20-A M.R.S. § 5402 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 215 / Section 5402
20-A §5402. Bid procedure
Status: in_force

The following shall apply to bids. [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).]

1. Written bids. Bids shall be in writing, sealed with outside envelope or wrapper plainly marked "Bid, not to be opened until (with appropriate date inserted)," and mailed to or filed with the superintendent of the unit. [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).]

2. Time of opening. A board member or employee of the school administrative unit may not open a bid until the appointed time. [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).]

3. Public opening. At the time and place stated in the public notice, and open to the public, all bids shall be opened by the superintendent or, in the superintendent's absence or disability, by any school board member designated for the purpose by the chairman of the school board. [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).]

4. Reading. If any citizens who are not school board members or employees of the school administrative unit, or if any representatives of the press are present, bids shall at the time either be made available for examination by them or shall be read aloud in a manner to be heard plainly by those in attendance. [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).]

5. Exceptions. The following contracts are exempt from the requirements of this section: A. Contracts for bus services under $4,000; and [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).] B. Contracts between school administration units. [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 175, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1902 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 107 / Section 1902
20-A §1902. Union committee of school unions
Status: in_force

The school boards of the school administrative units comprising a school union shall form a union committee, which shall be, for the purposes of this chapter, the agent of each school administrative unit comprising the school union. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Delegation of authority by member school boards. The school board of a school administrative unit in a school union may authorize one of its members to act for the school board in the meetings of the union committee. The member may cast the votes for the school board. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Method of voting. The method of voting shall be as follows. A. The votes of the individual members of the union committee shall be cast on a weighted basis in proportion to the population of the unit represented as compared with the total population of the units comprising the union committee. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. To become effective, all actions of the union committee shall be approved by a vote representing more than 1/2 of the population comprising the units which make up the union committee. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Duties. The union committee: A. Shall meet annually in December, at a day and place agreed upon by the chairs of the school boards comprising the union; [PL 1993, c. 131, §1 (AMD).] B. Shall choose a chair and a secretary; [PL 1993, c. 131, §1 (AMD).] C. Shall, at its organizational meeting or as soon thereafter as possible and whenever a vacancy occurs, elect a superintendent as provided under section 1051 ; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Shall apportion the costs for a superintendent under section 1051 , among the school administrative units in proportion to the service to be performed and certify to the treasurer of each school administrative unit and to the commissioner the amounts to be paid; [PL 1993, c. 131, §1 (AMD).] E. May authorize a school administrative unit within the school union to serve as a contractual employer of teachers and other personnel who provide services to more than one unit in the union. Employment is subject to section 13201 and Title 26, chapter 9-A ; and [PL 2005, c. 130, §1 (AMD).] F. May assume additional responsibilities delegated by the school boards of the school administrative units comprising the school union. Except as provided in section 1904 , a plan for the delegation of additional responsibilities under this section must be approved by a majority of the members of each school board. The plan must include, but is not limited to, a description of the delegated responsibilities, apportionment of costs among the member school administrative units and consideration of appropriate time limits on contracts for purchases of school supplies. Funds to support additional responsibilities under this section must be budgeted and approved as part of each school administrative unit's budget. [PL 2005, c. 130, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 130, §§1, 2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4511 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4511
20-A §4511. Accreditation requirements
Status: in_force

1. General authorization. The state board and the commissioner shall jointly adopt rules establishing accreditation standards for secondary and elementary schools of the State. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§20, 25 (NEW).]

2. Intent. Accreditation standards are intended to encourage excellence in school programs. The rules shall include such components as the quality and variety of instructional programs, the credentials, experience and general performance of staff and adequacy of school facilities. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§20, 25 (NEW).]

3. Specific requirements. In addition to standards that are adopted in subsection 1 , accreditation standards shall include, but not be limited to, the following. A. The school has a clearly written statement reflective of the needs, beliefs and values of the school community. It is supported by stated goals and objectives and is consistent with the district's philosophy. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] B. The school is effectively managed and provides leadership that promotes the achievement of educational excellence. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] C. The school demonstrates evidence of a well planned and periodically evaluated curriculum which has consistently resulted in exemplary educational programming. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] D. The school demonstrates a carefully coordinated effort to provide instructional processes which have consistently resulted in a learning environment which promotes excellence. A variety of instructional techniques is used by a majority of the teachers. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] E. The school has a carefully planned staff development program guided by sound educational theory that promotes exemplary practices. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] F. The school has a climate which promotes individual self-esteem, high expectations for achievement and a positive attitude toward learning. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] G. The school has a collaboratively planned community relations program which promotes close cooperation between the school and the community toward the achievement of the school's goals and objectives. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] H. The school facility offers an effective setting for the delivery of high quality programs and services. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RPR).] I. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §66 (RP).] J. [PL 2017, c. 466, §7 (RP).] [PL 2017, c. 466, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 404 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 404
20-A §404. Records
Status: in_force

The state board shall be responsible for the following records. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §49 (AMD).]

1. Records. The state board shall keep a complete record of the minutes of its meetings and other procedures. [PL 1987, c. 851, §6 (AMD).]

2. Report. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §49 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5803 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5803
20-A §5803. Two years' notice
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit which receives tuition students shall give at least 2 years' notice to a sending school administrative unit before discontinuing the acceptance of tuition students. The receiving unit shall file a copy of the notice with the commissioner. If the school board of a receiving unit fails to give a proper 2-year notice, the commissioner may take enforcement action as authorized by section 6801‑A . [PL 1985, c. 797, §35 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2903 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2903
20-A §2903. Governing body requirements
Status: in_force

Nothing in this subchapter shall restrict the authority of the governing body of a private school to require additional subjects to be taught in their school. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11615 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-A / Section 11615
20-A §11615. Publication of grant amounts
Status: in_force

Prior to March 1st of each year, the authority shall publish grant amounts for the succeeding academic year. [PL 2001, c. 70, §9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8306 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8306
20-A §8306. Powers and duties of State Board of Education
Status: in_force

1. State plan. The state board shall approve and update as it determines necessary a state plan for career and technical education, in compliance with the requirements of applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations. The state plan must be prepared by the commissioner. [RR 2003, c. 2, §44 (COR).]

2. Center and region plans. The state board shall approve a plan for the provision of career and technical education by each center or region. The plans must be prepared by each center or region at the time of its organization or reorganization, approved by the school board or cooperative board governing each center or region respectively, and include: A. A survey of the career and technical education needs nationally, statewide and in the geographic area served by the center or region; [RR 2003, c. 2, §44 (COR).] B. A survey of employment opportunities nationally, statewide and in the geographic area served by the center or region; [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (AMD).] C. A description of the programs to be offered by the center or region; [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (AMD).] C-1. A description of the manner in which academic courses will be used to augment trade-oriented skill courses for career and technical education students at the center or region; [RR 2003, c. 2, §44 (COR).] D. A description of each geographic area served by the center or region and the location of each career and technical education program to serve those areas; and [RR 2003, c. 2, §44 (COR).] E. A description of the manner in which the career and technical education programs offered by the center or region address the career and technical education needs in the geographic area served by the center or region and employment opportunities nationally, statewide and in the geographic area served by the center or region. [RR 2003, c. 2, §44 (COR).] [RR 2003, c. 2, §44 (COR).]

3. Plans for vocational satellite programs. [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (RP).]

4. Boundaries of centers and regions. [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (RP).]

5. Reorganizing centers and regions. The state board may, in compliance with section 8307‑A : A. Change existing boundaries of centers and regions; [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (NEW).] B. Change the status of a center to a region or a region to a center; [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (NEW).] C. Dissolve existing regions or centers; [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (NEW).] D. Create new regions or centers; or [PL 1991, c. 518, §5 (NEW).] E. Create alternative organizational methods of delivering career and technical education. [RR 2003, c. 2, §45 (COR).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §42 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12999 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 447 / Section 12999
20-A §12999. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority may 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 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5810 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5810
20-A §5810. Tuition payments to receiving schools
Status: in_force

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

1. Payment date. Tuition shall be paid within 30 days of the billing date. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Nonpayment. If tuition is not paid according to subsection 1 , the superintendent of the school administrative unit, or the principal of the private school to whom payment is due, shall inform the commissioner. The commissioner shall pay the tuition due and shall deduct that amount from the state school subsidy to the school administrative unit owing tuition. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Online program tuition. [PL 2011, c. 353, §3 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §5810, sub-§3 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4723 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4723
20-A §4723. Health and physical education
Status: in_force

The secondary course of study must include instruction in health, safety and physical education, as prescribed by the commissioner, and physiology and hygiene, with special reference to the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants, narcotics and other dangerous drugs such as fentanyl upon the human system. 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. The secondary course of study must also include instruction on affirmative consent, communication and decision making regarding sexual activity and the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants, narcotics and other dangerous drugs such as fentanyl on the ability to give affirmative consent, communicate and make appropriate decisions. For purposes of this section, "affirmative consent" means consent to sexual activity that can be revoked at any time and does not include silence, lack of resistance or consent given while intoxicated. [PL 2023, c. 601, §1 (AMD).]

A secondary school may supplement instruction on youth substance use and youth substance use disorder by observing a drug awareness week during the month of October each year with appropriate activities and programming. [PL 2023, c. 601, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8451-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8451-B
20-A §8451-B. Authority for career and technical education region satellite programs
Status: in_force

An affiliated unit that wishes to operate a career and technical education region satellite program shall comply with the satellite program authorization requirements of section 8403-A . [PL 2017, c. 420, §6 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7303 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7303
20-A §7303. Per-pupil rate for children eligible under Part B, Section 619
Status: in_force

Funding for school administrative units that assume responsibility for child find activities and for ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 pursuant to section 7006, subsection 2 may not be appropriated to or allocated through general purpose aid for local schools and must be provided at 100% state share. This funding must be calculated by the commissioner as follows. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).]

1. Per-pupil operating allocation. The per-pupil operating allocation for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 must be calculated on a per‑pupil basis in the same manner by which operating allocations are generated in sections 15674 , 15675 and 15681 . [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).]

2. Preschool special education and related services allocation. The preschool special education and related services per-pupil allocation must be calculated annually for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 at the EPS per-pupil rate for each school administrative unit under section 15676 , multiplied by 1.5, for each eligible resident student. This allocation must be paid at the start of each quarter, based on the estimated student count on July 1st and adjusted to reflect actual counts on October 1st, with additional adjustments in subsequent quarters. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).]

3. High-cost placements. A separate allocation must be determined for high-cost special education placements for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 in accordance with this subsection. A. For high-cost, in-district placements, additional funds must be allocated for each student estimated to cost more than 2 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. The additional funds for each student must equal the amount by which that student's estimated costs exceed 2 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).] B. For private school placements, additional funds must be allocated for each student estimated to cost 4 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. The additional funds for each student must equal the amount by which that student's estimated costs exceed 4 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).] C. For public school, out-of-district placements, additional funds must be allocated for each student estimated to cost 3 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. The additional funds for each student must equal the amount by which that student's estimated costs exceed 3 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).] D. For public regional special education program placements, additional funds must be allocated for each student estimated to cost 2 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. The additional funds for each student must equal the amount by which that student's estimated costs exceed 2 times the statewide special education preschool per-pupil rate. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §19 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10971 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412-A / Section 10971
20-A §10971. Maine Black Bears Scholarship Fund
Status: in_force

The Maine Black Bears Scholarship Fund is created and established as a nonlapsing fund administered by the University of Maine. All revenues credited to this fund must be distributed as need-based scholarships for students attending the University of Maine. Scholarships distributed under this section may be awarded only to students who demonstrate financial need. The University of Maine shall award the scholarships and adopt rules for determining eligibility, terms and conditions for scholarships. The fund may not be used for the costs of administering the scholarships. [PL 2001, c. 623, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11482 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11482
20-A §11482. Exemption from registration
Status: in_force

A participation agreement offered pursuant to this chapter is not a security as defined in Title 32, section 16102, subsection 28 . The authority may obtain written advice of legal counsel or written advice from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or both, that the offering of a participation agreement is not subject to federal securities laws but is in compliance with those laws and is not in violation of other applicable laws. [PL 2005, c. 65, Pt. C, §9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12727 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431-A / Section 12727
20-A §12727. Maine Quality Centers
Status: in_force

1. State and regional delivery. The centers are located at the Maine Community College System Office and the community colleges. Staff of the centers shall work in close coordination with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Office of the Governor and other state and local education and economic development agencies. [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. Recruitment and screening. Recruitment of trainees and preliminary screening and testing for programs developed through the centers must be conducted by the community colleges in conjunction with the Bureau of Employment Services, state job training providers, human service offices and other referring agencies. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. G, §7 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. G, §29 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

3. Eligibility for enrollment. To be considered eligible for programs developed under this chapter, applicants must meet community college and program admissions standards. Students who have enrolled in such programs must maintain satisfactory academic performance and meet all requirements in order to continue enrollment in the program. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

4. Cost to trainees. Education and training programs developed through the centers must be offered to trainees free of charge. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).]

5. Certification of competencies. Upon completion of a program, trainees are issued certification from the community college providing the training that delineates the education or skill competencies obtained through the program. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

6. Training guarantee. If the employer of the trainee finds that the trainee fails to meet any of the competencies listed on the certification, the community college providing the training must retrain the employee at no cost to the employer or trainee. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

7. Placement of trainees. Placement of trainees in jobs with the employer for which a program has been provided is not guaranteed. Final determination of hire rests with the employer. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8602-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8602-A
20-A §8602-A. Courses; approval
Status: in_force

Adult education courses may be offered by units, regions or centers with the approval of the commissioner. [PL 1991, c. 518, §35 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 5
20-A §5. Funding of state mandates for noneducational services
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Expenditure" means any local appropriation financed by the property tax, motor vehicle excise tax, state-municipal revenue sharing program or any state reimbursement for revenue lost due to property tax exemptions. [PL 1983, c. 80 (NEW).] B. "Local unit" means any city, town, plantation or school administrative unit. [PL 1983, c. 80 (NEW).] C. "Noneducational services" means any service which is not an allowable educational cost under chapter 605 . [PL 1983, c. 80 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 80 (NEW).]

2. Mandates. The State may not mandate that a school administrative unit implement a new noneducational service after July 1, 1984, unless the State provides sufficient moneys to cover the additional cost of implementing the program. [PL 1983, c. 80 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8305-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8305-A
20-A §8305-A. Eligibility
Status: in_force

1. General right. A person eligible to receive free public secondary and middle school level education may, consistent with this section and department rules: A. Receive career and technical education from a center, satellite program or region that serves the person's residence; or [RR 2003, c. 2, §43 (COR).] B. Receive career and technical education from a center, satellite program or region outside of the geographical area that serves the person's residence, subject to the approval of the governing bodies of the sending unit and receiving center, satellite program or region. [PL 2011, c. 679, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 171, §6 (AMD).]

2. Admission standards. A region, center or satellite program shall determine, in accordance with its published admission standards, whether to admit a person to such a region, center or satellite program. Unless otherwise specifically provided for in this chapter, priority to enroll in any career and technical education course of study offered by a region, center or satellite program must be given first to persons eligible to receive a free public secondary or middle school level education who are residents of municipalities served by that region, center or satellite program. [PL 2017, c. 171, §7 (AMD).]

3. Adult participation in career and technical education courses. A person who is continuing the person's educational placement until the person attains 22 years of age and who is enrolled in a special education program has the right to participate in career and technical education courses. A person who is 22 years of age or older or who has graduated from a secondary school and who otherwise complies with the requirements of this section may receive career and technical education in a career and technical education course if, after all other eligible persons have been enrolled in that course, space exists to accommodate participation by that person. A region, center or satellite program may charge reasonable fees to a person who receives career and technical education pursuant to this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 450, §6 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9933 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 335 / Section 9933
20-A §9933. Network duties and other activities
Status: in_force

The following provisions govern the network's duties and authority under this chapter. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]

1. Duties. The network shall: A. Assist with transportation of students to and from environmentally focused activities; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] B. Support school projects that incorporate traditional ecological knowledge and best practices for one or more of the following: (1) Waste management and recycling; (2) Energy conservation; (3) Water conservation; (4) Schoolyard habitats; (5) Outdoor classrooms; (6) Transportation; and (7) Health; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] C. Support professional development; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] D. Increase the number of educators in the State who provide training to support the development of green schools and assist schools with becoming green schools; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] E. Develop common resources, trainings and metrics to support educators; and [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] F. Create a statewide community of practice among educators and administrators for the purpose of sharing curricula, instruction and assessment practices related to community resilience and changing ecosystems. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]

2. Department authorized to develop grant program. The department may develop a program to offer grants through the network to support initiatives consistent with the network's duties as described in subsection 1 . The department may receive support for any grant program developed by the department consistent with this subsection from a nonprofit organization in the State that supports environmental awareness, accountability and action through fostering youth leadership, supporting educators, prioritizing research and evaluation, shifting culture and advancing transformational policy. Any revenues received by and due to the department from all sources other than state appropriation must be retained by the department and must be used in such a manner as the department determines consistent with this chapter or as otherwise provided by law or by the terms and conditions of any gift, grant, devise, bequest, trust or security document. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5025 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5025
20-A §5025. Compliance
Status: in_force

Appeals that question the local school unit's policy compliance with this subchapter must be made to the commissioner, whose decision is final and binding. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11405 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417 / Section 11405
20-A §11405. Powers and duties
Status: in_force

Under this subchapter, the chief executive officer may: [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (RPR); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

1. Agent. Choose a suitable agent or agents to administer in whole or in part the affairs and activities required by this subchapter or by applicable federal provisions; and [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (RPR); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

2. Agreements. Enter into agreements with the United States Secretary of Education relating to federal, state and private programs of low-interest insured loans to students in institutions of higher education, within the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 United States Code, Chapter 28, Title IV, Part B, as amended. [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (RPR); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

3. Agreements. [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (RP); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3649 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3649
20-A §3649. Valuation
Status: in_force

The articles of agreement, or the amendment, shall provide for the determination of the value of the property to be acquired in one or more of the following ways: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. In articles of agreement. A valuation set forth in the articles of agreement or the amendment. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Appraisal. By appraisal, in which case, one appraiser shall be appointed by each commissioner, and a third appraiser appointed by the first 2 appraisers. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12506 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12506
20-A §12506. Payment provisions
Status: in_force

Payment of loans shall be made directly to the institution for credit to the student's account and be made within 60 days following evidence that the student has become duly enrolled at the post-secondary institution. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. F, §§1, 2 (NEW).]

These loans must only be used to substitute or replace the family contribution or interest-accruing loans. A loan recipient may not receive student financial assistance in excess of the cost of attendance. [PL 2003, c. 427, §9 (AMD).]

If a recipient of a loan withdraws from an institution and if the student is entitled to a refund of tuition, fees or other charges, the institution shall pay directly to the authority from that refund a sum which represents the portion of the loan paid to the student for the portion of the academic year that the student did not complete. [PL 1989, c. 698, §36 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 402 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 402
20-A §402. Organization; meetings
Status: in_force

The state board shall organize and meet as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Organization. The state board shall organize annually by electing one of their members as chairman and one as vice-chairman. They may also elect other officers. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Meetings. Meetings of the state board shall be held at least quarterly on call of the chairman or the commissioner on 5 days' written notice to members. If both the chairman and commissioner are absent, or refuse to call a meeting, any 3 members of the state board may call a meeting by similar notices in writing. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §48 (AMD).]

3. Quorum. A majority of the state board members shall be a quorum. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The state board may adopt or amend rules for meeting procedures and administration of its duties. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1651 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1651
20-A §1651. District board of trustees
Status: in_force

The following provisions shall apply to the community school district board of trustees. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Terms of office. The terms of office of trustees are as follows. A. When a community school district has been formed the municipal officers of each of the member municipalities shall appoint 3 residents from each municipality to serve on the board of trustees of the community school district. The 3 trustees shall be appointed as follows: One for one year; one for 2 years; and one for 3 years. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Thereafter, one trustee from each municipality shall be elected each year for a term of 3 years by the voters of each of the participating municipalities. The elections shall take place at the annual municipal meetings and the trustees elected, or appointed, shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Vacancies, whether caused by death, by resignation or by being absent from the municipality for more than 90 days, shall be filled by appointment by the municipal officers of the municipality which the former trustee represented until a successor trustee is elected for the unexpired term, if any, at the next annual meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Duties. The district board of trustees shall: A. Meet on call of one of its members after reasonable notice; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Elect a chairman, treasurer and a secretary. The district board of trustees may authorize the district's superintendent to act as its secretary and treasurer; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Determine the representation of each municipality on the district school committee. The representation of each municipality shall be in approximately the same ratio to the total membership of the district school committee as the municipality's latest Federal Decennial Census is to the latest Federal Decennial Census of all of the member municipalities. Federal Estimated Census figures shall be used if they are more recent than the Federal Decennial Census figures; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Handle requests of petitions for reapportionment in the manner provided for school administrative districts under section 1255 ; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. Borrow funds as provided in section 1702 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. State board return. When the trustees have fulfilled the requirements of subsection 2 they shall file a return to that effect with the state board. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. District school committee to act as district board of trustees. A community school district may vote at any time to determine if the district school committee is authorized to perform the function of the district board of trustees. If the municipalities vote affirmatively, the district school committee must perform the duties of the district board of trustees under this chapter. [PL 2025, c. 112, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10011 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10011
20-A §10011. Retention and graduation rates
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Graduation rate" means the percentage of the students who enrolled at the start of a postsecondary educational degree program who completed the program and graduated. [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).] B. "Peer institutions" means those postsecondary institutions selected to provide a basis for comparison of retention rates and graduation rates against similar postsecondary institutions in this State. The categories of peer institutions selected for comparison include, but are not limited to: (1) Public sector institutions that offer a bachelor's degree or other 4-year degree; (2) Public sector institutions that offer an associate degree or other 2-year degree; (3) Private sector institutions that offer a bachelor's degree or other 4-year degree; and (4) Private sector institutions that offer an associate degree or other 2-year degree. [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).] C. "Postsecondary institution" means an educational institution that offers an accredited postsecondary educational degree program. "Postsecondary institution" includes an institution that offers an accredited postsecondary educational degree program on the Internet. [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).] D. "Retention rate" means the percentage of the students who enrolled at the start of a postsecondary educational degree program who, not having completed the program at the end of a school year, continue enrollment in that program at the start of the next school year. [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).]

2. Retention and graduation rates. Using information received annually from a postsecondary institution pursuant to federal law, the department shall annually compile the data so as to demonstrate: A. The retention rates for the previous year for the institution, including the first-to-2nd-year retention rate and the retention rate for first-time students; [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).] B. For a postsecondary institution that offers an associate degree program or other 2-year program, the graduation rates for students who began their studies within the past 4 years; and [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).] C. For a postsecondary institution that offers a bachelor's degree or other 4-year degree program, the graduation rates for students who began their studies within the past 6 years. [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).]

3. Report. The department shall report the information compiled under subsection 2 , including national comparisons of retention rates and graduation rates for peer institutions, annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs and publish the report on the department's publicly accessible website. [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The department may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules under Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 232, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5601 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 217 / Section 5601
20-A §5601. Board
Status: in_force

1. Elementary students. In place of transportation, the school board may authorize the boarding of a student. That board: A. Shall not exceed $40 per week; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. Shall be at a suitable place near an established school. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Secondary school students in remote school administrative units. Any remote school administrative unit, including a coastal island which has no highway connection to the mainland, which does not maintain an approved secondary school shall pay for board for a student eligible to attend a secondary school. A. Board shall not exceed an amount determined by the administrative unit or a prorated amount for a fraction of a week. It shall be paid only if: (1) The commissioner determines that it is necessary that the student board away from home to attend a secondary school; (2) The boarding arrangement is approved by the school board; and (3) The commissioner approves the boarding arrangement in advance on a form provided for the purpose. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. The Town of Cumberland may pay the tuition, transportation or board of a student whose parent resides on Chebeague Island for attendance at an approved secondary school. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. Payment for board shall be made on receipt of a satisfactory attendance record at the end of a period no longer than one month. The payment shall be charged to the secondary school transportation account. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] D. The superintendent shall, before September 1st annually, make a return for the preceding school year, under oath, to the commissioner on a form provided by the commissioner showing: (1) The name and residence of each student for which board was paid; (2) The amount paid; and (3) The name and location of the school attended. [PL 1983, c. 806, §58 (AMD).] [PL 1983, c. 806, §58 (AMD).]

3. Unorganized territory. The commissioner may pay the board of students from the unorganized territory as provided in sections 3252 and 3253‑A . [PL 1985, c. 797, §34 (RPR).]

4. Remote locations. Students residing in remote locations shall be provided board in accordance with section 5401, subsection 7 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Temporary residents and residents on state-owned property. The commissioner shall, in accordance with section 5401, subsection 6 , reimburse a school administrative unit for approved board of students who reside on state-owned property located in towns of less than 100 residents. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1491 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1491
20-A §1491. Reserve fund
Status: in_force

1. Establishment. A regional school unit 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 regional school unit budget, which must include a description of the purpose of the reserve fund, and receiving voter approval. The regional school unit board is the trustee of the reserve fund. The reserve fund must be deposited or invested by the treasurer of the regional school unit under the direction of the regional school unit board. [PL 2019, c. 588, §4 (AMD).]

2. Deposit or investment. All regional school unit funds, including reserve funds and trust funds to the extent not prohibited by the terms of the instrument or vote creating the fund, must be deposited or invested by the treasurer of the regional school unit under the direction of the regional school unit board according to the requirements for the deposit or investment of municipal funds contained in Title 30‑A, chapter 223, subchapter 3‑A . [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

3. Expending money from reserve funds. The regional school unit board may expend the sum in the reserve fund when authorized to do so by a vote of the regional school unit at a regional school unit meeting or a regional school unit budget meeting when an article for that purpose is set out in the warrant calling the meeting, except that the regional school unit board may expend funds from a reserve fund by a vote of the board 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 regional school unit for permission is cost-prohibitive; or [PL 2019, c. 588, §5 (NEW).] B. When such an expenditure is required by law. [PL 2019, c. 588, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 588, §5 (AMD).]

4. Procedure for expending money from reserve funds by vote of board. The procedure for the regional school unit board to expend funds from the reserve fund pursuant to subsection 3, paragraph A or B must be as follows. A. The regional school unit board 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, §6 (NEW).] B. The regional school unit board shall hold a public hearing prior to the vote to expend funds from the reserve fund. [PL 2019, c. 588, §6 (NEW).] C. The vote to expend funds from the reserve fund must be recorded in the meeting minutes of the regional school unit board. [PL 2019, c. 588, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 588, §6 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6621 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6621
20-A §6621. Performance-enhancing substances
Status: in_force

1. List of banned substances. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall develop a list of banned performance-enhancing substances. The list must include, but is not limited to, the following: A. Ephedrine; [PL 2005, c. 674, §3 (NEW).] B. Synephrine, also known as bitter orange; [PL 2005, c. 674, §3 (NEW).] C. Dehydroepiandrosterone; [PL 2005, c. 674, §3 (NEW).] D. All dietary supplements as defined by 21 United States Code, Section 321, Subsection (ff) that are on a banned substance list maintained by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the World Anti-Doping Agency or their successor organizations; and [PL 2005, c. 674, §3 (NEW).] E. All other substances that are on a banned substance list maintained by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the World Anti-Doping Agency or their successor organizations except for: (1) A substance that is otherwise illegal in this State; or (2) A substance the use of which by minors is illegal in this State. [PL 2005, c. 674, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. AA, §57 (AMD).]

2. Amendments to list. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall amend the banned substances list each time a dietary supplement or other substance referenced in subsection 1, paragraph D or E is added to the list of banned substances maintained by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the World Anti-Doping Agency or their successor organizations. For a substance to be prohibited under section 6624 in a particular school year, the substance must be added to the banned substances list maintained under this section no later than July 1st preceding that school year. [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. AA, §57 (AMD).]

3. Notification. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall notify the department, the Maine School Management Association and the Maine Principals' Association or their successor organizations when the initial list of banned substances is complete and of any subsequent changes to the list. The department shall notify all school administrative units that have students who participate in sports of the availability of the list. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall post the list on the publicly accessible website of the Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. AA, §57 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15694 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15694
20-A §15694. Actions on budget
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to approving a school budget under this chapter. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §62 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

1. Checklist required. Prior to a vote on articles dealing with school appropriations, the clerk or secretary shall make a checklist of the registered voters. The number of voters listed on the checklist is conclusive evidence of the number participating in the vote. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §28 (AMD).]

2. Reconsideration. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, in school administrative units where the school budget is finally approved by the voters, a special budget vote to reconsider action taken on the budget may be called only as follows. A. The reconsideration vote must be held within 30 days of the regular budget vote at which the budget was finally approved in accordance with section 2307 or chapter 103‑A . [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §28 (AMD).] B. In a regional school unit, school administrative district or community school district, the reconsideration vote must be called by the school board or as follows. (1) A petition containing a number of signatures of legal voters in the member municipalities of the school administrative unit equalling at least 10% of the number of voters who voted in the last gubernatorial election in member municipalities of the school administrative unit, or 100 voters, whichever is less, and specifying the article or articles to be reconsidered must be presented to the school board within 15 days of the regular budget vote at which the budget was finally approved in accordance with chapter 103‑A . (2) On receiving the petition, the school board shall call the special budget reconsideration vote, which must be held within 15 days of the date the petition was received. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §28 (AMD).] C. In a municipality, the meeting to reconsider the vote must be called by the municipal officers: (1) Within 15 days after receipt of a request from the school board, if the request is received within 15 days of the budget vote at which the budget was finally approved in accordance with section 2307 and it specifies the article or articles to be reconsidered; or (2) Within 15 days after receipt of a written application presented in accordance with Title 30‑A, section 2532 , if the application is received within 15 days of the budget vote at which the budget was finally approved in accordance with section 2307 and it specifies the article or articles to be reconsidered. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §28 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §28 (AMD).]

3. Invalidation of action of special budget meeting to reconsider the vote. If a special budget vote is called to reconsider action taken at a regular budget vote, the vote is invalid if the number of voters at the special budget vote is less than the number of voters at the regular budget vote. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §28 (AMD).]

4. Line-item transfers. Votes requested by a school board for the purpose of transferring funds from one category or line item to another must be posted for voter or council action within 15 days of the date of the request. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §28 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1252 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1252
20-A §1252. Methods of representation
Status: in_force

The following are methods of representation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Method A: Subdistrict representation. Directors shall represent subdistricts. A. The subdistricts, as far as practicable, shall be whole municipalities. If the municipalities are divided into subdistricts, then they shall be divided into subdistricts of approximately equal size as determined by the latest Federal Decennial Census or Federal Estimated Census. The municipal officers shall provide a separate voting place for each subdistrict of the municipality. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. The boundaries of each subdistrict shall be determined by a majority vote of the joint meeting or reapportionment committee. Each subdistrict shall have one director, except that in a municipality comprised of 2 or more subdistricts, the joint meeting may authorize the election of directors-at-large. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Method B: Weighted votes. Directors shall cast weighted votes. A. The committee shall apportion 1,000 votes among all the members of the board. The ratio of the number of votes cast by the directors representing a municipality in relation to the number 1,000 shall be the same ratio to the nearest whole number as the population of the municipality is in relation to the population of all municipalities in the district, as determined by the latest Federal Decennial Census or Federal Estimated Census. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. To assure the use of whole numbers, the 1,000 votes apportioned among the board members may be increased or decreased by not more than 5 votes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. A plan may not permit the voting power of any director to exceed by more than 5% the percentage of voting power the director would have if all 1,000 votes were apportioned equally among the directors. [PL 2011, c. 171, §1 (AMD).] D. In a municipality served by 2 or more directors, the votes cast by them shall be divided equally among them. The directors shall be elected at large within the municipality unless otherwise provided by municipal charter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 171, §1 (AMD).]

3. Method C: At-large voting. Directors shall be elected at large by all of the voters in the district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Method D: Other. Directors may be elected by any other method that meets the requirements of the one-man, one-vote principle that is not included in Methods A, B or C. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10950 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10950
20-A §10950. Legislative findings of fact
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the welfare and prosperity of the people of the State and the continuation and improvement of their educational opportunities through enabling the University of Maine System to borrow money and enter into financing transactions in its own name, on behalf of the State, to provide money for the financing of acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement and equipping of facilities, structures and related systems in furtherance of the purposes of the University of Maine System, all to the public benefit and good, and the exercise of the powers, to the extent and manner provided in this chapter, is declared to be for a public purpose and to be the exercise of an essential governmental function. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15006 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 601 / Section 15006
20-A §15006. School money; finance committees
Status: in_force

1. Municipal schools. Money appropriated for public schools for educational purposes may be paid from the treasury of a municipality by the treasurer of the municipality in the following circumstances: A. Upon written order of the municipal officers following receipt of a bill of items certified by the superintendent of schools and approved by a majority of the school board or by a finance committee appointed or duly elected by the school board; or [PL 1993, c. 96, §1 (NEW).] B. Upon presentation of a disbursement warrant as provided in Title 30‑A, section 5603, subsection 2, paragraph A , subparagraph (2). [PL 1993, c. 96, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1993, c. 96, §1 (RPR).]

2. Quasi-municipal corporations. No money appropriated for public school or educational purposes may be paid out by a school administrative unit other than a municipality, except upon written order of its treasurer. No such order may be drawn by the treasurer, except upon presentation of a properly avouched bill of items which has first been certified as to correctness by the superintendent of schools and approved by a majority of the school board or by a financial committee appointed or otherwise duly elected by the school board. [PL 1987, c. 402, Pt. A, §130 (RPR).]

3. Finance committees. School boards which do not otherwise have authority to appoint a finance committee under this Title may appoint 2 or more members of the board and the superintendent to act as the finance committee of the administrative unit. [PL 1987, c. 402, Pt. A, §130 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3628 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3628
20-A §3628. Secretary of the board
Status: in_force

The secretary of the interstate board must be elected in the same manner as the chair. Instead of electing one of its members, the interstate board may appoint the interstate district clerk to serve as secretary of the board in addition to the interstate district clerk's other duties. The secretary of the interstate board, or the interstate district clerk, if so appointed, shall keep the minutes of its meetings, shall certify its records, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to the secretary by the board. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §10 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6358 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6358
20-A §6358. Rules; requirements; reports
Status: in_force

1. Rules authorized. The commissioner and the Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services shall jointly issue rules necessary for the effective implementation of this subchapter, including, but not limited to, rules specifying those diseases for which immunization is required and establishing school record keeping and reporting requirements or guidelines and procedures for the exclusion of nonimmunized children from school. The rules may not include any provision governing medical exemptions. Rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A except that rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter specifying the diseases for which immunization is required are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [RR 2019, c. 1, Pt. A, §17 (COR).]

2. Local requirements authorized. Immunization requirements more stringent than the provisions of this subchapter may be adopted by ordinance enacted by a municipality, by regulation of a school board or by policy of a private school's governing board. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

3. Report. By January 1st of each odd-numbered year, the Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services shall submit a report to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters and education matters concerning any new developments in the evaluation of vaccine safety and effectiveness. The joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters and education matters are each authorized to submit a bill during the legislative session in which the report was submitted. [PL 2019, c. 154, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12743 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 432-A / Section 12743
20-A §12743. Health Care Training Fund
Status: in_force

1. Establishment. The Health Care Training Fund, referred to in this section as the "program fund," is established as a dedicated fund to be directed and administered by the president of the system and held by the Treasurer of State. The Treasurer of State shall keep the program fund segregated from all other funds held by the Treasurer of State and shall invest and reinvest the program fund for the benefit of the Health Workforce Retraining Program. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]

2. Sources of money. The following sources of money must be paid into the program fund: A. All money appropriated for inclusion in the program fund; [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).] B. All interest, dividends or other pecuniary gains from investment of money in the program fund; [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).] C. All money received pursuant to participation agreements; and [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).] D. Any grants, gifts and other money from the State and from any unit of federal, state or local government or from any person, firm, partnership or corporation for deposit to the program fund. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]

3. Application of program fund. Money in the program fund must be continuously applied by the president of the system to carry out this section and may not be used for any other purpose. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4772-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 208-A / Section 4772-B
20-A §4772-B. Students receiving homeschool instruction
Status: in_force

A student is eligible to receive a state subsidy for postsecondary courses, as specified in section 4775 , if the student is receiving home instruction in a program that meets the requirements of section 5001‑A, subsection 3, paragraph A , subparagraph (4) and the eligible institution: [PL 2013, c. 400, §1 (NEW).]

1. Space available. Has space available for the student; [PL 2013, c. 400, §1 (NEW).]

2. Course prerequisites. Has determined that the student has satisfactorily completed all course prerequisites; and [PL 2013, c. 400, §1 (NEW).]

3. Academic fitness. Reviews all requested evidence of the student's academic fitness and gives its approval for the student to take the requested course or courses. [PL 2013, c. 400, §1 (NEW).]

A student who meets the requirements of this section is eligible to participate in postsecondary courses at an eligible institution under this section, subject to the requirements and conditions of sections 4774 to 4776 . Notwithstanding section 15672, subsection 32 , a student described in this section is considered to be a subsidizable pupil for purposes of receiving the subsidy provided in this chapter. [PL 2013, c. 400, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6001 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6001
20-A §6001. Dissemination of information
Status: in_force

1. Federal and state law. The provisions of this section, the United States Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-380, as amended by Public Law 93-568, and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq., as amended, govern the dissemination of education records and personally identifiable information about students in public schools, private schools approved by the department pursuant to chapter 117 and private schools recognized by the department as providing equivalent instruction pursuant to section 5001‑A, subsection 3, paragraph A , subparagraph (1), division (b), as well as written notices of intent to provide equivalent instruction through home instruction and all education records of students receiving equivalent instruction through home instruction. [PL 2015, c. 97, §1 (AMD).]

2. Internet restrictions. A public school may not publish on the Internet or provide for publication on the Internet any personal information about its students without first obtaining the written approval of those students' parents. For the purpose of this section, "personal information" means information that identifies a student, including, but not limited to, the student's full name, photograph, personal biography, e-mail address, home address, date of birth, social security number and parents' names. [PL 1999, c. 595, §2 (NEW).]

3. Dissemination of education records to criminal justice agencies. A school may disseminate education records as defined in 20 United States Code, Section 1232 g(a)(4) regarding a juvenile if: A. The juvenile has not been adjudicated as having committed a juvenile crime; [PL 1999, c. 595, §2 (NEW).] B. The education records are disseminated to: (1) Criminal justice agencies; or (2) Agencies that by court order or agreement of the juvenile are responsible for the health or welfare of the juvenile and that have provided the school with a statement describing the purpose of the dissemination; and [PL 1999, c. 595, §2 (NEW).] C. The education records are relevant to and disseminated for the purpose of creating or maintaining an individualized plan for the juvenile's rehabilitation. [PL 1999, c. 595, §2 (NEW).] Education records received under this subsection are confidential and may not be further disseminated, except to the court or as otherwise provided by law. The persons to whom the education records are disseminated shall certify in writing to the school that the records will not be disclosed to any other party, except the court or as otherwise provided by law, without the written consent of the juvenile or the juvenile's parent or guardian. [PL 1999, c. 595, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13602 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 507 / Section 13602
20-A §13602. Leave of absence as Legislators
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit shall grant a certified teacher, except a substitute teacher as defined by the commissioner, leave of absence without pay and without forfeiture of continuing contract status and other accumulated benefits to fulfill the duties of a Legislator, provided that the teacher provides a written notice of intent to become a candidate for the Legislature at the time teacher contracts are issued. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12529 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-A / Section 12529
20-A §12529. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall adopt rules to implement this chapter. Rules adopted by the authority pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 710, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3202
20-A §3202. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner may adopt rules to carry out this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13603 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 507 / Section 13603
20-A §13603. Military leave of absence of teachers
Status: in_force

Teachers who are members of the National Guard or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces are entitled to take a military leave of absence from their respective duties, without loss of pay or time when engaged in military training not to exceed 17 calendar days in any calendar year, provided that the teachers have made a reasonable effort to perform their military training during the period when school is not in session. [PL 2001, c. 662, §10 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11499-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11499-C
20-A §11499-C. Chapter cumulative; no notice required
Status: in_force

This chapter may not be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers that the authority might otherwise have under any laws of this State and this chapter is cumulative of any such powers. Neither the making of contracts nor the issuance of bonds pursuant to this chapter need comply with the requirements of any other state law applicable to the making of contracts, the issuance of bonds or the construction, acquisition or management of any project undertaken pursuant to this chapter. No proceedings, notice or approval is required for the issuance of any bonds or any instrument as security for those bonds, except as is provided in this chapter or in the federal Internal Revenue Code, if applicable. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 9
20-A §9. Public Higher Education Systems Coordinating Committee
Status: in_force

1. Committee established. The Public Higher Education Systems Coordinating Committee, referred to in this section as "the committee," is established to promote efficiency, cooperative effort and strategic planning between the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System, referred to in this section as "the systems." [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).]

2. Membership. The committee consists of the Chancellor of the University of Maine System, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System, the President of the Maine Community College System and the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System. The members of the committee may appoint designees to a subcommittee. [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).]

3. Duties. The committee shall seek to achieve greater collaboration and cooperation between the systems in order to address issues including, but not limited to, the following: A. Improving college affordability; [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).] B. Minimizing or eliminating barriers to student transfer between the systems; [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).] C. Reducing unnecessary duplication of programs between the systems; [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).] D. Identifying opportunities for sharing best practices and individual efficiencies, building cross-system economies of scale and sharing of resources; [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).] E. Recommending changes to state laws that would improve the systems' efficiency or effectiveness; [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).] F. In consultation with the President of the Maine Maritime Academy and the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Maine Maritime Academy, investigating and pursuing opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing with the Maine Maritime Academy. The committee shall notify the President of the Maine Maritime Academy of committee meetings and agenda items; and [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).] G. In consultation with the commissioner and the chair of the state board, investigating and pursuing opportunities to improve college preparation, transition and completion for Maine's secondary students, including supporting early college opportunities and improving credit transfer between secondary and postsecondary school systems. [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).]

4. Meetings. The committee shall meet at least twice each year and the committee members' designees may meet more frequently. The chancellor shall convene the first meeting of the committee by October 15, 2015. The committee shall establish a meeting schedule, and the initial work must include an accounting of the members' prior and current efforts to promote efficiency, cooperative effort and strategic planning between the systems. The committee shall elect a chair from among its members to serve for a term to be determined by the committee. [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).]

5. Reporting. The committee shall report succinctly on its deliberations and any recommendations to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters by February 15th each year. [PL 2015, c. 261, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6002 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6002
20-A §6002. Record of birth
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to a student's first enrollment. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Duty of students. Students who enroll for the first time in a public school shall provide their teachers with official records of birth within 60 days of enrollment. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Duty of parent or guardian. The following provisions apply to the duties of a parent or guardian. A. A parent or guardian of a student who enrolls shall provide that student with an official record of birth. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. A parent who refuses or unreasonably neglects to comply with paragraph A shall be fined not more than $5. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Duties of teachers, superintendents and other public officials. The following are duties of teachers, superintendents and other public officials. A. A teacher shall inform the superintendent of the school administrative unit of the name of any student who has not complied with subsection 1 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. A superintendent shall inform the State Registrar of Vital Statistics of the name of a student who has not complied with subsection 1 and the name and address of the parent of that student. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. The State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall file a complaint with the nearest District Court whenever the registrar believes that a parent has not complied with subsection 2 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] D. The State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall provide file copies of any relevant records in the registrar's possession on the request of a parent of a student. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4104 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 202 / Section 4104
20-A §4104. Proceeds from sale of school building
Status: in_force

The proceeds from the sale of school buildings, which were not transferred pursuant to section 4103, subsection 3 , shall be utilized in the following manner. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

1. General. If the school building was built by the administrative unit, then the proceeds shall be used solely for educational purposes as approved by the unit's legislative body in the normal budgetary approval process. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

2. School administrative district and community school district. If the building was transferred by a member town to a school administrative district or a community school district, the proceeds of the sale, minus any expenses related to the sale or any outstanding indebtedness, shall be credited to the town in which the facility is located and shall be used to offset the town's share of the educational expenses for the district. If the school administrative district or the community school district has made major renovations or additions which meet the definition of a school construction project, as set forth in section 15901, subsection 4 , the town shall be credited with only those proceeds of the sale which are attributable to the appraised value of the original school building at the time of the sale. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

3. Outstanding indebtedness. If a building has outstanding indebtedness, then the proceeds of its sale shall be used to retire the unit's debt service on the building and the balance of the proceeds shall be placed in a sinking fund to reduce future debt service payments. Any balance of the proceeds after the debt has been retired may be used in accordance with the conditions set forth in subsections 1 and 2 . [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

4. Part of school construction project. If the school building has been replaced by a new building as part of a school construction project, the proceeds from the sale or lease of the building shall be used to retire the debt service on the new building, unless the property has been transferred pursuant to subsection 2 . [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1467 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1467
20-A §1467. Transfer of a municipality from one regional school unit to another
Status: in_force

1. Petition to commissioner. Two regional school unit boards may petition the commissioner by joint resolution to permit a municipality to transfer from one regional school unit to the other. [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).]

2. Transfer agreement. The 2 regional school unit boards and the municipal officers of the municipality involved shall form a committee to prepare a transfer agreement within 60 days after being authorized by the commissioner to prepare the agreement. Extensions of time may be granted by the commissioner. A. The committee shall consider the standards set forth in section 1466, subsection 4, paragraph A in preparing the agreement. [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).] B. The approval process for the agreement must follow the steps set forth in section 1466, subsections 4 to 17 . [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).] C. The following article must appear on the ballot when the transfer of a municipality is considered under paragraph B . "Article: Do you favor permitting the (name of municipality) to transfer from regional school unit (name of regional school unit) into regional school unit (name of regional school unit) as a participating municipality of that regional school unit subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement of transfer approved by the Commissioner of Education dated (insert date)? Yes No" A copy of the agreement must be posted with each warrant that directs the citizens to vote upon the question. [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).] D. The article must be approved by a majority of votes cast in both regional school units and by a majority of votes cast in the municipality to be transferred before the agreement may take effect. [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).] E. A complete certified record of the transaction involved in the transfer must be filed with the commissioner. The commissioner shall issue immediately a certificate of transfer to the secretaries of the regional school units by registered mail to be filed with the regional school unit boards involved and shall file a copy of the certificate of transfer in the office of the Secretary of State. [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).]

3. Outstanding indebtedness. Whenever a municipality is detached from a regional school unit having outstanding indebtedness, the municipality remains as part of the regional school unit from which it was detached for the purposes of paying its proper portion of the indebtedness until the indebtedness is redeemed. The municipality is not part of the regional school unit from which it was detached for the purpose of any outstanding indebtedness incurred subsequent to the date of the certificate of transfer. For purposes of this subsection, "outstanding indebtedness" means bonds or notes issued or assumed by the regional school unit board and lease-purchase agreements issued or assumed by the regional school unit, but does not include any indebtedness of the detaching municipality assumed by the regional school unit at the time of formation. [PL 2009, c. 580, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4771 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 208-A / Section 4771
20-A §4771. Eligible institution and semester; defined
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, "eligible institution" means the institutions of the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy. "Semester" means the fall, spring or summer term of an academic year. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. VVV, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11499-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11499-A
20-A §11499-A. Taxable bond option
Status: in_force

With respect to all or any portion of any issue of any bonds or any series of bonds that the authority may issue in accordance with the limitations and restrictions of this chapter, the authority may covenant, elect and consent that the interest on the bonds be includable under the federal Internal Revenue Code or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue law of the United States in the gross income of the holders of the bonds to the same extent and in the same manner that the interest on bills, bonds, notes or other obligations of the United States is includable in the gross income of the holders under the federal Internal Revenue Code or any subsequent law. Bonds issued pursuant to this section are not subject to any limitations or restrictions of any law that may limit the authority's power to issue those bonds. The grant of power in this section may not be construed as limiting the inherent power of the State or its agencies under any other provision of law to issue debt, the interest on which is includable in the gross income of the holders under the federal Internal Revenue Code or any subsequent law. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1052 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 1052
20-A §1052. Discharge
Status: in_force

A school board may discharge a superintendent before the expiration of the contract term. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Requirements. The superintendent may be discharged only: A. For cause; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. After due notice and investigation; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. By a majority vote of the full membership of the school board. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Salary. On discharge, the superintendent's salary shall cease. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Appeal. The superintendent may appeal the school board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner shall hold a hearing as part of the appeal. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2414 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 112 / Section 2414
20-A §2414. Facilities
Status: in_force

1. Facilities; property. A public charter school may acquire facilities and property in accordance with this subsection. A. A public charter school has a right of first refusal to purchase or lease at or below fair market value a closed noncharter public school facility or property or unused portions of a noncharter public school facility or property located in a school administrative unit from which it draws its students if the school administrative unit decides to sell or lease the noncharter public school facility or property. The school administrative unit may not require purchase or lease payments that exceed the fair market value of the property. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] B. A public charter school may negotiate and contract with a school administrative unit, the governing body of a state college or university or public community college or any other public or for-profit or nonprofit private entity for the use of a school building. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] C. Library, community service, museum, performing arts, theater, cinema, church, community college, college and university facilities may provide space to public charter schools within their facilities under their preexisting zoning and land use designations. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] D. A public charter school may purchase or lease at or below fair market value part or all of any surplus or unused state-owned facility or property located in the State. The state agency in control of the facility may not require purchase or lease payments that exceed the fair market value of the property. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] E. The same zoning rules that apply to other noncharter public schools apply to public charter schools. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

2. Inspection; building code. The municipality in which a facility of a public charter school is located is the agency that has jurisdiction for the purposes of inspection of the facility and issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the facility. If the facility is located in an unorganized area of the State, the county has jurisdiction for those purposes. A facility of a public charter school is subject to the same building codes, regulations and fees that apply to other noncharter public schools. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

3. Taxes. A facility, or portion thereof, used to house a public charter school is exempt from property taxes. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10904-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10904-A
20-A §10904-A. Maintenance fund
Status: in_force

The treasurer of the university shall establish and maintain a fund for maintenance of building space constructed with proceeds of any bond issued pursuant to an Act of the Legislature that requires such an account. The trustees shall acquire sufficient private and other non-General Fund contributions to maintain the space for the expected duration of its use. [PL 1997, c. 718, Pt. A, §10 (AFF); PL 1997, c. 718, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 718, Pt. B, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8701 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 316 / Section 8701
20-A §8701. Driver education
Status: in_force

Public secondary schools, approved private secondary schools, career and technical education centers, career and technical education regions and adult education programs conducted pursuant to chapter 315 may offer courses in driver education. [PL 1989, c. 179, §1 (RPR); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3272 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3272
20-A §3272. Truancy; excusable absences
Status: in_force

1. Truancy. [PL 2011, c. 614, §9 (RP).]

2. Truancy. A person is truant if: A. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and has completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year; [PL 2019, c. 235, §3 (AMD).] B. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and is at least 6 years of age and has not completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year; or [PL 2019, c. 508, §4 (AMD).] C. The person is required to attend school pursuant to section 3271, subsection 1‑A and has not completed grade 6 and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year. [PL 2019, c. 235, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 508, §4 (AMD).]

3. Excusable absence. A person's absence is excused when the absence is for the following reasons: A. Personal health, including the person's physical, mental and behavioral health; [PL 2019, c. 562, §1 (AMD).] B. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day; [PL 2025, c. 437, §4 (AMD).] C. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day; [PL 2021, c. 25, §1 (AMD).] D. A family emergency; or [PL 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW).] E. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has prior approval. [PL 2007, c. 304, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 437, §4 (AMD).]

4. Adult responsibility. Any adults having a person of compulsory school age under their control shall cause the person to attend school as provided in this section. [PL 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12572 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 429-A / Section 12572
20-A §12572. Tuition waiver
Status: in_force

Any person who was in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services and resided in foster care or subsidized adoptive care or was a minor ward of a subsidized permanency guardian as provided in Title 22, section 4038‑D at the time that person graduated from high school or successfully completed a general educational development examination or its equivalent under section 257 may attend, as provided in this section, any state postsecondary educational institution free of tuition charges. [PL 2005, c. 471, §2 (AMD).]

1. Eligibility of person. A person is eligible for a tuition waiver under this chapter if the person is: A. A Maine resident; [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).] B. A high school graduate or has attained a high school equivalency diploma as described under section 257 ; and [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).] C. Accepted for admission to a state postsecondary educational institution. [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]

2. Limitation. The tuition waiver provided by this chapter is limited to: A. Persons participating in undergraduate degree programs or certificate programs of at least one year; [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).] B. Persons who have not been enrolled full time for more than 5 years or the equivalent; and [PL 1999, c. 774, §2 (AMD).] C. Persons who have completed an application for federal student financial aid programs for which they may be eligible. [PL 1999, c. 774, §2 (AMD).] D. [PL 1999, c. 774, §2 (RP).] [PL 1999, c. 774, §2 (AMD).]

3. Continuation. The tuition waiver provided by this chapter is awarded on a yearly basis and continues to be available, if the person is otherwise eligible under this section, as long as the person remains in good academic standing at a state postsecondary educational institution. [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]

4. Revenue reduction. A state postsecondary educational institution shall absorb the reduction in tuition revenues that results from providing a tuition waiver to an eligible person under this chapter. The institution may not request additional General Fund appropriations from the Legislature to offset the reduction in tuition revenues. [PL 1999, c. 774, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12985 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12985
20-A §12985. Interpersonal violence climate survey dissemination; aggregate data collection; reporting
Status: in_force

1. Dissemination; conduct. The commissioner shall provide the interpersonal violence climate survey biennially to each institution, and each institution shall biennially conduct the interpersonal violence climate survey on each campus. Each institution may append campus-specific questions to the survey, as long as any additional questions do not require the disclosure of any personally identifiable information and are not unnecessarily traumatizing for victims of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. All students must be offered an opportunity to complete part or all of the interpersonal violence climate survey. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

2. Report to commissioner; website. Within 120 days after completion of the interpersonal violence climate survey, each institution shall submit a summary of the results and the aggregate data, with any personally identifiable information removed or redacted, supporting the results to the commissioner and post the following on the institution of higher education's publicly accessible website in a way that does not personally identify any student: A. The summary of the results of the survey; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. The annual security report completed pursuant to 20 United States Code, Section 1092(f); and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. A link to the department's statewide interpersonal violence climate survey data pursuant to subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

3. Data collection. The department shall establish a data repository for all summaries and anonymized and aggregated data of interpersonal violence climate surveys submitted by institutions. The department shall ensure that the interpersonal violence climate survey data submitted by all institutions in accordance with subsection 2 is available to the public in an easily accessible manner on the department's publicly accessible website. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

4. Protection of personal information. The interpersonal violence climate survey must be designed to collect anonymous responses and may not publicly disclose any personally identifying information. An institution of higher education may not use or attempt to use information collected through the interpersonal violence climate survey to identify or contact any individual student on campus, nor may the responses to the survey be used as the basis for any type of investigation or disciplinary or legal proceeding. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8457 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8457
20-A §8457. Cooperative board authority
Status: in_force

1. General powers and duties. A cooperative board has all of the powers and duties of a school board as provided in section 1001, subsections 1 , 2 , 4 to 7 and 11‑A to 19 ; section 1002 ; section 1256, subsections 1 , 2 and 4 to 7 ; section 1257 ; section 1314 ; section 1315 ; section 4801 ; section 13201 ; and section 13202 . For such purposes, references in those sections to "school administrative unit," "administrative unit," "school unit," "unit," "school administrative district," "district," "regional school unit," "RSU," "alternative organizational structure" or "AOS" mean career and technical education region; references in those sections to "school board," "school committee," "board," "board of directors" or "directors" mean cooperative board; references in those sections to "director" mean a member of a cooperative board; and references in those sections to "they" mean either, as appropriate in the context, cooperative board or members of the cooperative board. [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §45 (AMD).]

2. Cooperative agreement. The cooperative board shall adopt a cooperative agreement incorporating at a minimum each of the items listed under section 8452, subsection 1 . The cooperative board, with the superintendents' advisory committee, shall annually review the cooperative agreement. The cooperative board may amend the agreement, subject to approval by a majority of the school boards of the units served by the region. A copy of the cooperative agreement and any amendments to the agreement must be filed with the commissioner. Beginning with the school year starting after June 30, 2025, the cooperative agreement must include an equivalency agreement for credit gained through a career and technical education program to be accepted as core credit toward a high school diploma for each of the school administrative units located in the region. [PL 2023, c. 247, §3 (AMD).]

3. Authority to borrow, expend and accept funds. A cooperative board may: A. Borrow funds in anticipation of a member unit's payment of its share of the regional budget. Such borrowing: (1) Must be repaid within one year; and (2) May not at any time exceed 3/4 of the region's annual approved budget; [PL 1991, c. 518, §25 (AMD).] B. Expend available funds to pay debt service, security and maintenance costs; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §25 (AMD).] C. Accept and expend special grants from state and federal sources. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §25 (AMD).]

4. Compensation. A cooperative board member may be paid up to $20 for each meeting of the cooperative board or its subcommittees that the member attends. [PL 2013, c. 583, §1 (AMD).]

5. Meetings. A cooperative board shall meet at least 6 times per calendar year. [PL 1991, c. 518, §25 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3665 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3665
20-A §3665. Location of schoolhouses
Status: in_force

In any case where a new schoolhouse or other school facility is to be constructed or acquired, the interstate board shall first determine whether it shall be located in New Hampshire or in Maine. If it is to be located in New Hampshire, RSA 199, relating to schoolhouses, shall apply. If it is to be located in Maine, the Maine law relating to schoolhouses shall apply. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8465 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8465
20-A §8465. Bonding authority
Status: in_force

A region may issue bonds and notes for school construction purposes. For purposes of this section, school construction purposes include minor capital costs relating to maintenance of plant. The cooperative board shall decide whether the issuance of bonds or notes by the region for school construction purposes is necessary. The cooperative board shall administer the process of determining whether the issuance of bonds or notes is authorized, and, if so, it shall issue the bonds or notes and administer the proceeds of, and the payment of principal of and interest on, those bonds or notes after issuance. A region may issue bonds and notes for school construction purposes only under the following provisions. [PL 1993, c. 742, §1 (AMD).]

1. Regional referendum. If the cooperative board decides that issuance of bonds or notes by the region for school construction purposes is necessary: A. The cooperative board shall call a regional referendum using the procedures set forth in sections 1351 to 1354 to authorize issuance of the bonds or notes. For such purposes, references in those sections to "school administrative district" or "district" mean career and technical education region; and references in those sections to "board of directors," "board," "school board," "school directors," or "school director" mean cooperative board and references in those sections to "they" mean either, as appropriate in the context, cooperative board or members of the cooperative board; [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).] B. The results of the referendum vote in each municipality must be reported immediately to the secretary of the cooperative board; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD).] C. The cooperative board shall meet and make the determinations and declarations of fact required by section 1353, subsection 3 . [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

2. Bond resolutions. If the cooperative board determines from the regional referendum vote that bonds or notes are authorized to be issued for school construction purposes, then the following applies. A. The cooperative board shall pass a resolution stating that bonds or notes for school construction purposes have been authorized and stating the dollar amount and purposes of the bonds or notes authorized. [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD).] B. Bonds or notes must be issued in the manner described in section 1311 , except that any reference therein to "school administrative district" or "district" means career and technical education region, and reference therein to "board of directors" or "board" means cooperative board and any reference therein to "assistant superintendent" means secretary of the cooperative board. [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).] C. Indebtedness of a region for school construction purposes may not exceed 4% of the total state valuation of all the municipalities in the region. That indebtedness is outside the debt limitations of the individual municipalities in the region. [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

3. Prior bonds and notes. All actions taken in connection with bonds and notes for school construction purposes by career and technical education regions and their officers prior to October 1, 1975 continue to be valid. [PL 1991, c. 518, §30 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15908-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15908-B
20-A §15908-B. Heating systems
Status: in_force

In approving school construction projects, the state board shall ensure that school administrative units have considered heating systems that use renewable, locally sourced wood-based fuels and that benefit the State's economy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in all planning and design for new or substantially renovated schools or school buildings subject to state board approval. [PL 2019, c. 53, §1 (NEW).]

As used in this section, "substantially renovated" has the same meaning as in section 15908‑A, subsection 1 . [PL 2019, c. 53, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7207-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7207-B
20-A §7207-B. Due process hearings
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to due process hearings. [PL 1985, c. 318, §3 (NEW).]

1. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules governing the procedures for conducting due process hearings. The rules shall include: A. A maximum period within which a parent, surrogate parent, guardian or administrative unit may exercise the rights listed in subsection 2 ; [PL 1985, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] B. A maximum time within which a final decision must be issued by the hearing officer; [PL 1985, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] C. The use of mediation; [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).] D. The procedures for conducting the hearings; and [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).] E. The procedures for determining the award of attorney's fees consistent with the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §§8, 9 (AMD).]

2. Request for hearing. The parent, surrogate parent, guardian or administrative unit may: A. Request the commissioner to appoint an impartial hearing officer who shall conduct a hearing regarding the identification, evaluation and educational program of the student and shall make findings of fact and issue a decision; and [PL 1985, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] B. Appeal the decision of the hearing officer to the Superior Court or to a United States District Court. [PL 1985, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] [PL 1985, c. 318, §3 (NEW).]

3. Subpoenas. The commissioner may issue subpoenas in the name of the department to require the attendance and testimony of the witnesses and the production of any evidence relating to any issue or fact in the due process hearing as requested by any party to the hearing. Any fees for attendance and travel required by the witnesses shall be the responsibility of the party seeking the subpoena. The issuance of subpoenas shall conform in all other ways to the requirements of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV . [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §56 (AMD).]

3-A. Notice to local school units. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §28 (RP).]

4. Hearing officers, immunity. The State shall ensure that impartial hearing officers meet the criteria contained in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq., as amended. For purposes of the Maine Tort Claims Act only, Title 14, chapter 741 , hearing officers, while they are carrying out their official duties as hearing officers, are considered state employees and are entitled to the immunity provided state employees under the Maine Tort Claims Act. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §29 (AMD).]

5. Individualized education program due process facilitators; immunity. The State may contract with individualized education program due process facilitators. For the purposes of the Maine Tort Claims Act, while carrying out their official duties pursuant to this section, persons contracted with as individualized education program due process facilitators 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, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8801 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 317 / Section 8801
20-A §8801. Summer schools; standards; approval
Status: in_force

Standards for summer schools shall be as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5 (NEW).]

1. Standards. The state board and the commissioner shall jointly adopt rules to establish standards consistent with basic school approval requirements for summer schools offering credit toward graduation from a Maine elementary or secondary school. [PL 1985, c. 797, §46 (AMD).]

2. Approval. The commissioner may inspect any summer school after which the commissioner may approve and grant a certificate to a school that maintains approval standards. The expense of inspection shall be paid by the department. [PL 1985, c. 797, §46 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11008 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11008
20-A §11008. Severability - Article VIII
Status: in_force

The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any compacting state or of the United States the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact is held to be contrary to the constitution of any compacting state the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to all other compacting states. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 10
20-A §10. Education Research Institute
Status: in_force

The Education Research Institute, referred to in this section as the "institute," is established to collect and analyze education information and perform targeted education research for the Legislature. The institute shall create and maintain an information system that tracks important early care and education data for public preschool programs, kindergarten and grades one to 12. The institute shall also conduct exploratory, long-term research on education issues. [PL 2009, c. 540, §1 (AMD).]

1. Legislature to contract with university. The Legislature, through the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters, shall contract with the University of Maine System to establish and maintain the institute. Personnel coordinating the work of the institute must be appointed by the University of Maine System in consultation with the Legislature and those personnel shall consult with and act on behalf of the Legislature, performing such data collection, analysis and research as the Legislature may require. [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).]

2. Steering committee. The Education Research Institute Steering Committee, referred to in this section as the "steering committee," is established to advise the Legislature and the University of Maine System on all matters related to the institute. Steering committee members must be appointed by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters for a term of 2 years. The steering committee shall meet at least 4 times each year and must include one member of each of the following: A. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters; [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).] B. The Department of Education; [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).] C. The State Board of Education; [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).] D. The University of Maine System; [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).] E. The Maine School Management Association; [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).] F. The Maine Education Association; [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).] G. The Maine Municipal Association; [PL 2021, c. 293, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).] H. The Maine Principals Association; and [PL 2021, c. 293, Pt. A, §24 (AMD).] I. The Maine Children's Cabinet Early Childhood Advisory Council. [PL 2019, c. 450, §14 (AMD).] The steering committee shall elect a chair from among its members to serve a term of 2 years. [PL 2021, c. 293, Pt. A, §§23, 24 (AMD).]

3. Location and access. The education information system and research results gathered pursuant to this section must be maintained by the institute at the University of Maine System. The education information system and research results must be available for use by any interested group or individual in the form available from the institute. [PL 1995, c. 395, Pt. J, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6202-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6202-B
20-A §6202-B. Multiple measures of student achievement
Status: in_force

Each school administrative unit shall use multiple assessment methods to measure student achievement of the learning results set forth in section 6209 and in department rules implementing that section and other curricular requirements established in section 6209 to inform instruction and ensure students are making progress toward achieving the learning results set forth in section 6209 and in department rules implementing that section, other curricular requirements and the requirements of a common core course of study. [PL 2007, c. 259, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3610 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3610
20-A §3610. Approval by state boards
Status: in_force

After the hearings a copy of the proposed articles of agreement, as revised, signed by a majority of the planning committee, shall be submitted by it to each state board. The state boards may if they find that the articles of agreement are in accord with the standards set forth in this compact and in accordance with sound educational policy, approve the same as submitted, or refer them back to the planning committee for further study. The planning committee may make additional revisions to the proposed articles of agreement to conform to the recommendations of the state boards. Further hearings on the proposed articles of agreement shall not be required unless ordered by the state boards in their discretion. In exercising such discretion, the state boards shall take into account whether or not the additional revisions are so substantial in nature as to require further presentation to the public. If both state boards find that the articles of agreement as further revised are in accord with the standards set forth in this compact and in accordance with sound educational policy, they shall approve the same. After approval by both state boards, each state board shall cause the articles of agreement to be submitted to the school boards of the several member districts in each state for acceptance by the member districts as provided in section 3611 . At the same time, each state board shall designate the form of warrant, date, time, place, and period of voting for the special meeting of the member district to be held in accordance with the section 3611 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12003 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 423 / Section 12003
20-A §12003. Eligibility for loans
Status: in_force

An applicant shall be eligible for a loan under this chapter when the chief executive officer, after consultation with the executive committee of the Maine Osteopathic Association, finds that the applicant: [PL 1989, c. 698, §29 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

1. Residency. Has been a resident of this State for a minimum of 3 years at any time prior to application; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Qualifications. Is attending or will immediately attend an osteopathic college or university accredited by the American Osteopathic Association; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Financial resources. Will, in the absence of a loan, be deterred by financial considerations from beginning or completing a course of study at an osteopathic college or university; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Return to Maine. Shows a genuine interest in returning to this State to practice osteopathic medicine. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10962 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10962
20-A §10962. Liberal construction
Status: in_force

This chapter being necessary for the welfare of the State and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes of this chapter. To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and any other law, this chapter shall prevail, but the power and authority granted by this chapter is deemed to be in addition to and not in derogation of power and authority granted by any other law. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15912 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15912
20-A §15912. Inspection of facility; compliance
Status: in_force

If it appears that a school administrative unit has failed to maintain a school facility which protects the health, welfare and safety of the persons utilizing the facility, the commissioner may cause an inspection to be made. The commissioner shall notify the school administrative unit of the findings of the investigation and of any changes to be made. The school administrative unit shall make the changes promptly. If it fails to make the changes, it shall be liable to the penalties provided in section 6801 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13019-G — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13019-G
20-A §13019-G. Educational specialist certificate
Status: in_force

1. Requirement. An educational specialist certificate is required for employment as an educational specialist at a public school or a private school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to section 2901, subsection 2, paragraph B . [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Qualifications. The state board shall adopt rules establishing the qualifications for an educational specialist certificate. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

3. Endorsements. The educational specialist certificate must be issued with an endorsement that specifies the work area for which the individual is determined to be qualified. A holder of an educational specialist certificate may not work outside the holder's area of endorsement. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

4. Certificate renewal. An educational specialist's certificate is issued for a 5-year period and may be renewed in accordance with state board rules, which must require, at a minimum, that the educational specialist, whether employed or unemployed, complete at least 6 semester hours of professional or academic study or the equivalent or in-service training designed to improve the performance of the educational specialist in the field. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4005 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4005
20-A §4005. Gifts
Status: in_force

School administrative units may receive and expend gifts for educational purposes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11497 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11497
20-A §11497. Loan transactions
Status: in_force

The authority may finance, sell, service, pledge, invest in, hold, trade, accept as collateral or otherwise deal in, acquire or transfer, all on such terms and conditions as the authority may specify, any eligible loan or portfolio of loans or loan pass-through certificate, pledge, including any pledge of loan revenue, loan participation certificate or other loan-backed or loan-related security. Any such transaction may be conducted by public or private offering. In connection with the financing or sale of an eligible loan or of a beneficial interest or participation in an eligible loan or portfolio of eligible loans, or other interest in eligible loans, the authority may enter into one or more agreements providing for the origination, guarantee, financing, purchase, sale, servicing, custody, control and administration of such eligible loan or portfolio of eligible loans. Any such agreement may provide that the authority, any other eligible lender, a financial institution, a credit union or other person may act as trustor, trustee or custodian under the agreement. Any such agreement may provide that, with respect to loans governed by the agreement, title to such eligible loans or portfolio of eligible loans or other interest in eligible loans is deemed to have been transferred on terms and to the extent specified in that agreement and that the effect of a sale of an interest in a loan is the same as a sale of a loan. The authority may issue or cause to be issued certificates or other instruments evidencing the holder's fractional interest in a pool of loans, which interest may be undivided or limited to one or more specific loans. Whether or not the certificates or instruments are of such form or character as to be negotiable instruments under Title 11, Article 3‑A , the certificates or instruments are made negotiable instruments within the meaning of and for all purposes of Title 11, Article 3‑A , subject only to such registration requirements as the authority may establish. [PL 2007, c. 520, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3658 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3658
20-A §3658. Maine state aid
Status: in_force

A Maine school district shall be entitled to receive such amount of state aid for operating expenditures as though its share of the interstate district's expenses were the expense of the Maine member district, and as though the Maine member district pupils attending the interstate schools were attending a Maine unit. Such state aid shall be paid to the Maine member school district to reduce the sums which would otherwise be required to be raised by taxation within the member district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7408 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7408
20-A §7408. Powers and duties of executive director
Status: in_force

The powers and duties of the executive director include the following. [PL 2011, c. 683, §10 (AMD).]

1. Staff and administration. The executive director shall hire staff and administer center operations. [PL 2021, c. 646, §12 (AMD).]

2. Enrollment. The executive director shall work with school administrative units, pursuant to section 7405‑E , to enroll students. [PL 2021, c. 646, §12 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10907 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10907
20-A §10907. Transfer of credits; uniform course numbering; uniform course description; committee
Status: in_force

1. Formation. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System shall form a committee composed of: A. The Dean of Academic Affairs or designee from each campus of the University of Maine System; [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).] B. One faculty member selected by the faculty from each campus of the University of Maine System; [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).] C. One student representative selected by the student body of each campus of the University of Maine System; [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).] D. The Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs of the University of Maine System to serve as an ex officio member; and [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).] E. One member of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education to serve as an ex officio member and to be selected by the chairmen of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education. [PL 1983, c. 97, §3 (NEW).] [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).]

2. Chairman. The committee shall elect one of its members as chairman. [PL 1983, c. 97, §3 (NEW).]

3. Meetings. The committee shall be selected as soon as reasonably possible after the effective date of this section. The Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs shall notify all members of the time and place of the first meeting. At that time, the committee shall organize and adopt rules as to the administration of its affairs. The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed by the chancellor for travel expenses. [PL 1983, c. 97, §3 (NEW).]

4. Duties. The committee shall establish: A. A uniform system to facilitate the transfer of credits for equivalent courses between the various units of the University of Maine System; [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).] B. Development of a uniform course numbering system; and [PL 1983, c. 97, §3 (NEW).] C. Development of uniform course descriptions to provide an easy comparison of courses offered between the various units of the University of Maine System. [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).] [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).]

5. Report and implementation. The committee shall report the results of its deliberations and its recommendations to the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System no later than one year from the effective date of this subsection, as amended. The trustees shall implement the recommendations no later than the beginning of the fall semester of 1985. [PL 1985, c. 779, §51 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3663 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3663
20-A §3663. Textbooks
Status: in_force

Textbooks and scholar's supplies shall be provided at the expense of the interstate district for pupils attending its schools. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4705 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4705
20-A §4705. Courses prescribed by local boards
Status: in_force

The school board of each school administrative unit may prescribe instructional requirements in addition to minimum state requirements, subject to approval by the commissioner. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6210 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6210
20-A §6210. School assistance
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall provide assistance to a school administrative unit when student performance in a school in the school administrative unit, or when a review of the comprehensive education plan conducted under section 4504, subsection 2 , indicates that assistance is needed. This assistance must be based on a thorough review of the comprehensive education plan, as required in section 4502, subsection 1 , and the evidence of student performance provided by the school administrative unit's local assessment system. This may include assignment of an assistance team by the commissioner to work with the school administrative unit over a period of not less than one year. [PL 2007, c. 259, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5023 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5023
20-A §5023. Standards for participation when tuition payment is required
Status: in_force

When the local public school unit does not provide academic instruction for specific grade levels, the following applies for students enrolled in an approved program of equivalent instruction. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

1. Class participation. The home-schooled student or the student's parent or guardian shall request authorization from the resident local school unit to apply to another school unit for permission to participate in classes or activities in that other school unit. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

2. Tuition payment. Tuition payments for home-schooled student participation in a local school unit, including attendance at a career and technical education center or a career and technical education region, other than the applicant's resident district is the responsibility of the home-schooled student, the student's parent or guardian or the student's resident school administrative unit, in accordance with local school unit policy. Participation may not be unreasonably withheld. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

3. Participation eligibility. A tuitioned home-schooled student is subject to the rules relating to eligibility for participation in cocurricular or extracurricular activities as may apply at the receiving school unit. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

4. Interscholastic activities. A tuitioned home-schooled student attending classes in more than one receiving school unit is not eligible for participation in interscholastic activities at any local school unit. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11411 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11411
20-A §11411. Maine Educational Loan Program
Status: in_force

There is established the Maine Educational Loan Program, referred to in this chapter as "the program" and administered by the Finance Authority of Maine, to carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 170, §8 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8452 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8452
20-A §8452. Cooperative board; formation
Status: in_force

Each career and technical education region is administered by a cooperative board organized as follows. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

1. Structure of cooperative board. The school boards of the units located in a region, at a joint meeting called by the commissioner, shall decide for the region by majority vote: A. The size of the cooperative board; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. The number of members of the cooperative board to represent each unit or group of units; [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).] C. The method of selecting members of the cooperative board to represent each unit or group of units; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).] D. The method of sharing costs of career and technical education among the units in the region. [RR 2003, c. 2, §62 (COR).] E. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (RP).] [RR 2003, c. 2, §62 (COR).]

2. Role of municipal officers. The municipal officers of each unit in the region must be invited to the joint meeting to present testimony on cooperative board membership and on the methods of sharing costs among the units in the region. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).]

3. Voting. The school board of each unit shall caucus with the municipal officers of that unit. Thereafter, in the joint meeting, each school board shall cast its votes on the issues identified in subsection 1 in accordance with the majority vote of the caucus of the school board and municipal officers. Each school board has one vote on each of the issues identified in subsection 1 . [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).]

4. Process of appeal. Within 30 days of the date of the joint meeting, a school board may appeal to the state board any decision reached at the joint meeting on an issue identified in subsection 1 . The state board decision is final and binding on the school administrative units within the region. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).]

5. Appointment of cooperative board members. After the school boards of the units in a region have decided the issues identified in subsection 1 , the superintendent of each unit in the region shall call a meeting of the school board for the unit. At that meeting the school board shall appoint its authorized number of members to the cooperative board. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).]

6. Organization of the cooperative board. The cooperative board is organized as follows. A. The superintendents of the units within the region shall call a meeting of the cooperative board members appointed pursuant to subsection 5 . [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).] B. The cooperative board members shall: (1) Elect a chair and vice-chair; (2) Elect a secretary, who need not be a member of the cooperative board; (3) Adopt a constitution or bylaws; and (4) Elect a treasurer, who need not be a member of the cooperative board. The treasurer shall give a bond to the cooperative board with the sum and sureties established by the cooperative board. This bond must be deposited with the chair. The expense of the bond must be paid by the cooperative board. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).]

7. Filing return with state board. The secretary of the cooperative board shall immediately file a return with the state board identifying the names of the members and officers of the cooperative board and certifying that the cooperative board has been properly organized. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).]

8. Issuance of certificate of approval. In response to a return filed pursuant to subsection 7 , the state board shall issue a certificate of approval for the organization of the region. The issuance of the certificate is conclusive evidence of the lawful organization of the region. The original certificate must be kept on file with the secretary of the region, and copies must be placed on file in the office of the commissioner. [PL 1991, c. 518, §19 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9704 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 327 / Section 9704
20-A §9704. Appeal process
Status: in_force

A school unit required to offer an educational program or a drug treatment center which treats eligible students may appeal to the commissioner in the event agreement cannot be reached between them. The commissioner's decision on the program in such an appeal shall be rendered within 60 days and shall be final. [PL 1987, c. 827, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12741 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 432-A / Section 12741
20-A §12741. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]

1. President of the system. "President of the system" means the President of the Maine Community College System. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

2. System. "System" means the Maine Community College System. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20 M.R.S. § 1221 — ME Code / Title 20 / Part 2 / Chapter 111 / Section 1221
20 §1221. Teaching of virtue and morality
Status: in_force

Instructors of youth in public or private institutions shall use their best endeavors to impress on the minds of the children and youth committed to their care and instruction the principles of morality and justice and a sacred regard for truth; love of country, humanity and a universal benevolence; the great principles of humanity as illustrated by kindness to birds and animals and regard for all factors which contribute to the well-being of man; industry and frugality; chastity, moderation and temperance; and all other virtues which ornament human society; and to lead those under their care, as their ages and capacities admit, into a particular understanding of the tendency of such virtues to preserve and perfect a republican constitution, secure the blessings of liberty and to promote their future happiness. [PL 1983, c. 767, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10710 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10710
20-A §10710. Rules
Status: in_force

The state board shall, in accordance with section 3 , adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3251 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3251
20-A §3251. Education in the unorganized territory; eligibility to enroll
Status: in_force

Education in elementary schools and secondary schools in the unorganized territory must be provided in alignment with the system of learning results as established in section 6209 under the direction of the commissioner and must meet the general standards for elementary and secondary education and special education established pursuant to this Title. The following provisions apply to enrollment in elementary schools and secondary schools in the unorganized territory. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).]

1. Eligibility to enroll; school year. A person meeting the minimum age requirements of subsection 2 or section 7001, subsection 1‑B, paragraph B and who has not reached 20 years of age before the start of the school year may enroll as a full-time student or, with the permission of the commissioner, as a part-time student in the elementary school or secondary school where the student is assigned in the unorganized territory. The school year, for the purpose of this subsection, is defined as starting on July 1st and ending on the following June 30th. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).]

2. Minimum ages. The following are minimum ages necessary for student enrollment in elementary schools in the unorganized territory. A. A person who will be at least 5 years of age on October 15th of the school year may enroll in school. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who will be at least 4 years of age on October 15th of the school year may enroll in a public preschool program prior to kindergarten if it is offered. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).]

3. Exceptions. The following are exceptions to this section. A. A war veteran who has not completed high school before the veteran's 18th birthday may enroll in the elementary schools and secondary schools in the unorganized territory until the veteran graduates or until the end of the school year in which the veteran reaches 25 years of age. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who has enrolled in a public kindergarten or grade one in another state may enroll in kindergarten or grade one, as the case may be, in an elementary school in the unorganized territory. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).] C. A person who was enrolled in a public kindergarten in this State under paragraph B may enroll in grade one upon satisfactory completion of kindergarten. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).] D. A person who was enrolled in a public kindergarten in another state and was promoted to grade one may enroll in grade one in an elementary school in the unorganized territory. [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).] E. The eligibility for a child with a disability is governed by chapter 303 . [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 437, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 204 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 204
20-A §204. Rules
Status: in_force

A rule authorized or provisionally adopted pursuant to this Title after January 1, 2005 that proposes to regulate private schools is a major substantive rule and subject to legislative review in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . An amendment to a rule adopted pursuant to this Title prior to January 1, 2005 is considered a major substantive rule when the amendment pertains to private schools, and it is subject to legislative review in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2005, c. 194, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15687 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15687
20-A §15687. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this Act. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]