Nomination and election of teachers; teacher contracts
Status: reserved

1. Nomination; forfeiture. The superintendent shall nominate all teachers, subject to such regulations governing salaries and the qualifications of teachers as the school board makes. Upon the approval of nominations by the school board, the superintendent may employ teachers so nominated and approved for such terms as the superintendent determines proper, subject to the approval of the school board. Prior to May 15th before the expiration of a first, 2nd or 3rd year probationary teacher's contract, the superintendent shall notify the teacher in writing of the superintendent's decision to nominate or not nominate that teacher for another teaching contract. If, after receiving a complaint from a teacher, the commissioner finds that the superintendent has failed to notify a teacher of a decision not to nominate that teacher, the school administrative unit shall pay a forfeiture to the teacher. The amount of that forfeiture must be equal to the teacher's per diem salary rate times the number of days between the notification deadline and the date on which notification is made or on which the complaint is filed, whichever occurs first. In case the superintendent and the school board fail to legally elect a teacher, the commissioner has the authority to appoint a substitute teacher who serves until such election is made. [PL 2019, c. 132, §2 (NEW).]

2. Contracts. This subsection applies to teacher contracts. A. After a probationary period, subsequent contracts of duly certified teachers must be for not less than 2 years. Unless a duly certified teacher receives written notice to the contrary at least 6 months before the terminal date of the contract, the contract must be extended automatically for one year and similarly in subsequent years, except for duly certified teachers who received a summative effectiveness rating indicating ineffectiveness pursuant to chapter 508 for the preceding school year. The right to an extension for a longer period of time through a new contract is specifically reserved to the contracting parties. Unless a duly certified teacher who received a summative effectiveness rating indicating ineffectiveness pursuant to chapter 508 for the preceding school year receives written notice to the contrary from the superintendent not later than May 15th, the contract must be extended automatically for one year. [PL 2019, c. 132, §2 (NEW).] B. Just cause for dismissal or nonrenewal is a negotiable item in accordance with the procedure set forth in Title 26, chapter 9‑A for teachers who have served beyond the probationary period. [PL 2019, c. 132, §2 (NEW).] C. After a probationary period, any teacher who receives notice in accordance with this section that the teacher's contract is not going to be renewed may, during the 15 days following such notification, request a hearing with the school board. The teacher may request reasons. The hearing must be private except by mutual consent and except that either or both parties may be represented by counsel. That hearing must be granted within 30 days of the receipt of the teacher's request. [PL 2019, c. 132, §2 (NEW).] For purposes of this subsection, "probationary period" means a period of 3 years, except that for any teacher hired for the 2020-2021 school year or any subsequent year, "probationary period" means a period not to exceed 2 years. [PL 2019, c. 132, §2 (NEW).]

3. Termination upon elimination of a teaching position. The right to terminate a contract, after due notice of 90 days, is reserved to the school board when changes in local conditions warrant the elimination of the teaching position for which the contract was made. The order of layoff and recall is a negotiable item in accordance with the procedures set forth in Title 26, chapter 9‑A . In any negotiated agreement, the criteria negotiated by the school board and the bargaining agent to establish the order of layoff and recall may include the teacher's effectiveness rating pursuant to chapter 508 as a factor and may also include, but may not be limited to, seniority. [PL 2019, c. 297, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15683-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15683-A
20-A §15683-A. Total debt service allocation
Status: in_force

For each school administrative unit, that unit's total debt service allocation is that unit's debt service costs as defined in section 15672, subsection 2‑A . Each school administrative unit's total debt service allocation must include the portion of the tuition cost applicable to the insured value factor for the base year computed under section 5806 . Beginning in school year 2014-2015, each school administrative unit's total debt service allocation must include the portion of the tuition cost applicable to the insured value factor for the base year computed under section 5806 limited to an insured value factor no greater than the percentage established in section 5806 , excluding any higher percentage authorized by local school boards, for each eligible student for the base year. [PL 2013, c. 418, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1304 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1304
20-A §1304. Meeting procedures
Status: in_force

The following procedures shall be used at a district meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Election of moderator. The secretary of the board of directors, or when absent, the chairman of the school board, shall open the meeting and call for the election of a moderator, receive and count votes for moderator and swear in the moderator. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Appointing ballot clerks. The moderator shall appoint from the certified voting list the ballot clerks necessary for the efficient operation of the meeting. The clerks shall be sworn in by the moderator. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Budget consideration. The budget shall be thoroughly explained. The voters shall have an opportunity to be heard. The voters may change only items dealing with: A. The expenses necessary to operate the school administrative district; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Appropriations for the reserve fund; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Appropriations for the contingency fund and school construction purposes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Approval. A majority vote of those voters present and voting shall be necessary for the approval of the annual budget. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Voting lists. Registration of voters for the annual budget meeting shall be held in each member municipality in accordance with Title 21-A, section 122 . A. Prior to the annual budget meeting, the municipal clerks of the member municipalities shall supply to the board of directors a certified corrected copy of the registered voters of their municipality. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. The lists shall be used in determining the voters who are eligible to vote at the annual budget meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §50 (AMD).]

6. Written ballot. An article must be voted on by written ballot if at least 10% of those present and voting vote to use a written ballot. The department, in consultation with municipal and school officials and with organizations representing those officials, shall develop and distribute guidelines to assist district budget meeting moderators in explaining and implementing this subsection. [PL 1999, c. 710, §2 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5203 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 213 / Section 5203
20-A §5203. Elementary students right to attend school in another administrative unit
Status: in_force

The following provisions govern the right of elementary students to attend school in another school administrative unit other than the one in which they are resident. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Units with an elementary school. An elementary student may attend an approved private school or a public elementary school in any school administrative unit with the consent of the receiving school's school board. The student's parent or guardian shall pay the cost of tuition and transportation. The receiving school shall notify the superintendent of the school administrative unit where the student's parents reside of the name and grade of the accepted student. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Living remote from public schools in a school administrative unit. Elementary students whose parents live remote from a public school in their school administrative unit may, with the consent of the school board in their unit, attend public school in an adjoining school administrative unit in Maine or a neighboring state if the adjoining unit accepts tuition students. The school administrative unit where the students' parents reside shall pay tuition and transportation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Contract school. Students whose parents reside in a school administrative unit which contracts for school privileges under section 2701 may attend the contract school. The school administrative unit in which their parents reside shall pay the costs of the contract and transportation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Exception; no elementary school. A school administrative unit that neither maintains an elementary school nor contracts for elementary school privileges pursuant to chapter 115 shall pay the tuition, in accordance with chapter 219 , at the public school or the approved private school of the parent's choice at which the student is accepted. [PL 2007, c. 668, §29 (RPR).]

5. Units with 10 or fewer students. Elementary students whose parents reside in a school administrative unit with a total April 1st resident student count of 10 or less may attend public school as tuition students in a nearby school administrative unit. The school board of the nearby school administrative unit shall accept the students if requested by the school board of the unit in which the students' parents reside. The school board where the students' parents reside shall pay tuition and transportation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6807 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6807
20-A §6807. Liability for injury to books or appliances
Status: in_force

If a public school student loses, destroys or unnecessarily injures a schoolbook or appliance furnished to the student at the expense of the school administrative unit, the student's parent must be notified. If the loss or damage is not made good to the satisfaction of the school board within 45 working days, the board shall report the case to the assessors of the municipality in which the student resides. The municipal assessors shall include in the next municipal tax of the delinquent parent the replacement costs of the book or appliance, to be assessed and collected as other municipal taxes, and the money collected must go the municipality. [PL 2001, c. 189, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 262 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 262
20-A §262. Violence prevention and intervention
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall provide technical assistance to school administrative units that request assistance in the provision of violence prevention and intervention training programs for teachers, school staff and students. The assistance must emphasize conflict resolution education, peer mediation and early identification and response to signs of violence. [PL 1999, c. 781, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7251-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7251-A
20-A §7251-A. Local special education services; related services
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit may offer or contract for special education services. A school administrative unit may also offer or contract for related services in accordance with rules adopted by the department pursuant to section 7005 . [PL 2011, c. 19, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15674 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15674
20-A §15674. Pupil counts
Status: in_force

1. Pupil counts used for determination of operating costs. In addition to the additional weighted counts authorized under section 15675 and except as provided in subsection 2 , the pupil count used for operating costs in this Act is the sum of: A. The average number of secondary school-age persons enrolled in an adult education course counted during the most recent calendar year counted pursuant to section 8605, subsection 2 ; [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. The average number of students in equivalent instruction programs during the most recent calendar year, as reported pursuant to section 5021, subsection 8 ; [PL 2021, c. 428, §1 (AMD).] C. Beginning in fiscal year 2018-19 and until fiscal year 2022-23: (1) The average of the pupil counts for October 1st of the 2 most recent calendar years prior to the year of funding, reported in accordance with section 6004 , including the counts of students enrolled in an alternative education program made in accordance with section 5104‑A ; and [PL 2021, c. 428, §2 (AMD).] D. Beginning in fiscal year 2022-23: (1) The average of the pupil counts for October 1st of the 2 most recent calendar years prior to the year of funding, reported in accordance with section 6004 , including the counts of students enrolled in an alternative education program made in accordance with section 5104‑A , except that if a school administrative unit experiences a decline in total school administrative unit student enrollment of 10% or more in the most recent year, the pupil counts for October 1st of the 3 most recent calendar years prior to the year of funding must be used unless that count is less than the average of the October 1st pupil counts of the 2 most recent calendar years. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. A, §20 (COR).] [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. A, §20 (COR).]

2. Exception. Notwithstanding subsection 1, paragraph C , the pupil count identified in subsection 1, paragraph C or D , whichever is applicable, must be used for: A. Elementary school level and middle school level students for school administrative units that send all their elementary school level and middle school level students as tuition students to schools elsewhere in the State; [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. High school level students for school administrative units that send all their high school level students as tuition students to schools elsewhere in the State; and [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] C. School level students for school administrative units that send all their school level students to schools elsewhere in the State. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 428, §4 (AMD).]

3. Pupil count for public preschool programs. 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 year of funding. [PL 2013, c. 581, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4003 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4003
20-A §4003. Water supply
Status: in_force

If a school building of a school administrative unit is supplied by a water supply operated by the school administrative unit and which serves only the school buildings under the control of the school board, the water supply is not considered a public water supply under Title 22, sections 2651‑B and 2653 . The school board shall ensure that this water supply meets standards set by the Department of Health and Human Services for private water supplies of schools. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §41 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15905-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15905-A
20-A §15905-A. Approval of nonstate funded projects
Status: in_force

1. Approval authority. The commissioner must approve each nonstate funded project. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §87 (NEW).]

2. Rules. The commissioner may adopt or amend rules relating to the approval of nonstate funded projects. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §87 (NEW).]

3. Local vote. Prior to approval by the commissioner, each nonstate funded project, except a municipal school construction project pursuant to subsection 4 , must receive a favorable vote in accordance with section 15904 , except that section 15904, subsection 4 does not apply. [PL 1999, c. 95, §1 (AMD).]

4. Municipal schools. In a municipal school unit where the responsibility for final adoption of the school budget is vested in the municipal council by municipal charter, a nonstate funded project may be approved without a referendum vote if the charter does not require a referendum. [PL 1999, c. 95, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5804 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5804
20-A §5804. Elementary school students
Status: in_force

Tuition charged for elementary school students including students who attend public preschool programs must be as follows: [PL 2009, c. 274, §9 (AMD).]

1. Public schools. The maximum tuition payments shall not exceed the receiving school administrative unit's per student cost for the preceding year as calculated by the commissioner. The school board of the sending unit may vote to pay a higher tuition rate. [PL 1983, c. 485, §24 (AMD).]

2. Private schools. The tuition payment to a private school shall not exceed the average per student cost in all public elementary schools in the State for the previous year as computed by the commissioner. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Debt service factor. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, a school administrative unit may charge a debt service factor for newly incurred capital outlay and debt service, as defined in section 1, subsection 19‑A . The debt service factor must be an amount agreed upon by both the sending and receiving units, with the approval of the commissioner, and may not exceed 10% of a school's legal tuition rate per student in any one year. The debt service factor adjustment must be limited to a period of time not to exceed the receiving unit's repayment period for newly incurred capital outlay and debt service. The percentage of the debt service factor must be proportional to the cost of the project and the number of tuition students. [PL 1997, c. 787, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3624 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3624
20-A §3624. Officers; general
Status: in_force

The officers of an interstate school district consist of a board of school directors, a chair of the board, a vice-chair of the board, a secretary of the board, a moderator, a clerk, a treasurer and 3 auditors. Except as otherwise specifically provided, they are eligible to take office immediately following their election; they shall serve until the next annual meeting of the interstate district and until their successors are elected and qualified. Each shall take an oath for the faithful performance of that officer's duties before the moderator, or a notary public or a justice of the peace of the state in which the oath is administered. Their compensation must be fixed by vote of the district. A person is not eligible to hold any district office unless that person is a voter in the district. A custodian, school teacher, principal, superintendent or other employee of an interstate district acting as such is not eligible to hold office as a school director. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §6 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12531 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-B / Section 12531
20-A §12531. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]

2. Eligible employment position. "Eligible employment position" means a full-time position within the State as the founder or employee of a statewide recognized economic development entity. [PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. A, §31 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4805 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 209 / Section 4805
20-A §4805. Other special observances
Status: in_force

Other special observances shall be as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Flag. It shall be the duty of instructors to impress upon the youth by suitable references and observances the significance of the flag, to teach them the cost, the object and principles of our government, the inestimable sacrifices made by the founders of our Nation, the important contribution made by all who have served in the armed services of our country since its inception and to teach them to love, honor and respect the flag of our country that costs so much and is so dear to every true American citizen. [PL 1985, c. 103, §3 (AMD).]

2. Period of silence. The school board of a school administrative unit may require, at the commencement of the first class of each day in all grades in all public schools in their unit, that the teacher in charge of the room in which each class is held shall announce that a period of silence shall be observed for reflection or meditation and during that period silence shall be maintained and no activities engaged in. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. American History Month. American History Month is the month of February, in accordance with Title 1, section 113 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Maine Cultural Heritage Week. Maine Cultural Heritage Week is the week containing March 15th, in accordance with Title 1, section 118 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Arbor Week. Arbor Week is the 3rd full week in May, in accordance with Title 1, section 111‑A . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. National Women's History Week. National Women's History Week is the week containing March 8th. [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §42 (AMD).]

7. Maine Business Women's Week. Maine Business Women's Week is the 3rd full week in October in accordance with Title 1, section 124 . [PL 1985, c. 31, §2 (NEW).]

8. Deaf Culture Week. Deaf Culture Week is the last full week in September in accordance with Title 1, section 132 . [PL 1991, c. 279, §4 (NEW).]

9. Religious holidays. A public school may acknowledge religious holidays by conveying a message of pluralism and freedom of belief in some manner or form that does not endorse religion. In determining whether an acknowledgement endorses religion, school officials shall consider the context in which the acknowledgement appears or occurs. [PL 1993, c. 581, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12858 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 435 / Section 12858
20-A §12858. Relationship of Maine Area Health Education Centers System to state health profession scholarship and loan programs
Status: in_force

The system shall cooperate with health profession students and programs that receive state support through the Finance Authority of Maine or other state entities. The system may provide clinical training and other support to those students and programs as appropriate. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]