20-A M.R.S. § 3623 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3623
20-A §3623. Method of voting at school district meetings
Status: in_force

Voting at meetings of interstate school districts shall take place as follows: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. School directors. A separate ballot shall be prepared for each member district, listing the candidates for interstate school director to represent such member district; and any candidates for interstate school director at large; and the voters of each member district shall register on a separate ballot their choice for the office of school director or directors. In the alternative, the articles of agreement may provide for the election of school directors by one or more of the member districts at an election otherwise held for the choice of school or other municipal officers. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Other votes. Except as otherwise provided in the articles of agreement or this compact, with respect to all other votes, the voters of the interstate school district shall vote as one body irrespective of the member districts in which they are resident, and a simple majority of those present and voting at any duly warned meeting shall carry the vote. Voting for officers to be elected at any meeting, other than school directors, shall be by ballot or voice, as the interstate district may determine, either in its articles of agreement or by a vote of the meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15690-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15690-A
20-A §15690-A. Local action on increase in state share percentage
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 1485, subsection 5 , this section applies to school budgets adopted for fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).]

1. Required reduction in local contribution. If the budget of a school administrative unit is based on assumptions that include an increase in state share, pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1, paragraph C , over the amount used in the most recent approved budget as the result of an increase in the state share of the school administrative unit’s total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 under this chapter, the increase in state share must be used as follows. A. Fifty percent of the increase in state share pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1, paragraph C that is attributable to the increase in the state share over the state share amount used in the most recent approved budget must be used to lower the school administrative unit’s local contribution to the total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).] B. The remaining 50% may be used only to increase expenditures for school purposes in cost center categories approved by the local school board, increase the allocation of finances for a reserve fund or provide an additional amount to lower the required local contribution to the total cost of education. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).]

2. Warrant. If the budget of the school administrative unit is based on assumptions that include an increase in state share, pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1, paragraph C , over the amount used in the most recent approved budget as the result of an increase in the state share of the school administrative unit’s total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 under this chapter, an article in substantially the form in paragraph A must be used to authorize the use of the increase in state share for the expenditures specified in subsection 1, paragraph B after the requirements of subsection 1, paragraph A are met. A. "Article.......: To see what sums will be appropriated for the following purposes from the amount of the anticipated increase in state share of the school administrative unit’s total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 over the amount used in the most recent approved budget as the result of an increase in the state share of the school administrative unit’s total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 under this chapter: (1) (Amount appropriated) To increase expenditures for school purposes in cost center categories approved by the board (list of amounts by category should be provided); (2) (Amount appropriated) To increase the allocation of finances in a reserve fund for the purpose of (name of reserve fund); and (3) (Amount appropriated) To provide a decrease in the local contribution, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20‑A, section 15690, subsection 1, paragraph A or B , section 15690, subsection 2 or section 15690, subsection 3 for local property taxpayers for funding public education." [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).] B. If as a result of a vote on the article specified in paragraph A , subparagraph (3) a school administrative unit does not raise 100% of the required local contribution pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1 , the school administrative unit may petition the commissioner to waive the required proration of the state share pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1, paragraph C . [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).] C. If the article is approved by the voters at the budget meeting, the board of the school administrative unit may increase expenditures for the purposes approved in the article without holding a special budget meeting and budget validation referendum. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15916 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15916
20-A §15916. Federal construction aid
Status: in_force

The state board shall be the designated agency to administer any federal funds made available to assist in the construction of facilities for schools, educational programs or institutions of higher education. [PL 1987, c. 402, Pt. A, §135 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13302 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 504 / Section 13302
20-A §13302. Nomination and approval; contracts
Status: in_force

1. Employment of principals. The superintendent shall nominate principals for employment, subject to regulations established by the school board governing salaries and qualifications and the requirements of section 1001, subsection 13 . If the school board approves the nomination, the superintendent may employ a principal for a term not to exceed 3 years as determined by the school board. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]

2. Written contract. Employment of principals must be by written contract that includes, but is not limited to: A. The identification of the parties to the contract; [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] B. The responsibilities of the position; [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] C. The renewal or extension provisions; and [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]

D. The salary and benefits for the position. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15689-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15689-C
20-A §15689-C. Commissioner's recommendation for funding levels; computations
Status: in_force

1. Annual recommendations. Prior to January 20th of each fiscal year, the commissioner, with the approval of the state board, shall recommend to the Governor and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget the funding levels that the commissioner recommends for the purposes of this chapter on the basis of section 15671 . Beginning with the recommendations due in 2009, the commissioner’s annual recommendations must be in the form and manner described in subsection 4 . [PL 2015, c. 389, Pt. C, §8 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 489, §10 (AMD).]

2. Funding level computations. The following are the funding level computations that support the commissioner's funding level recommendations: A. The requested funding levels for the operating allocation under sections 15683 and 15683‑B ; [PL 2015, c. 54, §8 (AMD).] B. The requested funding levels for debt service under section 15683‑A , which are as follows: (1) The known obligations and estimates of anticipated principal and interest costs for the allocation year; (2) The expenditures for the insured value factor for the base year; (3) The level of lease payments and lease-purchase payments pursuant to section 15672, subsection 2‑A for the year prior to the allocation year; and (4) Funds allocated by the state board for new school construction projects funded in the current fiscal year; [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §61 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] C. The requested funding levels for adjustments under section 15689 , which must be computed by estimating costs for the allocation year; [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. C, §16 (AMD).] D. The requested funding levels for miscellaneous costs under section 15689‑A ; [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. C, §16 (AMD).] E. The requested funding levels for the costs of enhancing student performance and opportunity under section 15688‑A ; and [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. C, §17 (NEW).] F. The normal costs of teacher retirement pursuant to Title 5, section 17154, subsection 6 . [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. C, §17 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 54, §8 (AMD).]

3. Guidelines for updating other subsidizable costs. The commissioner's recommendation for updating percentages to bring base year actual costs to the equivalent of one-year-old costs may not exceed the average of the 2 most recent percentages of annual increase in the Consumer Price Index. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §61 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

4. Guidelines for updating adjustments and miscellaneous costs. The commissioner's recommendations regarding the adjustments and miscellaneous costs components as set forth in subsection 2 also must delineate each amount that is recommended for each subsection and paragraph under sections 15689 and 15689‑A and the purposes for each cost in these sections. For each amount shown in the commissioner's recommendations, the commissioner's recommendation must also show the amount for the same component or purpose that is included in the most recently approved state budget, the differences between the amounts in the most recently approved state budget and the commissioner's recommendations and the reasons for the changes. [PL 2009, c. 275, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 2
20-A §2. Policy on public education
Status: in_force

The state policy on public education is as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. State responsibility for public education. In accordance with the Constitution of Maine, Article VIII, the Legislature shall enact the laws that are necessary to assure that all school administrative units make suitable provisions for the support and maintenance of the public schools. It is the intent of the Legislature that every person within the age limitations prescribed by state statutes shall be provided an opportunity to receive the benefits of a free public education. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Local control of public education. It is the intent of the Legislature that the control and management of the public schools shall be vested in the legislative and governing bodies of local school administrative units, as long as those units are in compliance with appropriate state statutes. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Mandated programs. [PL 1991, c. 847, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3636 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3636
20-A §3636. Appropriation
Status: in_force

The interstate board of directors shall present the budget report at the annual meeting. The interstate district shall appropriate a sum of money for the support of its schools and for the discharge of its obligations for the ensuing fiscal year. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1004 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 1004
20-A §1004. Conflict of interest; contracts
Status: in_force

A contract made by a school board shall follow the requirement of Title 30-A, section 2605 . [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§35, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8,10 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2351 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 111 / Section 2351
20-A §2351. School district meetings
Status: in_force

1. District meetings. Where the inhabitants and territory of a single municipality constitute an incorporated school district, and the charter of the district contains no provisions for the calling and holding of meetings of the district, meetings of the school district shall be called by the municipal officers, in the manner provided by law for the calling of town meetings, on written request signed by trustees or other executive officers of the district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Municipal meetings. A lawfully called meeting of the inhabitants of the municipality shall be a lawful meeting of the school district for the transaction of school district business. If the business of the school district has been transacted at a lawfully called meeting of the inhabitants, the meeting is declared to be a legal and valid meeting of the school district, and all votes passed and all actions taken at that meeting which would have been legal had the meeting been a lawfully called meeting of the school district, are ratified and declared legal. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1354 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1354
20-A §1354. Reconsideration
Status: in_force

The procedure to reconsider votes taken at a district referendum shall be as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Time limit. The board of directors shall, within 60 days, initiate a new district referendum to reconsider the vote of the previous referendum if, within 7 days of the first referendum, at least 10% of the number of voters voting for the gubernatorial candidates in the last gubernatorial election in the municipalities within the district petition to reconsider a prior district referendum vote. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Required quorum. A reconsideration referendum is not valid unless the number of persons voting in that referendum is at least equal to the number who voted in the prior district referendum. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Bond. If the margin of the vote being reconsidered was between 10% and 25%, the petitioners shall post a bond with the petition equal to the actual and reasonable costs of the new referendum. If the margin of the vote being reconsidered exceeded 25%, the petitioners shall post an additional bond equal to the actual and reasonable costs which may be incurred as a result of the delay of an authorization or approval granted in the prior district referendum. If the petitioners are successful, the bonds shall be canceled. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6902-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6902-A
20-A §6902-A. Postsecondary services
Status: in_force

The corporation shall provide services, in accordance with this section and for the purpose of significantly increasing the percentage of eligible students who obtain a postsecondary degree, to postsecondary institutions in the State to assist students in completing a postsecondary course of study. [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).]

1. "Eligible student" defined. As used in this section, "eligible student" means a student who: A. Has previously been enrolled in a high school program administered by the corporation; [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).] B. Has been in or currently is in foster care; or [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).] C. Has earned a high school equivalency diploma through an alternative program within the previous 5 years. [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).]

2. Student services. The corporation shall: A. Provide academic and social mentoring and counseling to eligible students, including monitoring of academic performance and connection to campus life; [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).] B. Assist each eligible student in developing an individualized academic plan for completing a course of study and consider each eligible student's individual academic needs and provide connections to sources of academic support, if necessary; [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).] C. Develop a system of peer mentoring between eligible students and other college students and between eligible students and college graduates; and [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).] D. Provide eligible students with financial guidance relating to postsecondary expenses, including assisting eligible students in obtaining all available sources of financial aid. [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 466, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8401
20-A §8401. Career and technical education centers
Status: in_force

1. Centers established. A career and technical education center must be operated in the following school administrative units and must serve its affiliated units: A. Augusta; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] B. Biddeford; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] C. Calais; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] D. Lewiston; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] E. Machias; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] F. Portland; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] G. Sanford; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] H. Waterville; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] I. Westbrook; [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] J. School Administrative District No. 46 (Dexter, Exeter, Garland and Ripley); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] K. Regional School Unit No. 1 (Arrowsic, Bath, Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] L. Regional School Unit No. 9 doing business as School Administrative District No. 9 (Chesterville, Farmington, Industry, New Sharon, New Vineyard, Temple, Vienna, Weld and Wilton); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] M. Regional School Unit No. 24 (Eastbrook, Ellsworth, Franklin, Gouldsboro, Hancock, Lamoine, Mariaville, Sorrento, Steuben, Sullivan, Waltham and Winter Harbor); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] N. Regional School Unit No. 39 (Caribou, Limestone and Stockholm); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] O. Regional School Unit No. 54 doing business as School Administrative District No. 54 (Canaan, Cornville, Mercer, Norridgewock, Skowhegan and Smithfield); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] P. Regional School Unit No. 61 doing business as School Administrative District No. 61 (Bridgton, Casco, Naples and Sebago); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] Q. Regional School Unit No. 79 doing business as School Administrative District No. 1 (Castle Hill, Chapman, Mapleton, Presque Isle and Westfield); [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] R. Regional School Unit No. 88 doing business as School Administrative District No. 24 (Cyr Plantation, Hamlin and Van Buren); and [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] S. St. John Valley for Alternative Organizational Structure 62 (Madawaska and Grand Isle), School Administrative District No. 10 (Allagash), School Administrative District No. 27 (Eagle Lake, Fort Kent, New Canada, St. Francis, St. John Plantation, Wallagrass and Winterville Plantation) and Regional School Unit No. 33 doing business as School Administrative District No. 33 (Frenchville and St. Agatha). [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 679, §11 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7210 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7210
20-A §7210. Conflict of interest
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding Title 5, section 18, subsection 1, paragraph B , all members of the state-level advisory committee established under section 7209, subsection 2 and all employees, contractors, agents and other representatives of the state intermediate educational unit are deemed executive employees solely for purposes of Title 5, section 18 . The department shall provide training to participants to ensure compliance with conflict of interest requirements. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §30 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8301-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8301-A
20-A §8301-A. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1991, c. 518, §2 (NEW).]

1. Affiliated unit. "Affiliated unit" means a school administrative unit that is affiliated with another school administrative unit that operates a center. An affiliated school administrative unit may have its secondary students and middle school level students served by a center operated by a school administrative unit with which it is affiliated. An affiliated school administrative unit may also operate career and technical education satellite programs. [PL 2017, c. 171, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Articulation agreement. "Articulation agreement" means an agreement between a center or region and a postsecondary institution that: A. Sets forth a nonduplicative learning pathway for a specific program by which students have an opportunity to acquire a technical skill proficiency, a credential, a certificate or a degree; and [PL 2011, c. 679, §5 (NEW).] B. Includes a credit transfer agreement between the 2 institutions. [PL 2011, c. 679, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 679, §5 (NEW).]

2. Budget failure. "Budget failure" means the failure of a region, by August 1st of any fiscal year, to approve a budget for the region that is at least equal to the sum of the total allocations for career and technical education of the member school administrative units in the region. [PL 2003, c. 545, §1 (AMD).]

2-A. Career and technical education. "Career and technical education" means a course or program of education designed to create or improve job-related skills that is part of a secondary school or middle school level curriculum and approved by the commissioner according to this chapter. A school administrative unit shall make career and technical education available to persons residing in the school administrative unit who are eligible to receive free public secondary and middle school level education. [PL 2017, c. 171, §2 (AMD).]

3. Center. "Center" means an administrative entity established pursuant to this chapter that provides career and technical education to secondary students and middle school level students. Unless otherwise specifically provided for by this chapter, a center is governed, operated and administered by a single school administrative unit. A center shall make its programs available to serve secondary students and middle school level students from school administrative units with which it is affiliated. A center may include within its administrative structure career and technical education satellite programs operated by school administrative units with which it is affiliated. [PL 2017, c. 171, §3 (AMD).]

3-A. Middle school level. "Middle school level" has the same meaning as in section 15672, subsection 20 . [PL 2017, c. 171, §4 (NEW).]

4. Municipality. "Municipality" has the same meaning as in section 15672, subsection 21 . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §23 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

5. Parent. [PL 2011, c. 679, §6 (RP).]

6. Region. "Region" means a quasi-municipal corporation established by the Legislature to provide career and technical education to secondary students and middle school level students that is comprised of all the school administrative units within the geographical boundaries set forth for each career and technical education region in section 8451 . A region is governed by a cooperative board formed and operating in accordance with this chapter. [PL 2017, c. 171, §5 (AMD).]

7. Residence. "Residence" means, with reference to a person's eligibility to receive career and technical education, the school administrative unit in which is located the legal residence of the person's parent if the person has not reached 18 years of age, the legal residence of the person after the person reaches 18 years of age or the legal residence of the person after the person becomes an emancipated minor. A federal reservation is considered part of the school administrative unit in which it is located. [RR 2003, c. 2, §42 (COR).]

8. Satellite program. "Satellite program" means a program providing career and technical education to secondary students and middle school level students that is operated, under section 8403‑A , by a school administrative unit affiliated with a center. [PL 2017, c. 171, §5 (AMD).]

9. State subsidy. "State subsidy" has the same meaning as in section 15672, subsection 31‑A . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §23 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

10. Unit. "Unit" means a school administrative unit. [PL 1991, c. 518, §2 (NEW).]

11. Vocational education. [PL 2003, c. 545, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1002 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 1002
20-A §1002. Prohibited appointments and employment
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to members of a school board. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Employee" means a person who receives ongoing monetary payment or benefits for personal services performed for a school administrative unit. [PL 2021, c. 242, §1 (AMD).] A-1. "Stipend employee" means a person who receives limited monetary payment or benefits, through a series of payments or in a lump sum, for personal services performed in an advisory, mentoring or coaching capacity for a school administrative unit. [PL 2021, c. 242, §2 (NEW).] B. "Volunteer" means a person who performs personal services for a school administrative unit without monetary payment or benefits of any kind or amount. [PL 1999, c. 128, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 242, §§1, 2 (AMD).]

2. Employment by school administrative unit, school union, academy. A member of a school board or spouse of a member may not be an employee in a public school within the jurisdiction of the school board to which the member is elected or in a contract high school or academy located within a supervisory union in which the member is a representative on the union committee. A. [PL 2021, c. 242, §3 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §1002, sub-§2, ¶A (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 242, §3 (AMD).]

2-A. Volunteer placement by school administrative unit, school union, academy. A member of a school board or member's spouse may not serve as a volunteer when that volunteer has primary responsibility for a curricular, cocurricular or extracurricular program or activity and reports directly to the superintendent, principal, athletic director or other school administrator in a public school within the jurisdiction of the school board to which the member is elected or in a contract high school or academy located within a supervisory union in which the member is a representative on the school committee. Volunteer activities of a member of a school board or member's spouse, other than in roles that are prohibited by this subsection, may be prescribed by policies developed and approved by the school board of the school administrative unit. [PL 1999, c. 128, §3 (NEW).]

2-B. Permissive volunteer placement by school administrative unit, school union, academy. [PL 2021, c. 242, §4 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §1002, sub-§2-B (RP).]

3. Appointment to civil office and other employment. A school board member may not, during the term for which the member serves on the board and for one year after the member ceases to serve on the board, be appointed to any civil office of profit or employment position, which has been created or the compensation of which has been increased by the action of the school board during the time the member serves on the board. [PL 1991, c. 196 (AMD).]

4. Employees serving on school boards in school unions. An employee or the spouse of an employee of a school administrative unit may not serve on the school board of another school administrative unit when the 2 school administrative units are members of the same school union and have the same superintendent of schools. [PL 1995, c. 174, §1 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 174, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15913 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15913
20-A §15913. School bus shelters
Status: in_force

[PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Placement. School bus shelters for school children, when approved by the school board of the unit in which they are located, may be placed or maintained outside the right-of-way and at least 33 feet from the center line of a highway. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Requirement. A shelter shall be: A. Constructed of steel or other durable material with concrete floor raised above ground level; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. Kept clean, well painted or otherwise suitably maintained at all times; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. Kept free from snow. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Removal. The school board may order its removal if it does not meet these requirements. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8404 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8404
20-A §8404. Center advisory committee
Status: in_force

Each center must have an advisory committee responsible for advising the career and technical education director concerning the provision of career and technical education by the center. [RR 2003, c. 2, §58 (COR).]

1. Membership. Membership on the advisory committee consists of: A. The superintendent of each unit governing or affiliated with the center or the superintendent's designee; [PL 1991, c. 518, §15 (AMD).] B. A member of the school board for each unit governing or affiliated with the center, chosen by that school board; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §15 (AMD).] C. If approved by the school board of each unit governing or affiliated with the center, representatives, on either a voting or nonvoting basis, of private secondary schools approved for tuition purposes and served by the center. [PL 1991, c. 518, §15 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §15 (AMD).]

2. Meetings. The advisory committee shall meet at least 6 times per calendar year. [PL 1991, c. 518, §15 (AMD).]

3. Duties. The advisory committee: A. Shall advise and assist the center and its satellite programs in the preparation and submission of an annual report on the center and satellite programs to the commissioner and to each municipality served by the center or satellite programs; [PL 1991, c. 518, §15 (AMD).] B. Shall develop a cooperative agreement delineating the duties and powers of the advisory committee. A cooperative agreement or any amendment to the agreement must be ratified by the school board of each unit or affiliated unit served by the center. A cooperative agreement must be reviewed annually by the advisory committee and submitted by the center and its affiliated units to 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 a core credit toward a high school diploma for each of the school administrative units governing or affiliated with the center; and [PL 2023, c. 247, §2 (AMD).] C. [PL 2011, c. 679, §15 (RP).] D. May devise a formula for sharing costs of the center among the member units served by that center. Such a formula or any amendment to the formula must be ratified by the school board of each unit or affiliated unit served by the center. Any such unit may withdraw, subject to obligations incurred by the unit for any debt issued previously by or for the benefit of the center, from such a cost-sharing formula at the end of any fiscal year following one year's written notice to all other units served by the center. Following withdrawal by such a unit, the center shall, if the unit wishes, continue to serve that unit under a financial arrangement approved by the center that does not assess the unit a per pupil assessment that exceeds the per pupil assessments of the other participating units. [PL 2011, c. 679, §15 (AMD).] E. [PL 2011, c. 679, §15 (RP).] F. [PL 2011, c. 679, §15 (RP).] G. [PL 2011, c. 679, §15 (RP).] H. [PL 2011, c. 679, §15 (RP).] [PL 2023, c. 247, §2 (AMD).]

4. Cost-sharing agreement; amend. The commissioner may approve an amendment to the cost-sharing agreement of a career and technical education center, adopted by the participating school units, that provides that the costs of the career and technical education center must be reallocated among the participating school units for the purposes of calculating the state subsidy to those units for not more than 2 years in order to ease the transition to a new cost-sharing agreement. [PL 1999, c. 226, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12701 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12701
20-A §12701. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

1. Administrative council. [PL 2017, c. 179, §2 (RP).]

2. Board of trustees. "Board of trustees" means the board of trustees of the system. [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

3. President. "President" means the president of a community college. [PL 1989, c. 443, §32 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

4. President of the system. "President of the system" means the President of the Maine Community College System. [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

4-A. Presidents' council. "Presidents' council" means the advisory council of the system as established in section 12713 . [PL 2017, c. 179, §3 (NEW).]

5. College. "College" means a community college as established in section 12714 . [PL 1989, c. 443, §32 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

6. System. "System" means the Maine Community College System. [PL 1989, c. 443, §32 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

7. Maine Community College System Office. "Maine Community College System Office" means the office of the president of the system, together with the offices of supporting staff, as established in section 12710 . [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12525 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-A / Section 12525
20-A §12525. Maximum loan repayment; participation
Status: in_force

The maximum program loan repayment amount available to each eligible individual, excluding the employer's match under section 12526 , is $2,500 per year, for a maximum of 4 years. No more than 10 program loan repayment agreements may be awarded in any year. The authority may not award more than 40% of the program loan repayment agreements in any one year to individuals who are eligible under the provisions of section 12521, subsection 5, paragraph B . [PL 2003, c. 710, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3653 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3653
20-A §3653. New Hampshire state aid
Status: in_force

A New Hampshire school district shall be entitled to receive an amount of state aid for operating expenditures as though its share of the interstate district's expenses were the expenses of the New Hampshire member district, and as though the New Hampshire member district pupils attending the interstate school were attending a New Hampshire cooperative school district's school. The state aid shall be paid to the New Hampshire 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. § 19106 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 9 / Chapter 801 / Section 19106
20-A §19106. Governor's funding level recommendation
Status: in_force

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget shall annually certify to the Legislature the funding level that the Governor recommends for the annual learning technology plan. The Governor's recommendations must be transmitted to the Legislature within the time schedules set forth by Title 5, section 1666 . [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3638 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3638
20-A §3638. Share of Maine member district
Status: in_force

The interstate board shall certify the share of a Maine member district of the total appropriation to the school board of each member district which shall add such sum to the amount appropriated by the member district itself for the ensuing year and raise such sum in the same manner as though the appropriation had been voted at a school district meeting of the member district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 213 / Section 5201
20-A §5201. Age
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (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 or, with the consent of the school board, as a part-time student, in the public elementary and secondary schools where the student resides as defined in section 5202 . The school year, for the purpose of this subsection, is defined as starting on July 1st and ending on the following June 30th. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §11 (AMD).]

2. Minimum ages. The following are minimum ages necessary for student enrollment in a school administrative unit. A. [PL 1993, c. 201, §1 (RP).] B. A person who will be at least 5 years old on October 15th of the school year may enroll in school. [PL 1993, c. 201, §1 (AMD).] C. 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 2007, c. 141, §12 (AMD).] [PL 2007, c. 141, §12 (AMD).]

3. Exceptions. The following are exceptions to this section. A. War veterans who have not completed high school before their 18th birthday may enroll in the public schools in the school administrative units where they reside until they graduate or until the end of the school year in which they reach the age of 25. [PL 1983, c. 704, §2 (AMD).] 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 the school administrative unit where the parent or guardian become residents. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. A person who was enrolled in kindergarten in this State under paragraph B , may enroll in grade one upon satisfactory completion of kindergarten. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (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 the school administrative unit where the parent or guardian becomes a resident. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. The eligibility for a child with a disability is governed by section 7001, subsection 1‑A . [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §12 (AMD).] F. [PL 2017, c. 381, §3 (AMD); MRSA T. 20-A §5201, sub-§3, ¶F (RP).] [PL 2017, c. 381, §3 (AMD).]

4. Rules. A school board may adopt rules to carry out this chapter. [PL 1983, c. 806, §55 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2412-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 112 / Section 2412-A
20-A §2412-A. Audits
Status: in_force

1. External audit. A public charter school shall adhere to generally accepted accounting principles and shall annually engage an external auditor to do an independent audit of the public charter school's finances. The public charter school shall submit the audit to its authorizer and to the department. The audit must include the following: A. An accounting of all revenues and expenditures; [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] B. A determination of whether proper budgetary controls are in place; [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] C. A determination of whether the annual financial data submitted to the authorizer and to the department is correct; [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] D. An audit of any federal programs in accordance with applicable federal law; and [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] E. Any other information that the commissioner requires. [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).]

2. Fiscal year. The fiscal year of an audit is from July 1st to June 30th, except that audits of federal programs must conform to federal requirements. [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).]

3. Auditors. Audits must be conducted by qualified certified public accountants or public accountants licensed by the Board of Accountancy. [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).]

4. Initial report to commissioner. On or before November 1st, a public charter school shall provide the commissioner with: A. A written determination of whether proper budgetary controls are in place; [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] B. A written determination of whether the annual financial data submitted to the department is correct, including submission of an audited reconciliation of the annual financial data prepared and certified by the external auditor; and [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] C. A written determination as to whether the public charter school has complied with applicable provisions of the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act. [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).]

5. Records. A public charter school shall keep financial records and accounts for 7 years after the end of the fiscal year and shall make them available to the external auditor and any other person upon request. [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).]

6. Report to commissioner. Within 6 months after the end of an audit under subsection 1 , a public charter school shall provide the commissioner with: A. An audit report; [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] B. An accounting of all revenues and expenditures; [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] C. Written assurance that the audit has been conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal laws relating to financial and compliance audits; and [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] D. Any other information that the commissioner requires. [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).]

7. Corrective action plan. The commissioner shall review the annual audit under subsection 1 of a public charter school and determine if the public charter school should develop a corrective action plan for any audit issues specified in the annual audit. A corrective action plan must address those audit findings and management comments and recommendations that have been identified by the commissioner, and the plan must be filed within the timeline established by the commissioner. The public charter school shall provide assurances to the commissioner that the public charter school has implemented its corrective action plan within the timeline established by the commissioner. If the public charter school has not met the conditions for filing a corrective action plan or providing assurances that the public charter school has implemented the plan, the commissioner may withhold monthly subsidy payments from the public charter school in accordance with section 6801-A . [PL 2011, c. 570, §18 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4008 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4008
20-A §4008. Privileged communications
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Client" means a person who has actively sought or is in the process of seeking professional help from a school counselor or school social worker. [PL 1989, c. 396, §1 (AMD).] B. "School counselor" means a person who is employed as a school counselor in a school setting and who: (1) Is certified as a school counselor by the department; or (2) Possesses a minimum of a master's degree in an approved program in guidance and counseling. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. "School social worker" means a person who is employed as a school social worker in a school setting and who: (1) Is licensed as a social worker by the State Board of Social Worker Licensure; or (2) Possesses a bachelor's degree and has been granted a conditional license from the State Board of Social Worker Licensure. [PL 1989, c. 396, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 396, §§1, 2 (AMD).]

2. Privileged communication. A school counselor or school social worker may not be required, except as provided by this section, to divulge or release information gathered during a counseling relation with a client or with the parent, guardian or a person or agency having legal custody of a minor client. A counseling relation and the information resulting from it shall be kept confidential consistent with the professional obligations of the counselor or social worker. [PL 1989, c. 396, §3 (AMD).]

3. Exceptions. This section shall not apply to the extent that disclosure of information is necessary: A. To comply with Title 22, chapter 1071 ; and [PL 1983, c. 781, §1 (AMD).] B. To report to an appropriate authority or to take appropriate emergency measure when: (1) The client's condition requires others to assume responsibility for the client; or (2) There is clear and imminent danger to the client or others. [PL 1983, c. 806, §42 (AMD).] [PL 1983, c. 806, §42 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6974 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 229 / Section 6974
20-A §6974. Collaborative agreement
Status: in_force

1. Duration of collaborative agreement. A collaborative agreement that has been ratified pursuant to section 6973 is valid for the fiscal year beginning July 1st following the ratification vote and ends June 30th of the calendar year that coincides with the expiration date included in the collaborative agreement. [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).]

2. Renewal of collaborative partnership. A collaborative partnership may be renewed only upon ratification by a majority of the members of the governing body of each publicly supported educational institution involved in the collaborative partnership in accordance with this chapter. [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13601 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 507 / Section 13601
20-A §13601. Sick leave
Status: in_force

1. Minimum annual sick leave. A school administrative unit shall grant all certified teachers, except substitute teachers as defined by the commissioner, a minimum annual sick leave of 10 school days, cumulative to a minimum of 90 school days, without loss of salary. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Transferrance of sick leave. A school administrative unit which employs certified teachers who have accumulated sick leave in the teacher's immediately previous position in a public school system within the State shall accept up to 20 days of that sick leave for transfer to the employing school administrative unit. This sick leave shall be credited and made effective upon achieving continuing contract status in the employing unit, provided that: A. There shall have been no break in service in that teacher's public school employment within the State; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. The teacher was eligible to receive sick leave in the teacher's previous position at the time of the teacher's termination of employment. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §24 (COR).] [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §24 (COR).]

3. Alternate sick leave plans. The commissioner may approve another plan of sick leave which provides at least equal benefits to those of subsections 1 and 2 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Teachers' assistants and aides. Full-time teachers' assistants and teachers' aides shall be granted minimum annual sick leave of 10 school days. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Injuries caused by dangerous behavior. A school administrative unit may not count time away from work against a public school employee's accrued sick leave if the time away from work is due to an injury caused by dangerous behavior and a physician has determined that the public school employee is unable to work as a result of the injury sustained. For the purposes of this subsection, "dangerous behavior" has the same meaning as in section 6555, subsection 1, paragraph C . [PL 2019, c. 458, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 258-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 258-B
20-A §258-B. Air quality testing
Status: in_force

1. Petition percentage. A request for an inspection of schools to test air quality is subject to the criteria established in section 258‑A , except that a petition by 50% of the parents of the children of one school is sufficient to initiate an inspection by the commissioner. [PL 1995, c. 338, §1 (NEW).]

2. Notify citizens. The commissioner shall direct superintendents to notify any citizen who requests an inspection of school facilities of the petition process for requesting such an inspection under this section and section 258‑A . [PL 1995, c. 338, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417 / Section 11401
20-A §11401. General provisions
Status: in_force

1. Purpose. The purpose of this subchapter is to allow the authority to continue a student loan insurance program, meeting certain federal requirements, in order to secure loans to students attending institutions of higher education, including career and technical education training institutions, and to parents of these students, in accordance with the Constitution of Maine, Article VIII, Part First, Section 2. [RR 2003, c. 2, §67 (COR).]

2. Definitions. As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).] B. "Chief executive officer" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).] [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5153 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5153
20-A §5153. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall establish rules to implement this subchapter by January 1987. [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9932 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 335 / Section 9932
20-A §9932. Network established; administration; composition
Status: in_force

The Maine Green Schools Network is established within the department to support environmental education and initiatives within public schools and school administrative units as described in section 9933. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]

1. Administration. The department shall administer the network. In administering the network, the department may collaborate with the following entities: A. A nonprofit organization in this State that supports environmental awareness, accountability and action through fostering youth leadership, supporting educators, prioritizing research and evaluation, shifting culture and advancing transformational policy; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] B. Other state agencies; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] C. Tribal governments; and [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] D. Nonprofit organizations that support environmental, outdoor and climate learning programs, traditional ecological knowledge, local procurement and other experiential learning initiatives in public schools and school administrative units. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]

2. Network composition. The department may, subject to availability of funds, invite the following individuals to participate in the network: A. The director of green schools within the department; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] B. The climate education specialist within the department; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] C. The Wabanaki studies specialist within the department; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] D. One educator with experience teaching in a public elementary or secondary school in the State; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] E. One school administrator employed at a school administrative unit in the State; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] F. A member of the public; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] G. A representative from a climate education nonprofit organization; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] H. A representative from a career and technical school; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] I. A representative from the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future with expertise in youth engagement or climate education; and [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] J. A representative from the Department of Environmental Protection. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).] The department may invite additional individuals or organizations to participate in the network. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12001-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 423 / Section 12001-A
20-A §12001-A. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1989, c. 698, §26 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1989, c. 698, §26 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

2. Chief executive officer. "Chief executive officer" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1989, c. 76 (AFF); PL 1989, c. 698, §26 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9102 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 320 / Section 9102
20-A §9102. Report
Status: in_force

1. Grant recipient report. In each year in which a local education provider receives a grant pursuant to section 9101 for an innovative instruction and tutoring program plan submitted pursuant to section 9101, subsection 3 , the local education provider shall submit a report to the department. The report must include: A. The number of students who are participating in the innovative instruction and tutoring program, including demographic information; [PL 2021, c. 632, §1 (NEW).] B. Any adjustments made to the innovative instruction and tutoring program plan and the reason for those adjustments; [PL 2021, c. 632, §1 (NEW).] C. How the local education provider maintained consistent access for participating students to instruction in the core curriculum and other instruction; [PL 2021, c. 632, §1 (NEW).] D. How grants were used by the local education provider and a summary of other resources used; [PL 2021, c. 632, §1 (NEW).] E. The student outcomes associated with the innovative instruction and tutoring program; and [PL 2021, c. 632, §1 (NEW).] F. Whether the innovative instruction and tutoring program will continue in the following school year and, if not, the reason the innovative instruction and tutoring program will not continue. [PL 2021, c. 632, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 632, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3654 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3654
20-A §3654. Continued existence of New Hampshire member school district
Status: in_force

A New Hampshire member school district shall continue in existence, and shall have all of the powers and be subject to all of the obligations imposed by law and not herein delegated to the interstate district. If the interstate district incorporates only a part of the schools in the member school district, then the school board of the member school district shall continue in existence and shall have all of the powers and be subject to all of the obligations imposed by law on it and not herein delegated to the district. However, if all of the schools in the member school district are incorporated into the interstate school district, then the member or members of the interstate board representing the member district shall have all of the powers and be subject to all of the obligations imposed by law on the members of a school board for the member district and not herein delegated to the interstate district. The New Hampshire member school district shall remain liable on its existing indebtedness; and the interstate school district shall not become liable therefor, unless the indebtedness is specifically assumed in accordance with the articles of agreement. Any trust funds or capital reserve funds and any property not taken over by the interstate district shall be retained by the New Hampshire member district and held or disposed of according to law. If all of the schools in a member district are incorporated into an interstate district, then no annual meeting of the member district shall be required unless the members of the interstate board from the member district shall determine that there is occasion for such an annual meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6357 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6357
20-A §6357. Records; report
Status: in_force

1. Record keeping. Each superintendent shall keep uniform records of the immunizations and immunization status of each child based on the certificate of immunization, other acceptable evidence and other available documents. The records shall be part of the child's permanent education records. These records shall be confidential, except that state and local health personnel shall have access to them in connection with an emergency, as provided by the United States Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-380, United States Code, Title 20, Section 1232g(b) (1) (I) and regulations adopted under that Act. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW).]

2. Annual report of immunization status. By December 15th of each year, each superintendent shall submit to the Director of the Bureau of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, and to the commissioner a summary report of immunization status of the children entering school, as prescribed by rule. [PL 1983, c. 661, §8 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8451-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8451-A
20-A §8451-A. Programs
Status: in_force

A region shall provide programs of career and technical education. Programs of career and technical education are eligible to receive state subsidy pursuant to chapters 606‑B and 609 . All programs of career and technical education offered by a region must be approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 8306‑B . The programs must offer a sequence of courses that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment in current or emerging occupations and may include training and education in academic and business skills preparing students to further their education at the community college or college level or allowing students to use trade and occupational skills on other than an employee basis. A region may also provide courses described in section 4722, subsection 2 , the successful completion of which satisfies the diploma requirements set forth in section 4722 . [PL 2013, c. 424, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6801-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6801-A
20-A §6801-A. Compliance with requirements
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall enforce the requirements of this Title as follows. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 24, 25 (NEW).]

1. Authority to withhold state subsidy. If, after giving due notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the commissioner finds that a school administrative unit or career and technical education region is not in compliance with the reporting, program or other requirements of this Title, the commissioner may withhold state subsidy from that unit or region. The withholding may continue only as long as necessary to achieve compliance. [PL 2021, c. 571, §12 (AMD).]

2. Authority to withhold state subsidy until reports are received. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a school administrative unit or career and technical education region has failed to file the reports required by this Title in the format and within the time periods specified, the commissioner may withhold state subsidy payments until these reports are received. [PL 2021, c. 571, §13 (AMD).]

3. Action by Attorney General. If compliance cannot be achieved by withholding subsidy payment, or if withholding would be an inappropriate or unavailable remedy, or if a school, school unit or career and technical education region is out of compliance with this Title and that school, school unit or career and technical education region is not eligible for state subsidy, the commissioner may refer the matter to the Attorney General for action. The Attorney General may seek injunctive relief to enjoin activities not in compliance with the governing law or seek any other remedy authorized by law. [PL 2021, c. 571, §14 (AMD).]

4. Other penalties. Nothing in this section precludes the commissioner from employing other penalties authorized in this Title or authorized or required by federal law. [PL 1989, c. 414, §19 (AMD).]

5. Complaint process. A person alleging that a school administrative unit or career and technical education region is not in compliance with the requirements of this Title or of rules adopted by the department may file a complaint pursuant to the requirements for a petition under section 258‑A . [PL 2021, c. 571, §15 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10205 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 10205
20-A §10205. Records
Status: in_force

ETLM shall keep records of all tests conducted and of all moneys received and disbursed by it. [PL 1983, c. 320, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12852 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 435 / Section 12852
20-A §12852. System designation
Status: in_force

The Area Health Education Center at the University of New England is designated as the system. The system operates statewide and consists of a program office at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and centers. The statewide consortium for health professions education and any regional area health education center that exists on the effective date of this chapter or any merged or successor entities of those agencies that meet federal area health education center requirements may become part of the system by contractual agreement. [PL 2001, c. 352, §8 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6602-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6602-A
20-A §6602-A. Federal funding for school food service programs
Status: in_force

1. Condition of schools receiving state reimbursement for school lunch and school breakfast. A public school or a private school approved for tuition purposes that receives state funding under section 6602, subsection 1, paragraph B , D , H or I shall maximize the amount of federal reimbursement funds that the school receives in order to receive state funding equal to the difference between the federal reimbursement for a free regular breakfast and the federal reimbursement for a reduced-price regular breakfast and equal to the difference between the federal reimbursement for a free lunch and the federal reimbursement for a reduced-price lunch, and funding equal to the difference between the federal reimbursement for a free breakfast or lunch and the federal reimbursement for a full-price breakfast or lunch for each publicly funded student receiving breakfast or lunch. The public school or private school approved for tuition purposes, if eligible for any provisional school food service program, including, but not limited to, the community eligibility provision under the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Public Law 111-296, Section 104(a), shall maximize participation in that provisional school food service program. The department shall determine whether the school is maximizing federal reimbursement funds. [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. C, §5 (NEW).]

2. Department to communicate options to public schools and private schools to maximize federal funding. The department shall annually communicate school food service program options available to a public school or a private school approved for tuition purposes to the school for the school to maximize federal funding in the school food service program. The department may provide technical assistance to a public school or a private school approved for tuition purposes and may contract with a 3rd-party entity. [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. C, §5 (NEW).]

3. School not eligible for state funding if school does not participate in National School Lunch Program or provisional school food service program if eligible. A public school or a private school approved for tuition purposes that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program in accordance with 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 210 (2007) and does not participate in any provisional school food service program, if eligible, or that chooses a provisional school food service program option other than a school food service program option communicated to the public school or private school approved for tuition purposes under subsection 2 by the department may not receive state funding equal to the difference between the federal reimbursement for a free breakfast and the federal reimbursement for a reduced-price breakfast and equal to the difference between the federal reimbursement for a free lunch and the federal reimbursement for a reduced-price lunch, and funding equal to the difference between the federal reimbursement for a free breakfast or lunch and the federal reimbursement for a full-price breakfast or lunch for each publicly funded student receiving breakfast or lunch. [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. C, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4515 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4515
20-A §4515. Accreditation; evaluation and recommendation
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall confer accreditation to those schools which meet established accreditation standards in accordance with the procedures established by rule. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 20, 25 (NEW).]

A school may not be accredited until it has been evaluated and recommended for accreditation by an advisory committee of qualified personnel, including persons from outside the department. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 20, 25 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8453-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8453-A
20-A §8453-A. Membership on cooperative board
Status: in_force

1. Requirements. Each member of a cooperative board must: A. Represent a unit or group of units within the region; [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).] B. Represent a unit in which the member resides; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).] C. Represent approximately the same number of persons residing within the region as each other member of the cooperative board or, by means of weighted voting, cast a vote on the cooperative board that is approximately equal to the number of persons in the region represented by the member relative to the number of persons in the region as a whole. [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).]

2. Appointments by school boards. A person appointed to a cooperative board is not required to be a member of a school board that appoints that member to that cooperative board. [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).]

3. Conflicts of interest. A member of a cooperative board may not: A. Hold any office the duties of which are incompatible with those of a member of the cooperative board; [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).] B. During the term for which that member serves on the cooperative board and for one year thereafter, be appointed to any civil office of profit or employment position that is created or the compensation of which is increased by the action of the cooperative board during that term; or [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).] C. Be employed as a full-time employee of the region governed by the cooperative board to which the member has been appointed, nor may the spouse of a member be so employed. For purposes of this subsection, "full-time employee" means a person regularly employed on a weekly basis regardless of remuneration or the number of hours worked. [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).] A contract made by a cooperative board must comply with the requirements of Title 30-A, section 2605 . [PL 1991, c. 518, §21 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10905 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10905
20-A §10905. Treasurer; compensation
Status: in_force

The trustees shall appoint a full-time treasurer of the university. The treasurer shall give bond for the faithful performance of the duties of the office in an amount and with such conditions and sureties as the trustees may determine. The compensation of the treasurer shall be set by the trustees. [PL 1983, c. 862, §65 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15670 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15670
20-A §15670. Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter may be known and cited as "the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act." [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 312 / Section 8201
20-A §8201. School established
Status: in_force

The Maine School of Science and Mathematics is established as a public magnet school pursuant to this chapter for the purpose of providing certain high-achieving high school students with a challenging educational experience. The school is a body politic and corporate and is an instrumentality and agency of the State. The exercise by the school of the powers conferred by this chapter is the performance of an essential public function by and on behalf of the State. [PL 2011, c. 473, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 852 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 852
20-A §852. Construction of statewide network
Status: in_force

1. Authority. The University of Maine System may acquire real estate, construct, operate, manage and equip radio, transmission and microwave television facilities and interconnect with any other radio or television network or station within or without this State for the purpose of providing a statewide public broadcasting network for the transmission of public broadcasting to pupils in the schools, colleges, university and adult audiences throughout the State. [PL 1985, c. 779, §44 (AMD).]

2. Contracts. The University of Maine System may enter into contracts for the construction of those facilities, contracts for personal services necessary for the management and operation of those facilities and any other contracts deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 1985, c. 779, §44 (AMD).]

3. Transfer of assets and liabilities. The University of Maine System may transfer any assets and liabilities acquired pursuant to this section in order to unify operation in a nonprofit, nonstock private corporation, referred to in this section as "the corporation." The University of Maine System retains a reversionary interest in the university's assets as provided for in the articles of incorporation of that corporation. An annual appropriation for operating, constructing, equipping, maintaining, improving and replacing facilities of the corporation must be made in amounts sufficient to ensure delivery of broadcast sources throughout the State. [PL 2009, c. 62, §1 (AMD).]

4. Condition of funding. As a condition of receiving an appropriation or allocation of state funds to broadcast throughout the State, the corporation shall continue to operate, equip and maintain facilities used to provide signals identified under paragraphs A and B that were in operation on February 1, 2009 or an equivalent network providing equivalent or expanded broadcast coverage throughout the State: A. A television broadcast signal originating from stations whose community of license is Presque Isle, Calais, Orono, Augusta and Biddeford; and [PL 2009, c. 62, §2 (NEW).] B. A radio broadcast signal originating from stations whose community of license is Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Calais, Bangor, Waterville, Camden and Portland. [PL 2009, c. 62, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 62, §2 (NEW).]

5. Failure to meet funding conditions. If the corporation fails to meet the requirements of subsection 4 during any state fiscal year in which an appropriation or allocation has been made, the corporation shall return the full amount of that appropriation or allocation to the Treasurer of State within 15 business days of the beginning of the next state fiscal year. [PL 2009, c. 62, §3 (NEW).]

6. Exceptions. The corporation does not fail to meet the requirements of subsection 4 if: A. One or more of the broadcast signals described in subsection 4, paragraphs A and B is off the air for a period of time due to a reason outside of the control of the corporation; or [PL 2009, c. 62, §4 (NEW).] B. All of the television broadcast signals or all of the radio broadcast signals are off the air for an equal period of time for any reason. [PL 2009, c. 62, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 62, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 257-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 257-A
20-A §257-A. Department of Education diploma
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall issue a Department of Education diploma to a student who qualifies for the diploma pursuant to this section. A Department of Education diploma has the same legal status as a diploma awarded by a school administrative unit. [PL 2013, c. 439, §2 (NEW).]

1. Eligibility to apply for diploma. A student is eligible to apply for a Department of Education diploma if that student is unable to satisfy the requirements for a diploma from a school administrative unit because the student experienced one or more education disruptions during the student's educational history. [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Eligibility for students impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the eligibility requirements in subsection 1 , a student is eligible to apply for a Department of Education diploma if that student is a 4th year secondary school student and is unable to satisfy the requirements for a diploma from a school administrative unit because the student experienced a significant interruption to the student's education as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic and civil emergency. [PL 2025, c. 312, §1 (AMD).]

1-B. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Community provider" has the same meaning as in section 5161, subsection 1‑B . [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (NEW).] B. "Education disruption" has the same meaning as in section 5161, subsection 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (NEW).] C. "Responsible school" has the same meaning as in section 5161, subsection 5‑A and includes a school identified pursuant to section 5163, subsection 6 . [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (NEW).] D. "Student experiencing homelessness" has the same meaning as in section 5161, subsection 11 . [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (NEW).]

1-C. Exception for disruption to student's education conditions. A student is eligible to apply for a Department of Education diploma if that student is at least a 4th year secondary school student and is unable to satisfy the requirements for a diploma from a school administrative unit because of a disruption to the student's education during the student's secondary school education history. A disruption to the student's education may include, but is not limited to, conditions described in section 5161, subsection 2‑A . [PL 2025, c. 312, §2 (NEW).]

2. Standard for awarding diploma. The commissioner shall issue a diploma under this section only to a student who completes the minimum requirements for a high school diploma pursuant to section 4722 . [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (AMD).]

3. Process. The responsible school shall provide support for and assist in the completion and submission to the commissioner of an application for a Department of Education diploma for any student who has experienced one or more education disruptions during the student's educational history on the request of the student's parent or guardian or on the request of the student if the student is at least 18 years of age or is a student experiencing homelessness. Community providers may also assist in the application process. The commissioner may require only information on an application necessary to show that the student has completed the minimum requirements for a high school diploma pursuant to section 4722 . The commissioner may not require additional information or an interview with the student. Evidence that a student has met these requirements may include, but is not limited to, transcripts, waivers, academic reports and school work recognition plans. The commissioner shall form a review team to review the provided evidence and to make a recommendation to the commissioner on the awarding of a diploma under this section. The review team may seek clarification of the evidence provided but may not impose additional requirements beyond those specified in the application. The commissioner shall make the final determination of eligibility for a diploma under this section. [PL 2021, c. 445, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15682 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15682
20-A §15682. Regional adjustment
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall make a regional adjustment in the total operating allocation for each school administrative unit determined pursuant to section 15683 . The regional adjustment must be based on the regional differences in teacher salary costs, for labor market areas in which the school administrative unit is located, as computed by a statewide education policy research institute, and must be applied only to appropriate teacher salary and benefits costs as calculated under section 15678 and salary and benefit costs of other school-level staff who are not teachers as calculated under section 15679 . Beginning in fiscal year 2012-13, and for each subsequent fiscal year, the commissioner shall make a regional adjustment in the total operating allocation for each school administrative unit determined pursuant to section 15683 . The regional adjustment must be based on the regional differences in teacher salary costs, for labor market areas in which the school administrative unit is located, as computed by a statewide education policy research institute, and must be applied only to appropriate teacher salary costs as calculated under section 15678 and salary costs of other school-level staff who are not teachers as calculated under section 15679 . [PL 2011, c. 419, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6052 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6052
20-A §6052. Federal audits
Status: in_force

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

1. A school board of a school administrative unit which accepts federal funds shall hire auditors and pay out of available school funds or from federally allocated sums for any audit of federal programs. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Report to commissioner. The auditor shall provide the commissioner with a copy of the audit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Use of audit. The commissioner may use these audits to provide the Federal Government with any information it requires. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12973 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 443 / Section 12973
20-A §12973. Autographs
Status: in_force

A student athlete may earn compensation from selling the student athlete's autograph in a manner that does not otherwise conflict with a provision of this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 544, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6623 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6623
20-A §6623. Marketing
Status: in_force

A teacher, athletic director, sports coach or other school official or employee may not sell, distribute or promote a performance-enhancing substance on the list of banned substances developed and maintained under section 6621 . A school may not accept a sponsorship from a manufacturer of a performance-enhancing substance on the list of banned substances. A person who violates this section is subject to sanctions as determined by the governing body with statutory powers and duties for the school administrative unit in which that person is employed or serving in a coaching or other official capacity. [PL 2005, c. 674, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12303 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 426 / Section 12303
20-A §12303. Nonlapsing fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund created. A nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund under the jurisdiction of the authority is created to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Any unexpended balance in the fund carries over for continued use under this chapter. The authority may receive, invest and expend, on behalf of the fund, money from gifts, grants, bequests and donations in addition to money appropriated or allocated by the State. Loan repayments under this chapter or other repayments to the authority must be invested by the authority, as provided by law, with the earned income to be added to the fund. Money received by the authority on behalf of the fund, except interest income, must be used for the designated purpose; interest income may be used for the designated purpose or to pay student financial assistance administrative costs incurred by the authority for the operation of the program. [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).]

2. Allocation of repayments. The authority may reallocate a portion of the annual loan repayments for the purpose of recruiting dentists for underserved population areas. That portion may be used: A. In accordance with criteria established by the authority, to encourage dentists to practice in underserved population areas; or [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] B. To repay education loans for the dental education of licensed dentists to enable the dentists to practice in underserved population areas. [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. NN, §4 (AFF); PL 1999, c. 496, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9502-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9502-A
20-A §9502-A. Complaints; license; refusal to renew; suspension; revocation
Status: in_force

The commissioner may investigate complaints involving a school including any allegation of noncompliance with or violation of this chapter and applicable rules. The commissioner shall promptly notify the Finance Authority of Maine of any complaints involving student financial assistance. After a hearing in conformance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV , the commissioner may amend or modify a license and may suspend or refuse to renew a license as provided in Title 5, section 10004 . [PL 1997, c. 771, §3 (NEW).]

The District Court may suspend or revoke the license of any person, partnership, association or corporation in violation of this chapter or any lawful order or rule issued by the department. [PL 1997, c. 771, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §78 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13103 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502-B / Section 13103
20-A §13103. Recommendations to State Board of Education
Status: in_force

The state board shall act on standards definitions or other recommendations within 60 days of presentation to the state board by the board. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6401-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6401-B
20-A §6401-B. Duties
Status: in_force

The school nurse consultant under section 6401‑A shall provide statewide nursing leadership, consultation and direction for coordinated school health care programs. The school nurse consultant shall: [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. DD, §3 (NEW).]

1. Liaison. Serve as a liaison and resource expert in school nursing and school health care program areas for local, regional, state and national school health care provider and policy-setting groups; [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. DD, §3 (NEW).]

2. Information. Monitor, interpret, synthesize and disseminate relevant information related to school health care trends, school nursing practice, health-related policy changes, legal issues in school nursing and school health care program implementation and professional development; [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. DD, §3 (NEW).]

3. Staff development. Foster and promote staff development for school nurses by planning and providing orientation, educational offerings and networking with universities and other providers of continuing education to meet identified needs; and [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. DD, §3 (NEW).]

4. Standards. Gather and analyze data relevant to the school health care program and monitor standards to promote school nursing excellence and optimal health of school children. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. DD, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6671 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6671
20-A §6671. Youth mental health first aid training
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit shall establish a youth mental health first aid training program for health educators in secondary schools in the unit pursuant to this section. [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]

1. Recipients of training. A school administrative unit shall schedule training for and ensure training is provided to health educators in secondary schools in the unit responsible for implementing health education pursuant to section 4723 . [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]

2. Providers of training. A school administrative unit shall ensure training is delivered by trainers who are properly certified by a national organization for behavioral health to provide training pursuant to subsection 3 . [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]

3. Content of training. The training provided pursuant to this section must be in compliance with a course of instruction in youth mental health first aid operated by the national organization for behavioral health under subsection 2 and include training on the skills, resources and knowledge necessary to assist students in crisis to connect with appropriate local mental health care services, training on mental health resources, including the location of local community mental health centers, and training on action plans and protocols for referral to such resources. Recipients of the training must also receive training to: A. Safely de-escalate crisis situations; [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).] B. Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, including such psychiatric conditions as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major clinical depression and anxiety disorders; and [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).] C. Timely refer students to mental health services in the early stages of their development of mental disorders to avoid subsequent behavioral health care and to enhance the effectiveness of mental health services. [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]

4. Available funding. A school administrative unit is required to meet the requirements of this section only if it has received funding specifically for this purpose from federal funding, private funding or other funding sources. [PL 2017, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7252-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7252-B
20-A §7252-B. Early intervention; special education services; approval
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall adopt or amend rules to define allowable early intervention and special education services and the qualifications of individuals who provide early intervention or special education services. Each intermediate educational unit, approved private school or state licensed agency providing early intervention services shall submit a report at such time and in such form as the commissioner may require. Each school administrative unit, approved private school or state licensed agency providing special education services shall submit a report at such time and in such form as the commissioner may require. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §32 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1482-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1482-B
20-A §1482-B. Annual budget meeting procedures
Status: in_force

The following procedures must be used at a regional school unit annual budget meeting. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).]

1. Election of moderator. The secretary of the regional school unit board or the chair of the regional school unit board when the secretary is absent shall open the annual budget meeting and call for the election of a moderator, receive and count votes for the moderator and swear in the moderator. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).]

2. Appointing ballot clerks. The moderator shall appoint from the certified voting list the ballot clerks necessary for the efficient operation of the annual budget meeting. The moderator shall swear in the clerks. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).]

3. Budget consideration. The superintendent of the regional school unit shall thoroughly explain the budget. The voters must have an opportunity to be heard. The voters may change only items dealing with: A. The expenses necessary to operate the regional school unit; [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).] B. Appropriations for the reserve fund; and [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).] C. Appropriations for the contingency fund and school construction purposes. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).]

4. Approval. A majority vote of those voters present and voting is necessary for the approval of the annual budget. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).]

5. Voting lists. Registration of voters for the annual budget meeting must be held in each member municipality in accordance with Title 21-A, section 122 . A. Prior to the annual budget meeting, the municipal clerks of the member municipalities shall supply to the regional school unit board certified corrected copies of the registered voters of their municipalities. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).] B. The certified corrected copies under paragraph A must be used in determining the voters who are eligible to vote at the annual budget meeting. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).]

6. Written ballot. An article must be voted on by written ballot if at least 10% of those present and voting vote to use a written ballot. The department, in consultation with municipal and school officials and with organizations representing those officials, shall develop and distribute guidelines to assist regional school unit annual budget meeting moderators in explaining and implementing this subsection. [PL 2007, c. 668, §18 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8101 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 311 / Section 8101
20-A §8101. Purpose
Status: in_force

The Legislature recognizes that gifted and talented students, who comprise approximately 3% to 5% of Maine's students, require differentiated education programs that are aligned with the system of learning results as established in section 6209 , beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to realize their educational potential and contribution to themselves and to society. [PL 2001, c. 454, §34 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8706 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 316 / Section 8706
20-A §8706. Rules
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall adopt rules to implement this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 505, §8 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 505, §22 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10009 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10009
20-A §10009. Regulation of public safety on college and university campuses
Status: in_force

1. Definition. As used in this section the following terms have the following meanings. A. "College or university" means any postsecondary educational institution, including: (1) Any degree-granting educational institution regulated under chapter 409 ; (2) Any university in the University of Maine System; (3) Any college in the Maine Community College System; and (4) The Maine Maritime Academy. [PL 2009, c. 170, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 170, §1 (NEW).]

2. Power to regulate. Nothing in Title 25, section 2011 limits the power of any college or university to regulate the possession of firearms on the property of the college or university. [PL 2009, c. 170, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12995 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 447 / Section 12995
20-A §12995. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

2. Eligible student loan. "Eligible student loan" means an undergraduate or graduate school student loan obtained for study at an accredited institution of higher education by a student eligible to receive assistance under a federal student assistance program authorized under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

3. Fund. "Fund" means the Maine Credentialed Workforce Program Fund established in section 12997 . [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

4. Priority occupation. "Priority occupation" means a profession needing skilled workers as identified by the authority in consultation with workforce experts and in the Department of Economic and Community Development publication "Maine Economic Development Strategy 2020-2029," or successor economic development strategy for the State. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

5. Program. "Program" means the Maine Credentialed Workforce Program established in section 12996 . [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12853 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 435 / Section 12853
20-A §12853. Mission
Status: in_force

The mission of the system is to improve the distribution, supply, quality, utilization and efficiency of health personnel in underserved geographical, cultural or medical specialty areas of the State by encouraging the regionalization and decentralization of educational responsibilities, and to develop culturally appropriate clinical curriculums at participating health professions schools. The system shall implement educational system incentives to attract and retain health care personnel in underserved areas and for underserved cultural groups through the: [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

1. Preceptorships. Development and implementation of preceptorships and other education programs in underserved areas and with underserved cultural groups; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

2. Recruitment. Development and implementation of strategies to recruit representatives from underserved geographical and cultural areas into the health professions; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

3. Retention. Development and implementation of strategies to encourage health professionals to practice and to remain in practice in underserved geographical, cultural and medical specialty areas; and [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

4. Linkage. Development and implementation of strategies to link cultural and educational resources of communities to the educational resources of participating health professions schools. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5052-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5052-A
20-A §5052-A. Attendance coordinators
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to attendance coordinators. [PL 1989, c. 415, §21 (NEW).]

1. Appointment. The following provisions apply to the appointment of attendance coordinators. A. A superintendent shall appoint an attendance coordinator or coordinators. [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).] B. Vacancies must be filled as they occur. [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).]

2. Qualifications. An attendance coordinator must be a professionally certified or registered person in the mental health, social welfare or educational system who is qualified to carry out the duties in accordance with rules to be established by the State Board of Education. [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).]

3. Duties. The duties of an attendance coordinator include, but are not limited to, the following: A. Interviewing a student whose attendance is irregular and meeting with the student and the parents to determine the cause of the irregular attendance and filing a written report with the principal; [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).] B. Filing an annual report with the superintendent summarizing school year activities, findings and recommendations regarding truants; [PL 2007, c. 143, §1 (AMD).] C. Serving as a member of the dropout prevention committee in accordance with section 5103 ; and [PL 2007, c. 143, §1 (AMD).] D. Serving as the liaison between the school and the local law enforcement agency in matters pertaining to student absenteeism under section 5001‑A . [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).]

4. Department assistance. The department shall provide technical assistance to school attendance coordinators for carrying out these duties, through the Office of Truancy, Dropout Prevention and Alternative Education. [PL 2011, c. 614, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4710-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4710-C
20-A §4710-C. Mobile learning lab
Status: in_force

1. Mobile learning lab. The department shall establish a mobile learning lab for science, technology, engineering and mathematics that will allow students in all areas of the State to engage in hands-on learning. The department may enter into a public-private partnership in the creation of the mobile learning lab. [PL 2023, c. 461, §1 (NEW).]

2. Rules. The department may adopt rules to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 461, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6653 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6653
20-A §6653. Rules
Status: in_force

The department may adopt rules governing this subchapter pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6454 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6454
20-A §6454. Oral health assessments
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services in implementing a grant program developed in accordance with Title 22, section 2128 to increase the provision of oral health assessments for children entering elementary school. A child whose parent objects in writing to an oral health assessment on religious grounds may not be assessed. [PL 2005, c. 653, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4016 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4016
20-A §4016. Minimum hourly wage for educational technicians and other school support staff
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Educational technician" has the same meaning as in section 13001‑A, subsection 8 . [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §1 (NEW).] B. "Other school support staff" means a public school employee who is not an educational technician and who is paid on an hourly basis. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §1 (NEW).]

2. Minimum hourly wage. Except as provided in subsection 3 , for the school year starting after June 30, 2025 and for each subsequent school year, the minimum hourly wage for educational technicians is equal to 125% of the minimum hourly wage established in Title 26, section 664, subsection 1 and the minimum hourly wage for other school support staff is equal to 115% of the minimum hourly wage established in Title 26, section 664, subsection 1 . [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §1 (NEW).]

3. Wage increases. If, pursuant to the requirements of Title 26, section 664, subsection 1 , the minimum hourly wage is increased on January 1st of any year, the minimum hourly wage for educational technicians and other school support staff is increased beginning July 1st of the same year in an amount equal to 125% of the increased minimum hourly wage under Title 26, section 664, subsection 1 for educational technicians and in an amount equal to 115% of the increased minimum hourly wage under Title 26, section 664, subsection 1 for other school support staff. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 3
20-A §3. Administrative procedures
Status: in_force

The adopting of rules, conducting of adjudicatory hearings and issuing of licenses by the state board, department or commissioner shall be in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , except as specified in this Title. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10008 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10008
20-A §10008. Information on meningococcal disease and vaccine
Status: in_force

1. Provision of information; report of vaccination. Each postsecondary educational institution incorporated, chartered or established under the laws of the State that has a residential campus shall provide information on meningococcal disease and the meningococcal vaccine to each newly entering student who plans to live on the residential campus. This information must include any recommendations issued by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding meningococcal disease and the meningococcal vaccine. The information must be accompanied by a statement directing the student to share the information with the student's parents or legal guardians. [PL 2003, c. 581, §1 (NEW).]

2. Construction. This section may not be construed to require a postsecondary educational institution to provide the meningococcal vaccine to students. [PL 2003, c. 581, §1 (NEW).]

3. Review; repeal. [PL 2003, c. 581, §1 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §10008, sub-§3 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12712 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12712
20-A §12712. Powers and duties of the presidents of the colleges
Status: in_force

The presidents shall implement the policies of the board of trustees and be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the colleges. The powers and duties of the presidents shall include the following. [PL 1989, c. 443, §48 (AMD).]

1. Administration of the colleges. The presidents are responsible for the administration of the colleges. The presidents shall cooperate to provide career and technical education and training that best meets the needs of students, the private sector and the changing economy of the State. The presidents shall administer the colleges in a manner consistent with the mission and goals set forth in section 12703 . [RR 2003, c. 2, §70 (COR).]

2. College staff appointment. Under procedures and standards developed by the board of trustees, the presidents shall appoint vice-presidents, deans, directors of finance and the faculty and staff of the colleges, including professional and nonprofessional personnel. [PL 1991, c. 376, §39 (AMD).]

3. Nomination of vice-presidents. [PL 1991, c. 376, §40 (RP).]

4. Staff oversight. The presidents shall oversee the administrators, faculty and staff of the colleges. [PL 1989, c. 443, §48 (AMD).]

5. Personnel evaluation. Under policies and standards developed by the board of trustees, the presidents shall evaluate the performance of the administrators, faculty and staff of the colleges and make personnel recommendations to the president of the system and the board of trustees. [PL 1989, c. 443, §48 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §10 (AMD).]

6. Assist in preparation of the budget. The presidents shall assist the board of trustees and the president of the system in the preparation of the budget for the system. Each president shall prepare a proposed line-item budget for the college that each president represents. A copy of the proposed budget of each college must be provided to the board of trustees and the president of the system for their examination. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to mean that the presidents have approval authority for the budgets of the colleges. [PL 1989, c. 443, §48 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §10 (AMD).]

7. Appointment of police officers. The presidents may appoint persons to act as police officers who, while within the limits of the property owned by or under control of the colleges, possess all the powers of police officers in criminal cases. A. Each president may make rules for the control, movement and parking of vehicles within the limits of the property owned by or under the control of the college. These rules may include special provisions for employees of the system and college students. A president's rule has the same force and effect as a municipal ordinance. District courts may impose governing penalties and fines, and a college may impose appropriate discipline, for each violation of these rules. [PL 2007, c. 67, §4 (AMD).] B. Each president may adopt the provisions of Title 30‑A, section 3009, subsection 1, paragraph C , relating to prima facie evidence and the establishment of a waiver of court action by payment of specified fees. [PL 1991, c. 376, §41 (AMD).] [PL 2007, c. 67, §4 (AMD).]

8. Advisory committees. Each president shall appoint advisory committees to advise on the development and operation of the educational programs at the colleges. [PL 1989, c. 443, §48 (AMD).]

9. Delegated duties. Each president shall undertake other duties as delegated by the board of trustees and the president of the system. [PL 1989, c. 443, §48 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §10 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6301 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6301
20-A §6301. Student health
Status: in_force

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

1. Duty of teacher. A teacher who has reason to believe that a student is a public health threat as a result of having a communicable disease of the skin, mouth or eyes shall inform the superintendent. [PL 2017, c. 381, §5 (AMD).]

2. Duty of superintendent. A superintendent informed by a teacher under subsection 1 may: A. Inform the student's parent: (1) To cleanse the clothing and body of the student; and (2) To furnish the student with the required home or medical treatment for the relief of the student's trouble so defined in subsection 1 ; [RR 2017, c. 2, §3 (COR).] B. Exclude the student from the public schools until the student is no longer a public health threat; [PL 2017, c. 381, §6 (AMD).] C. Exclude the student from public school as soon as safe and proper transportation home is available; and [PL 2017, c. 381, §6 (AMD).] D. Consult with the school nurse. [PL 2017, c. 381, §6 (NEW).] [RR 2017, c. 2, §3 (COR).]

3. Duty of parent. A parent informed by a superintendent under subsection 2 shall promptly do what is reasonably necessary to ensure that the student is not a public health threat. [PL 2017, c. 381, §7 (AMD).]

4. Penalty. Any parent who fails to comply with subsection 3 shall be fined not more than $5 for the first offense or $10 for subsequent offenses. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Exclusion. [PL 1983, c. 661, §5 (RP).]

5-A. Notification. The superintendent shall cause notice of the communicable disease to be given to the Department of Health and Human Services, in accordance with the requirements of Title 22, chapters 250 and 251 , and rules issued under those chapters. [PL 2007, c. 598, §1 (AMD).]

6. Authority and duties of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Department of Health and Human Services has the authority and duties prescribed in Title 22, chapters 250 and 251 with respect to the control of notifiable diseases and conditions and communicable diseases. [PL 2007, c. 598, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5171 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5171
20-A §5171. Chronically absent students
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms having the following meanings. A. "Absence" means an excused absence, unexcused absence or disciplinary absence, as those terms are defined by the state board by rule. [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] B. "Chronically absent student" means a student who is enrolled in a school under the jurisdiction of a school administrative unit and whose total number of absences at any time during a school year is equal to or greater than 10% of the total number of days that that student has been enrolled at that school during that school year. [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] C. "School chronic absenteeism rate" means the total number of chronically absent students for a school in the previous school year divided by the total number of students enrolled in that school for that school year. [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] D. "Unit chronic absenteeism rate" means the total number of chronically absent students under the jurisdiction of a school administrative unit in the previous school year divided by the total number of students under the jurisdiction of that unit for that school year. [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).]

2. School administrative unit. A school administrative unit that: A. Has a unit chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or higher shall establish an attendance review team under subsection 3 or establish a committee to review chronic absence for the school administrative unit; [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] B. Has under its jurisdiction a school with a school chronic absenteeism rate of 15% or higher shall establish an attendance review team under subsection 3 at that school; [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] C. Has under its jurisdiction more than one school with a school chronic absenteeism rate of 15% or higher shall establish an attendance review team under subsection 3 for the school administrative unit or at each such school; or [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] D. Has a unit chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or higher and has one or more schools under its jurisdiction with a school chronic absenteeism rate of 15% or higher shall establish an attendance review team under subsection 3 for the school administrative unit or at each such school. [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).]

3. Attendance review teams. An attendance review team established under this subsection may consist of school administrators, guidance counselors, school counselors, school social workers and teachers. An attendance review team is responsible for reviewing the cases of students who are truant and chronically absent students, discussing school interventions and community referrals for such students who are truant and chronically absent students and making any additional recommendations for such students who are truant and chronically absent students and their parents or guardians. An attendance review team shall meet at least monthly. The attendance review teams established pursuant to this subsection must be established to address chronic absenteeism in the school administrative unit or at the school. [PL 2023, c. 480, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 503 / Section 13202
20-A §13202. Teacher dismissal
Status: in_force

A school board, after investigation, due notice of hearing and hearing thereon, shall dismiss any teacher, although having the requisite certificate, who proves unfit to teach or whose services the board deems unprofitable to the school; and give to that teacher a certificate of dismissal and of the reasons for the dismissal, a copy of which the board shall retain. That dismissal shall not deprive the teacher of compensation for previous services. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4501 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4501
20-A §4501. Duty of school units
Status: in_force

In accordance with the policy expressed in section 2 , every school administrative unit shall raise annually sufficient funds to maintain or support elementary and secondary schools to provide free education for its resident students at all grade levels. These schools shall meet the requirements of basic school approval. To the extent the State provides adequate start-up funding, a school administrative unit may offer an opportunity for every child 4 years of age residing in the school administrative unit to attend a public preschool program, or a program affiliated with the school administrative unit, meeting the requirements of basic school approval. It is the goal of the State to establish an equitable, mixed-delivery public preschool system that provides universal access for preschool-aged children and their families in accordance with the following timeline: 60% by the 2024-2025 school year; 80% by the 2025-2026 school year; and 100% by the 2026-2027 school year. [PL 2023, c. 477, §2 (AMD).]

1. Assessment. The commissioner shall adopt rules that strongly encourage the use of a uniform common statewide assessment program for kindergarten, which may be used by school administrative units in addition to other quality assessments school administrative units determine to be necessary beginning with the 2016-2017 school year. The uniform common statewide assessment must be designed to measure student comprehension of academic content and mastery of related skills and cover such areas as physical health and motor development; social and emotional development; learning styles; language and literacy; and general cognition. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2013, c. 581, §4 (NEW).]

2. Grant funds. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, in accordance with this section, the department, if funds are available, shall award grants pursuant to section 4271 to each qualified school administrative unit equal to the school administrative unit's allowable costs to implement the approved plan to develop and operate a new or expanded public preschool program. Grant funds must be used to fund the allowable costs of the implementation plan not otherwise subsidized by the State. [PL 2013, c. 581, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8902 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 318 / Section 8902
20-A §8902. Program fund grants; eligibility; calculation
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility. To receive program fund money calculated pursuant to subsection 2 , the school administrative unit must be in compliance with any applicable standards and program requirements for after-school programs established by the commissioner pursuant to section 8901 . [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]

2. Program fund grants; calculation. The commissioner shall calculate one amount of the program fund money that may be made available as a grant to the elementary school level and middle school level and another amount of program fund money that may be made available as a grant to the high school level in accordance with the following. A. For fiscal year 2006-07, the commissioner shall establish a per-pupil amount for program fund grants. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).] B. For fiscal year 2007-08 and each subsequent year, the commissioner shall recalculate the per-pupil amount by using the amount calculated under paragraph A as a base and adjusting for appropriate trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]

3. Budget recommendation. Beginning in fiscal year 2006-07 and prior to December 15th of each year, the commissioner shall recommend to the Governor and to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget the funding levels for the program fund for payment in the next fiscal year. The commissioner shall include these funding levels in the department's request to the Legislature for appropriations from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]

4. Appropriations. The commissioner shall allocate funds appropriated by the Legislature to carry out the purposes of this chapter as grants to eligible school administrative units. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5814 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5814
20-A §5814. Students not residing with parent or guardian
Status: in_force

Whenever a student is not residing with that student's parents or legal guardians because of a broken home or intolerable home conditions, the unit where the student attends school may apply to the commissioner for a determination regarding which unit shall pay the cost of educating such a student. The determination of the commissioner is binding upon the administrative units concerned. [PL 1991, c. 365, §3 (AMD).]

In cases when the commissioner determines that a school unit must pay the tuition for a student described in this section who attends school in another unit, the student is considered a resident of the unit that pays tuition. If the student is not determined to be a tuition student, the student is considered a resident student in the school unit where the student is placed. If the superintendent of the unit in which the student is placed so requests, the subsidy for that student is equivalent to the state share percentage of the unit in which the student's parent or legal guardian resides or the average state share percentage, whichever is greater. If the parent or legal guardian does not reside in the State or can not be located, the subsidy is the state average subsidy. [PL 1991, c. 365, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13011-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13011-A
20-A §13011-A. Certification extension for family medical leave
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the term of a conditional or professional certificate under this chapter, upon the request of a school administrative unit, the commissioner shall grant an extension on an individual's conditional or professional certificate if the individual uses family medical leave during the final year of the individual's certificate and the school administrative unit provides the commissioner with sufficient proof of the use of family medical leave. An extension under this section is for the same number of days as the family medical leave used during the final year of the individual's certificate. For the purposes of this section, "family medical leave" has the same meaning as in Title 26, section 843, subsection 4 . [PL 2019, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11616 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-A / Section 11616
20-A §11616. Length of grant; period of study
Status: in_force

1. Length of grant. A grant is for a period not to exceed one academic year. A student may apply for a new grant for each year during the period required for completion of an eligible program of study being pursued by that student. A grant recipient who remains eligible must be considered in the succeeding award year. [PL 2001, c. 70, §9 (AMD).]

2. Period of study. An eligible full-time or part-time student may receive a grant for a period not to exceed 10 semesters or the equivalent thereof at the institution that the student is attending, except that an adult learner as determined by the authority by routine technical rule may receive a grant for a period not to exceed 12 semesters. A. [PL 2001, c. 70, §9 (RP).] B. [PL 2001, c. 70, §9 (RP).] [PL 2019, c. 654, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3051 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 3051
20-A §3051. Non-Maine students
Status: in_force

Schools which enroll only students whose parents are not residents of the State shall meet all health and safety requirements of the State applicable to private schools. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 12, 25 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10709 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10709
20-A §10709. Penalties
Status: in_force

Any educational institution conferring degrees within the State or offering courses or programs within the State that carry academic credit without being authorized or approved to do so in accordance with this chapter is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000, payable to the State, to be recovered in a civil action. [PL 1991, c. 548, Pt. A, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11499-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11499-B
20-A §11499-B. Agreement of the State
Status: in_force

The State pledges to and agrees with the holders of any bonds issued under this chapter and with those parties who may enter into any contract with the authority pursuant to this chapter that the State will not limit, alter, restrict or impair the rights vested by this chapter in the authority until the bonds issued pursuant to this chapter, together with interest, including interest on any unpaid installment of interest and all costs and expenses in connection with any actions or proceedings by or on behalf of the bondholders, are fully met and discharged and such contracts are fully performed on the part of the authority. Nothing in this chapter precludes that limitation or alteration if and when adequate provision is made by law for the protection of the holders of such bonds and of those parties entering into contracts with the authority. The authority is authorized to include this pledge and undertaking for the State in those bonds or contracts. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10017 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10017
20-A §10017. Higher Education Administrative Fund
Status: in_force

The Higher Education Administrative Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established within the department as a nonlapsing fund to receive participation fees from institutions of higher education for applications for membership or membership renewal in the interstate reciprocity agreement authorized under section 405, subsection 3, paragraph W . Funds deposited in the fund must be used to support the department's facilitation of the interstate reciprocity agreement and for other department costs associated with the administration of higher education in the State. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. BB, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6910 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6910
20-A §6910. Annual report
Status: in_force

The corporation shall provide an annual report of its activities to the Governor; to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and labor and skills training matters; to the commissioner; and to the schools participating in the program. The corporation shall provide an annual financial audit conducted by an independent auditor to the Governor; to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and labor and skills training matters; and to the commissioner at the expense of the State. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. YY, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6901 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6901
20-A §6901. Establishment
Status: in_force

Jobs for Maine's Graduates, referred to in this chapter as the "corporation," is established to extend necessary dropout prevention and school-to-work transition services to schools and students throughout the State. The corporation shall carry out its purposes in coordination with the education and job training activities of the private sector, community and regional agencies and State Government. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

The corporation is a private, nonprofit corporation with a public purpose under the United States Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3) and the exercise by the corporation of the powers conferred by this chapter is held to be an essential government function. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5102 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5102
20-A §5102. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, a "dropout" means any person who has withdrawn for any reason except death, or been expelled from school before graduation or completion of a program of studies and who has not enrolled in another educational institution or program. [PL 1989, c. 415, §28 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6207 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6207
20-A §6207. Optional participation
Status: in_force

Private schools approved for attendance purposes may participate in the assessment program, with the approval of the commissioner and upon payment of a fee established by the commissioner. The fee shall reflect the actual cost of the assessment. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§ 3, 4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4101 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 202 / Section 4101
20-A §4101. Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

1. School board. "School board" includes boards of directors within school administrative districts, school committees within other types of school administrative units and cooperative boards within career and technical education regions. It also includes trustees of special school districts, as defined in section 1, subsection 34 . [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

2. School building. "School building" means, but is not limited to, any real property or structure used or useful for schools and playgrounds, including facilities for physical education. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]

3. School year. "School year" is the fiscal year commencing on July 1st and ending on June 30th. [PL 1983, c. 422, §17 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1302 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1302
20-A §1302. Budget preparation
Status: in_force

The district budget shall be prepared as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Preparation by board. The board of directors shall annually prepare a budget for: A. Operational costs; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Bonds falling due; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Interest on bonds or other obligations; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Rentals and other charges in a contract; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. A lease or agreement with the Maine School Building Authority; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] F. Temporary loans. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Distribution. At least 7 days before the district budget meeting, the board of directors shall make available to the legislative body responsible for final budget approval and residents of the district, a detailed budget document. It shall include a summary of anticipated revenues and estimated school expenditures. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7252-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7252-A
20-A §7252-A. Early intervention; special education programs; approval
Status: in_force

Early intervention and special education programs may be established for the delivery of early intervention and special education services to children with disabilities in accordance with section 7204, subsection 4 . An early intervention program may be provided by an intermediate educational unit, an approved private school or a state licensed agency. A special education program may be offered by a school administrative unit, an approved private school or a state licensed agency. All early intervention and special education programs offered by approved private schools or state licensed agencies must: [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §31 (AMD).]

1. Supervision. Be provided under the supervision of the school administrative unit responsible for the education of the child with a disability enrolled in the program; [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §31 (AMD).]

2. Description. Be described in a master contractual agreement between the agency or private school and the commissioner; and [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §76 (NEW).]

3. Approval. Be approved in advance of the enrollment of any child with a disability. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §31 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2305 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 111 / Section 2305
20-A §2305. Terms; vacancies; restrictions
Status: in_force

1. Length of term. School committee members shall be elected for staggered 3-year terms or, in municipalities with biennial elections, 4-year terms. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Commencement of term. The term of newly elected school board members shall start as determined under section 1003 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Vacancy. A vacancy on a school committee shall be declared: A. When the term of office of a member expires; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. When a member changes residency from the municipality or subdistrict from which elected. Evidence that an individual is registered to vote in a municipality is prima facie evidence of that individual's residency; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. On the death of a member; [PL 1987, c. 866, §4 (AMD).] D. When a member resigns; or [PL 1987, c. 866, §4 (AMD).] E. Except in municipalities having a municipal charter, when a member is absent without excuse from 3 consecutive regular committee meetings, the committee may declare that a vacancy exists. [PL 1987, c. 866, §5 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 866, §§4, 5 (AMD).]

4. Filling a vacancy. A vacancy may be filled: A. By the school committee within 30 days. The term of a member appointed by the school committee to fill a vacancy shall expire at the next annual meeting; or [PL 1983, c. 485, §19 (AMD).] B. Whenever the remaining members of the school committee fail to appoint a person to fill a vacancy, by election at a town meeting called for the purpose. [PL 1983, c. 806, §25 (AMD).] [PL 1983, c. 806, §25 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15907 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15907
20-A §15907. Payment
Status: in_force

1. Payment of State's share. The state allocation for debt service costs must be paid by the commissioner to each unit according to that unit's debt retirement schedule and rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. A. For all current and future debt service costs payable by a school administrative unit to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, the state allocation for debt service costs must be paid by the commissioner to the bond bank or its designated trustee one business day prior to the date of the unit's next debt service cost payment as outlined in the unit's debt retirement schedule and in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. If the payment date falls on a Monday, payment must be made to the bond bank on the preceding Friday. [PL 1997, c. 787, §10 (NEW).] B. At least 60 days prior to the date of the school administrative unit's next debt service cost as outlined in the unit's debt retirement schedule, the commissioner shall inform the bond bank as to the unit's state share of debt service for its next debt service payment. [PL 1997, c. 787, §10 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 787, §10 (AMD).]

2. Payment of local share. A school administrative unit shall pay the local share of their project costs. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Local funds not included in state-local allocation. [PL 1985, c. 248, §7 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1488 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1488
20-A §1488. Special budget meeting
Status: in_force

The regional school unit board may call a special budget meeting when it declares that an emergency exists. The voters of the regional school unit may authorize the regional school unit board at a special regional school unit budget meeting to expend additional funds from the regional school unit's undesignated fund balance or to pledge the credit of the regional school unit to obtain additional money for the operation of schools. A special budget meeting held on or after July 1, 2008 must be conducted in accordance with sections 1485 and 1486 . [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9507 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9507
20-A §9507. Hearings
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall not refuse to renew a license for any reason other than failure to pay the required fee, unless the licensee has been given an opportunity for a hearing. [PL 1983, c. 841, §6 (NEW).]

Hearings may also be conducted by the commissioner, at the commissioner's discretion, to assist with investigations of complaints, to determine whether grounds exist for suspension, revocation, denial or nonrenewal of any license, or as otherwise deemed necessary to fulfill the responsibilities under this chapter. [PL 1983, c. 841, §6 (NEW).]

The commissioner may subpoena witnesses, records and documents in any hearing conducted pursuant to this chapter. [PL 1983, c. 841, §6 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12102 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424 / Section 12102
20-A §12102. Comprehensive programs
Status: in_force

The chief executive officer shall administer the comprehensive programs established in this chapter and chapter 424‑A to address the shortage of primary health care professionals and veterinarians in the State. The chief executive officer shall plan, evaluate and update the programs to ensure that Maine residents have access to medical education and veterinary education and that Maine residents have access to primary health care and to veterinary care for their animals. [PL 2023, c. 607, §13 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3659 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3659
20-A §3659. Continued existence of Maine school districts
Status: in_force

A Maine school district shall continue in existence, and shall have all of the powers and be subject to all of the obligations imposed by law and not herein delegated to the interstate district. If the interstate district incorporates only a part of the schools in the member school district, then the school board of the member school district shall continue in existence and it shall have all of the powers and be subject to all of the obligations imposed by law on it and not herein delegated to the district. However, if all of the schools in the member school district are incorporated into the interstate school district, then the member or members of the interstate board representing the member district shall have all of the powers and be subject to all of the obligations imposed by law on the members of a school board for the member district and not herein delegated to the interstate district. The Maine member school district shall remain liable on its existing indebtedness; and the interstate school district shall not become liable therefor. Any trust funds and any property not taken over shall be retained by the Maine member school district and held or disposed of according to law. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1751-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1751-A
20-A §1751-A. Withdrawal from community school district
Status: in_force

The residents of a participating municipality within a community school district may petition and vote to withdraw from the district in the same manner as a participating municipality within a regional school unit may petition to withdraw in accordance with section 1466 . [PL 2025, c. 112, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6601 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6601
20-A §6601. Acceptance of federal law
Status: in_force

The State shall comply with the following laws in consideration of the receipt of benefits under them: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. The National School Lunch Program Act. The National School Lunch Program Act, enacted June 4, 1946, and applicable amendments; [PL 2011, c. 379, §1 (AMD).]

2. The Child Nutrition Act. The Child Nutrition Act, enacted October 11, 1966, and applicable amendments; and [PL 2011, c. 379, §2 (AMD).]

3. Summer food service program for children. The federal summer food service program for children, as established by 42 United States Code, Section 1761. [PL 2011, c. 379, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11617 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-A / Section 11617
20-A §11617. Program administration
Status: in_force

1. Responsibility of authority. The authority shall administer the Maine State Grant Program, including establishing and maintaining fund accounting and control procedures as required by state law or as necessary for the State to be eligible to receive federal assistance under the Federal Student Assistance Program, Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 3, as amended, United States Code, Title 20, Sections 1070c-1, 1070c-2 and 1070c-3. [PL 2001, c. 70, §10 (AMD).]

2. Guidelines and rules. The following provisions shall apply to the program. A. The authority shall develop rules, procedures, schedules and forms necessary to carry out the purposes of this program, including the adoption of reciprocal agreements with other states. [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).] B. To the maximum extent possible consistent with the need for state control of this program, the authority shall use the guidelines, rules, regulations, procedures, forms and schedules set forth by the Secretary of Education for the administration of the Federal Student Assistance Program, Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1, as amended, United States Code, Title 20, Section 1070c. [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).]

3. Decennial review. The authority shall, by January 1, 2021, and every 10 years thereafter, conduct a review of the Maine State Grant Program. The authority shall establish a stakeholder group, through a partnership with other appropriate entities, to work together on the review. The review must include, but is not limited to, the following: A. A review of the history and efficacy of the program and any necessary changes to the program; [PL 2011, c. 642, §7 (NEW).] B. Ideas to enhance the program in light of current and future higher education trends and needs; [PL 2011, c. 642, §7 (NEW).] C. Any recommendations on state funding for the program in light of trends in higher education costs and federal and private sector funding for student financial aid; and [PL 2011, c. 642, §7 (NEW).] D. Current and future grant and financial aid needs of students and families in the State. [PL 2011, c. 642, §7 (NEW).] The authority shall submit a written report of the findings of the decennial review by the January 1st the decennial review is due, along with any proposed legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs. [PL 2011, c. 642, §7 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12972 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 443 / Section 12972
20-A §12972. Prohibitions
Status: in_force

1. Actions by colleges or universities. A college or university may not: A. Adopt or enforce a policy, requirement, standard or limitation that prohibits or otherwise prevents a student athlete who is participating in an intercollegiate athletic program at the college or university from: (1) Earning compensation for the use of the student athlete's name, image or likeness when the student athlete is not engaged in official team activities; or (2) Obtaining professional representation, including representation by an attorney, for contracts or other legal matters relating to the use of the student athlete's name, image or likeness; [PL 2021, c. 544, §1 (NEW).] B. Disqualify a student athlete who is participating in an intercollegiate athletic program at a college or university from receiving a full scholarship based on athletics awarded by the college or university because the student athlete: (1) Earns compensation from the use of the student athlete's name, image or likeness when the student athlete is not engaged in official team activities; or (2) Obtains professional representation, including representation by an attorney, for contracts or other legal matters relating to use of the student athlete's name, image or likeness. For purposes of this paragraph, "full scholarship" means a scholarship that covers the full cost of attendance at that college or university, including but not limited to tuition, room and board; or [PL 2021, c. 544, §1 (NEW).] C. Prescribe a team contract for an intercollegiate athletic program that prohibits or otherwise prevents a student athlete from using the student athlete's name, image or likeness for a commercial purpose when the student athlete is not engaged in official team activities. [PL 2021, c. 544, §1 (NEW).] For the purposes of this subsection, a college or university determines what behavior constitutes official team activities at that college or university. [PL 2021, c. 544, §1 (NEW).]

2. Construction. This section may not be construed to limit a college or university from adopting or enforcing a policy, requirement, standard or limitation that establishes conditions by which a student athlete may monetize the student athlete's name, image or likeness, including a policy, requirement, standard or limitation that prohibits a student athlete's use of a college or university trademark, logo or facility or prohibits a student athlete's use of the student athlete's name, image or likeness in a manner that is inconsistent with a college or university code of conduct or other college or university policy. [PL 2021, c. 544, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5024 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5024
20-A §5024. Local school unit policy
Status: in_force

Each school administrative unit shall develop and adopt a policy consistent with this subchapter. Establishment and administration of the local school unit policy is subject to the following. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

1. Policy. Local school unit policy must be submitted to and placed on file in the department by January 1, 1997. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

2. Implementation. Locally approved policy is implemented and administered by the local school unit. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

3. Provision of information. At the request of the student or the student's parent or guardian, public schools shall make available to home-schooled students, in a form determined by the school, information regarding access to public school resources and services, participation in public school activities and attendance at public schools. This information must include: A. Requirements regarding initial health and developmental screening for motor skills, vision, hearing and immunization; and [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. Criteria for participation of home-schooled students in curricular, cocurricular and extracurricular activities. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

4. Appeals. Appeals from administration and application of the local school unit policy are heard by the local school unit's school board, whose decision is final and binding. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13705 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 508 / Section 13705
20-A §13705. Phase-in of requirements
Status: in_force

The requirements of this chapter apply to all school administrative units beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. In the 2014-2015 school year, each unit shall develop a system that meets the standards of this chapter, in collaboration with teachers, principals, administrators, school board members, parents and other members of the public. In the 2015-2016 school year, each unit shall operate as a pilot project the system developed in the 2014-2015 school year by applying it in one or more of the schools in the unit or by applying it without using results in any official manner or shall employ other means to provide information to enable the unit to adjust the system prior to the first year of full implementation. In the 2016-2017 school year, each unit shall operate as a pilot project the system developed in the 2014-2015 school year by applying it to all of the schools and applicable staff in the unit. At the end of the 2016-2017 school year, units may modify the system approved in the 2015-2016 school year. The modified system must meet the standards of this chapter. Nothing in this section prohibits a unit from fully implementing the system earlier than the 2017-2018 school year. [PL 2015, c. 405, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5812 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5812
20-A §5812. Summer school
Status: in_force

The tuition charge for students enrolled in public summer schools shall be calculated as provided in section 8802 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2302 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 111 / Section 2302
20-A §2302. Election of school committee members
Status: in_force

A municipality, not included in a school administrative district or a community school district which operates grades one to 12, shall elect at its annual meeting a school committee of 3 to hold office as provided in section 2305 . The municipality shall fill vacancies in that committee at each subsequent annual meeting. [PL 1983, c. 422, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15677 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15677
20-A §15677. Salary matrix
Status: in_force

1. Salary matrix defined. For purposes of this section, "salary matrix" means the relationships on a statewide basis between average staff salaries and: A. Years of staff experience; and [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. Levels of staff education. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

2. Determination of matrix. The salary matrix must be determined in accordance with the following. A. For fiscal year 2005-06, the commissioner, using information provided by a statewide education policy research institute, shall establish the salary matrix based on the most recently available relevant data and appropriate trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. For fiscal year 2006-07 until fiscal year 2025-26, the commissioner shall update the previous year's salary matrix to reflect appropriate trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §2 (AMD).] C. For fiscal year 2025-26 and for each subsequent fiscal year, the commissioner shall update the previous year's salary matrix to reflect appropriate trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index and to reflect any increase in the minimum hourly wage of educational technicians and other school support staff in accordance with section 4016, subsection 3 . [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. G, §§2, 3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2701 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 115 / Section 2701
20-A §2701. Authority to contract for school privileges
Status: in_force

The legislative body of a school administrative unit other than a school administrative district, which does not maintain any of the grades from kindergarten to grade 12, may authorize its school board to contract with another school for school privileges for all or a part of its resident students in those grades for a term of 2 to 10 years. [PL 1985, c. 797, §17 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6306 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6306
20-A §6306. Eligibility to attend school
Status: in_force

A child who holds a written certification for the medical use of cannabis under Title 22, section 2423‑B may not be denied eligibility to attend school solely because the child requires medical cannabis in a nonsmokeable form as a reasonable accommodation necessary for the child to attend school. [PL 2015, c. 369, §1 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 669, §5 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8402 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8402
20-A §8402. Programs
Status: in_force

A center shall provide programs of career and technical education. Programs of career and technical education are eligible to receive state subsidy pursuant to chapters 606‑B and 609 . All programs of career and technical education offered by a center must be approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 8306‑B , including programs previously approved under former section 8306‑A . The programs must offer a sequence of courses that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment in current or emerging occupations and may include training and education in academic and business skills preparing students to further their education at the community college or other college level or allowing students to use trade and occupational skills on other than an employee basis. A center may also provide courses described in section 4722, subsection 2 , the successful completion of which satisfies the diploma requirements set forth in section 4722 . [PL 2013, c. 424, Pt. A, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15007 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 601 / Section 15007
20-A §15007. Ministerial and school lands
Status: in_force

All income derived from ministerial and school lands within a municipality and from rents and profits of real and personal estate held under Title 13, section 3166 , shall be annually applied to the support of public schools in the municipality or the schooling of resident students and expended like other school money. [PL 1985, c. 797, §53 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11613 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-A / Section 11613
20-A §11613. Determination of need
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish the need of a student for a Maine State Grant for an academic year for which the student applies. In doing so, the authority shall consider the cost of attendance of the student, the student aid index and estimated student financial assistance not received under this program. The total cost determined by these factors may not exceed the cost of attendance at the institution the student attends. [PL 2023, c. 23, §3 (AMD).]

1. Rules. The authority shall establish standard methods by rules adopted in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , to determine: A. The parental contribution; and [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).] B. The student and spouse contribution. [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).] These standard methods shall consider all income, assets and any other resources available to the parents, student and spouse. [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).]

2. Expected family contribution. [PL 2023, c. 23, §4 (RP).]

3. Cost of attendance. In determining the cost of attendance to determine eligibility under this chapter, the authority shall include the following: A. Tuition and required fees charged to all full-time students; [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).] B. Standard room and board costs charged by the University of Maine to calculate room and board costs of applicants; and [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).] C. Books and personal expenses or other amounts determined by the authority to be appropriate. [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9000 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 319 / Section 9000
20-A §9000. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1987, c. 124, §2 (NEW).]

1. President. "President" means the president of the system. [PL 1987, c. 124, §2 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §12 (AMD).]

2. System. "System" means the Maine Community College System, established by chapter 431 . [PL 1989, c. 443, §23 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10906 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10906
20-A §10906. Powers and duties of treasurer
Status: in_force

1. Receipt and custody of moneys, expenditures, authority to contract. The treasurer shall: A. Receive and have custody of all moneys received for the university; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. Make all expenditures upon vouchers authenticated and approved in a manner designated by the trustees; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. Have no authority to contract debts and obligations or borrow money except: (1) Loans in anticipation of assured revenues when approved by vote of the trustees; and (2) Other loans when directed by vote of the trustees and duly and properly authorized by the Governor. All such loans shall be effected in accordance with the provisions of chapter 412 . [PL 1987, c. 735, §13 (AMD).] [PL 1987, c. 735, §13 (AMD).]

2. Report of treasurer. The treasurer shall prepare a complete report for the period ending on June 30th of each year and forward a copy of the report to the Governor, the board of trustees and the members of the Legislature. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15003 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 601 / Section 15003
20-A §15003. School fiscal year
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any statute or charter provision to the contrary, a school administrative unit shall annually adopt a school budget for a period beginning on July 1st and ending on June 30th. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15679 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15679
20-A §15679. Calculation of salary and benefit costs; other school level staff
Status: in_force

1. Salary and benefit costs; other school level positions. The commissioner shall annually determine, for each school administrative unit, the salary and benefit costs of all school level positions other than teaching positions, referred to in this section as "staff," that are necessary to carry out this Act. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

2. Students-to-staff ratios. In calculating the salary and benefit costs pursuant to this section, the commissioner shall utilize the student-to-staff ratios specified in paragraphs A and B and adjusted as provided in paragraph C . A. For the elementary school level and the middle school level: (1) Beginning July 1, 2017, the student-to-education technician ratio is 114:1 for the elementary school level and 312:1 for the middle school level; (2) The student-to-guidance staff ratio is 350:1; (3) The student-to-librarian ratio is 800:1; (4) The student-to-media assistant ratio is 500:1; (5) The student-to-health staff ratio is 800:1; (6) The student-to-school administrative staff ratio is 305:1; and (7) The student-to-clerical staff ratio is 200:1. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §33 (AMD).] B. For the high school level: (1) Beginning July 1, 2017, the student-to-education technician ratio is 316:1; (2) The student-to-guidance staff ratio is 250:1; (3) The student-to-librarian ratio is 800:1; (4) The student-to-media assistant ratio is 500:1; (5) The student-to-health staff ratio is 800:1; (6) The student-to-school administrative staff ratio is 315:1; and (7) The student-to-clerical staff ratio is 200:1. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §33 (AMD).] C. Beginning in fiscal year 2012-13, and for each subsequent fiscal year, if the total attending student population for a school administrative unit is less than 1,200 students, the commissioner shall reduce the ratios set forth in paragraphs A and B by 10%. [PL 2011, c. 419, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §33 (AMD).]

3. Number of staff positions required. The commissioner shall identify for each school administrative unit, using the pupil count arrived at under section 15674, subsection 1, paragraph C or D , whichever is applicable, the number of staff positions that are required in order to achieve the student-to-staff ratios set forth in subsection 2 . [PL 2021, c. 428, §7 (AMD).]

4. Estimated salary costs. The commissioner shall determine the estimated salary costs for the number of staff positions required under subsection 3 . In order to calculate this amount, the commissioner, where appropriate, shall use the salary matrix pursuant to section 15677 for all staff positions in each category. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

5. Salary costs for substitute teachers. The commissioner shall calculate the additional salary costs for substitute teachers for each school administrative unit using the pupil count arrived at under section 15674, subsection 1, paragraph C or D , whichever is applicable. In order to calculate this amount, the commissioner shall establish a per-pupil rate for the cost of a substitute teacher for 1/2 day. [PL 2021, c. 428, §8 (AMD).]

6. Total salary and benefit costs for staff. The total salary and benefit costs for staff is equal to the sum of: A. The estimated salary costs determined pursuant to subsection 4 ; [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. The amount, as determined by the commissioner, that equals the statewide percentage of estimated salary costs determined pursuant to subsection 4 that represents the statewide benefit costs; and [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] C. The substitute teacher salary costs determined pursuant to subsection 5 . [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6973 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 229 / Section 6973
20-A §6973. Application; approval; ratification
Status: in_force

1. Application. An application under section 6972 for a collaborative partnership must be in a form and contain such information as required by the commissioner, including, but not limited to: A. The identification of the publicly supported educational institutions that are applying to form the collaborative partnership; [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] B. The specified educational functions and support services to be provided by the collaborative partnership, including the identification of the publicly supported educational institution that will participate in each specified educational function or support service and the number of students or staff to be served in each publicly supported educational institution that is participating in each specified educational function or support service to be carried out by the collaborative partnership; [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] C. The duration of the collaborative agreement; [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] D. The cost estimate or operational budget for the specified educational functions or support services to be carried out; [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] E. The method of providing the specified educational functions or support services and the designation of publicly supported educational institution personnel or service providers who will provide the specified educational functions or support services; [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] F. The method of sharing costs among the publicly supported educational institutions; and [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).] G. The identity of the service provider, if any, with which a career and technical center or region plans to contract pursuant to section 6972, subsection 2 . [RR 2013, c. 1, §34 (COR).] [RR 2013, c. 1, §34 (COR).]

2. Approval. If the commissioner finds that an application under section 6972 contains the information required to be submitted pursuant to subsection 1 , the commissioner shall notify each publicly supported educational institution participating in the collaborative agreement that, pending ratification as set forth in subsection 3 , the collaborative partnership is approved. The commissioner shall keep a register of collaborative partnerships that have been approved and ratified pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).]

3. Governing body ratification. If the commissioner approves an application for a collaborative partnership pursuant to subsection 2 , the collaborative partnership must be ratified by a majority of the members of the governing body of each publicly supported educational institution involved in the collaborative partnership before the collaborative partnership becomes effective. [PL 2013, c. 318, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2702 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 115 / Section 2702
20-A §2702. Acceptance of contract students
Status: in_force

The legislative body of any nearby school administrative unit or the board of trustees of a nearby private school approved for tuition purposes may agree to accept contract students. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12541 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-C / Section 12541
20-A §12541. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

1. Accredited Maine community college, college or university. "Accredited Maine community college, college or university" means an institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association or by one of the specialized accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and is: A. Any campus of the Maine Community College System; [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] B. Any campus of the University of Maine System; [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] C. The Maine Maritime Academy; [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] D. Any educational institution that is located in this State and has authorization to confer an associate degree or a bachelor's degree, in accordance with sections 10704 and 10704‑A ; [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] E. Any educational institution that is located in this State and is exempted from chapter 409 under section 10708, subsections 1 and 2 ; and [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] F. Any educational institution that is located in this State and is operating under a certificate of temporary approval from the state board under section 10703 , to the extent that a student is ultimately able either to obtain an associate or a bachelor's degree at that institution or to transfer to and obtain a degree from an institution described in paragraphs A to E . [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 553, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Accredited non-Maine community college, college or university. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §1 (RP).]

2. Benchmark loan payment. [PL 2013, c. 525, §1 (RP).]

2-A. Educational cost-of-living adjustment. [PL 2013, c. 525, §2 (RP).]

3. Educational institution. "Educational institution" has the same meaning as in section 10701, subsection 3 . [PL 2007, c. 469, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

4. Educational opportunity tax credit. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §2 (RP).]

4-A. Financial aid package. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §3 (RP).]

5. Maine resident. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §4 (RP).]

6. Opportunity contract. [PL 2009, c. 553, Pt. A, §6 (RP).]

7. Principal cap. [PL 2013, c. 525, §4 (RP).]

8. Qualified employee. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §5 (RP).]

9. Qualified individual. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. H, §6 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12925 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 439 / Section 12925
20-A §12925. Default
Status: in_force

If a recipient of a loan under the program agrees to live and work in the State or be employed in the field of science, computer science, technology, engineering or mathematics and that recipient does not remain living and working in the State or does not remain employed in such a field, the interest rate on the loan held by that recipient is subject to change in accordance with the interest rates set forth in section 12922 . A recipient who fails to pay the loan is liable to the authority for an amount equal to the sum of the total amount paid by or on behalf of the authority to or on behalf of the recipient under the agreement under section 12924 plus interest at a rate determined by the authority. Exceptions may be made by the authority for good cause. [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6803 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6803
20-A §6803. Fraud; false certification
Status: in_force

Any school officer, employee or agent who makes a written false statement on a report or document submitted to the department pursuant to this Title shall, upon conviction in a criminal proceeding, be subject to the applicable penalties in Title 17‑A . [PL 1985, c. 797, §40 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6453 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6453
20-A §6453. Notice to parents of result of screening
Status: in_force

The school board shall appoint appropriate school staff to inform the parent of a student suffering from a suspected disease or defect based on the screening results. [PL 2017, c. 381, §9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 951 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 951
20-A §951. Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter may be known and cited as "the Student Information Privacy Act." [PL 2015, c. 256, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4520 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4520
20-A §4520. Guidance and technical assistance by the department
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall provide guidance and technical assistance to school personnel, consistent with available resources, to aid them in meeting basic school approval requirements and established accreditation standards and to achieve general improvement in such areas as curriculum, school management, teaching and student assessment. This assistance may be given by departmental staff and by school approval specialists employed for limited periods. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 20, 25 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8459 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8459
20-A §8459. Superintendents' advisory committee
Status: in_force

The superintendents of the units within each region shall serve as an advisory committee to the cooperative board. This committee: [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).]

1. Right to attend cooperative board meetings. Must receive notice of and must be invited to attend all meetings of the cooperative board; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).]

2. Meeting with career and technical education director. Shall meet with the career and technical education director of the region at least 4 times each calendar year to review current and proposed programs, budgets and issues relating to career and technical education in the region. [PL 2011, c. 679, §21 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6903 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6903
20-A §6903. Board of directors and officers
Status: in_force

The Board of Directors of Jobs for Maine's Graduates consists of 17 private sector directors representing private businesses and labor organizations in the State; 14 public sector directors, representing public or quasi-public educational entities; and 2 ex officio directors, representing the Commissioner of Labor and the Commissioner of Education. The membership of the board must be representative of geographic diversity and gender balance. Each voting director is entitled to one vote. In addition, the executive director shall attend and participate in board meetings but is not entitled to a vote. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

1. Chair; vice-chair; treasurer. The chair and vice-chair of the board of directors and the treasurer of the corporation must be chosen from among the members. The chair must be elected from among the private sector board members. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

2. Executive director. The board of directors shall appoint the Executive Director of Jobs for Maine's Graduates, who is a nonvoting member of the board of directors. The executive director may not be appointed from among the other directors. The executive director serves as the director of the corporation and may be removed by the board for cause. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

3. Terms of membership. The Governor shall appoint the initial board of directors. Members of the board of directors serve for a term of 4 years, except that no more than 8 members' terms may expire in any one calendar year. To comply with this limitation, the Governor shall make appointments to the initial board for terms of fewer than 4 years. As terms of board members expire, the board of directors, except for the ex officio members, shall elect new members who serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Upon expiration of a member's term the member serves until a successor is qualified and appointed. A vacancy in the board must be filled by appointment of a person, qualified in the same way as the board member being replaced, to complete the unexpired term of that board member. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

4. Meetings; quorum. The board of directors shall meet at least twice a year at the call of the chair to conduct its business and elect its officers. Additional meetings may be held as necessary to conduct the business of the board of directors and may be convened at the call of the chair or a majority of the board members. Sixteen members of the board constitute a quorum for all purposes. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7258 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7258
20-A §7258. Transition to adult services
Status: in_force

1. Attendance at individualized education program team meetings. Annually, representatives from appropriate state service agencies, as determined by the individualized education program team of the school administrative unit, and in accordance with special education rules, shall designate a transition contact person to participate in transition planning for students with disabilities. The transition contact person shall attend individualized education program team meetings or provide relevant information to the individualized education program team for transition planning purposes. This requirement applies to students with disabilities who have attained 16 years of age, or 14 years of age when determined by the individualized education program team to be appropriate. [PL 2023, c. 450, §4 (AMD).]

1-A. Care manager. Within 2 years before the date that a student with an intellectual disability, serious emotional disturbance or other developmental disabilities will graduate or finish school, the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the individualized education program team of the school administrative unit, shall designate a case manager to participate in transition planning for that student. The case manager shall convene an adult services transition team, ensure interagency coordination and access to adult services, serve as a single contact person for the student transitioning into the adult services and attend individualized education program team meetings or provide relevant information to the individualized education program team for transition planning purposes. [PL 2023, c. 450, §5 (AMD).]

1-B. Annual report. Beginning January 1, 1999 and annually thereafter, the department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs regarding transition planning for the adult services system and the number of persons 16 years of age or older on waiting lists for services for persons with autism or intellectual disabilities provided by or under the authority of the department and the Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §22 (AMD).]

2. Documentation. Annually, the transition planning team shall complete documentation that estimates the amount and type of anticipated services the pupil will require upon aging out or graduation and submit this annual documentation to the Department of Education. The department shall transmit the data to the appropriate state service agency. [PL 1997, c. 345, §1 (NEW).]

3. Budget. State service agencies shall show evidence of having used the documentation completed pursuant to subsection 2 to develop their biennial budget beginning with the biennium ending June 30, 1999. [PL 1997, c. 345, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3271 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3271
20-A §3271. Compulsory attendance at school
Status: in_force

1. Required attendance. Persons residing in the unorganized territory who are at least 6 years of age and under 17 years of age shall attend a public day elementary or secondary school or an approved private school during the time it is in session. [PL 2019, c. 508, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Attendance of persons 5 years of age or older and under 6 years of age. A person 5 years of age or older and under 6 years of age who is enrolled in and who has not withdrawn from a public day school is required to attend that school during the time it is in session. [PL 2019, c. 508, §2 (AMD).]

2. Alternative instruction. Alternative instruction may be substituted for attendance in a day school in the following cases when approved by the school principal. A person 5 years of age or older and under 6 years of age is not required to meet the requirements of this subsection. A. The person is enrolled in an approved special education program. [PL 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW).] B. The person obtains equivalent instruction through alternative learning or in any other manner arranged or approved by the commissioner. [PL 2007, c. 667, §4 (AMD).] C. [PL 1989, c. 415, §3 (RP).] [PL 2019, c. 508, §3 (AMD).]

3. Exceptions. Attendance at school or an alternative education program is not required of: A. A person who has graduated from high school before the person's 17th birthday; [PL 2007, c. 667, §5 (AMD).] B. A person who has attained at least 15 years of age, has completed the 9th grade and has permission to leave school to participate in a suitable program of training or combined work and study from a parent and the commissioner; [PL 2025, c. 437, §3 (AMD).] C. A person who has been adjudged a truant and has been excused from attendance pursuant to procedures established by the commissioner; or [PL 2025, c. 437, §3 (AMD).] D. A person who has matriculated and is attending an accredited postsecondary degree‑granting institution as a full‑time student. An exception to attendance in public school under this paragraph must be approved by the commissioner. [PL 2025, c. 437, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 437, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6211 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6211
20-A §6211. Rulemaking
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall develop rules to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. Rules adopted by the commissioner under this chapter must include guidelines and protocols to strengthen the capacity of school administrative units to ensure sufficient opportunity through multiple pathways for all students to achieve proficiency in meeting the state standards and guiding principles under the system of learning results established pursuant to section 6209 . Rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2015, c. 489, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15004 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 601 / Section 15004
20-A §15004. Unexpended balances
Status: in_force

The unexpended balance of all money raised by a school administrative unit, received from the State for general-purpose aid or for other educational programs; from the Federal Government directly or from the Federal Government through the State; from tuition payments made by other units, the State, or by individuals; and other receipts for school purposes shall be carried forward and credited to the unit for educational programs for the ensuing year. [PL 1989, c. 425, §3 (AMD).]

Funds which are set aside for direct reimbursement programs or for workers' compensation self-insurance programs, established pursuant to section 1001 , shall not be considered unexpended balances. These funds shall be carried forward to be used only for the reimbursement or self-insurance program for which they were originally dedicated. [PL 1989, c. 425, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11492 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11492
20-A §11492. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine established in Title 10, section 961 and its successors or assigns. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]

2. Bonds. "Bonds" includes bonds, notes, commercial paper, pass-through instruments or any other evidences of indebtedness the authority issues under this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]

3. Borrower. "Borrower" means a person who is obligated as a borrower to make payment of an eligible loan. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]

4. Eligible lender. "Eligible lender" means the authority and the Federal Government and any financial institution, credit union or institution of higher education that is an eligible lender under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, 79 Stat. 1219, Title IV, as amended, or under the federal Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976, Public Law 94-484, 90 Stat. 2243, as amended, as applicable or, in each case, any successor provision, that is approved by the authority for participation in the program. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]

5. Eligible loan or loan. "Eligible loan" or "loan" means a loan originated under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, 79 Stat. 1219, Title IV, as amended, or under the federal Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976, Public Law 94-484, 90 Stat. 2243, as amended, in each case along with any successor provision, by an eligible lender to a borrower, or under any student loan program administered by the authority. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]

6. Finance. "Finance" means the origination, acquisition or refinancing of eligible loans, including through loans to eligible lenders. [PL 2007, c. 520, §3 (AMD).]

7. Program. "Program" means the Higher Education Loan Purchase Program established by this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7302 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7302
20-A §7302. Tuition rates
Status: in_force

Tuition rates for school administrative units, private special education programs, private general purpose facilities and nonresident children shall be as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. School administrative units. A school administrative unit operating a full-time special education program and accepting students on a tuition basis shall compute a tuition rate. The tuition rate shall not exceed the actual per student cost incurred in operation of the special education program. The commissioner shall adopt or amend rules to define allowable expenditures used to determine the per student cost. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Private special education facilities; private general purpose agencies. Private agencies that operate facilities that exclusively serve children with disabilities and private general purpose agencies that receive state aid for special education programs shall comply with the following in computing tuition rates. A. All tuition rates are subject to approval by the commissioner. [PL 2005, c. 153, §6 (AMD).] B. The tuition rates may not exceed the actual per student cost incurred in the operation during the preceding school year. [PL 2005, c. 153, §6 (AMD).] C. The commissioner shall adopt or amend rules to define allowable expenditures used to determine per student costs. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. An agency shall file an annual financial report detailing the allowable expenditures and the computation of the tuition rate at such time and in the form the commissioner may require. [PL 1983, c. 278, §2 (AMD).] E. Increases in the tuition rate from one year to the next may not exceed the tuition rate established through negotiation unless evidence is presented to the commissioner that a hardship will exist if a higher rate of increase is not approved, and this evidence is determined sufficient by the commissioner. [PL 2005, c. 153, §6 (AMD).] F. The commissioner shall establish a tuition rate for new special education programs in special purpose private schools and private general purpose agencies based on the estimated allowable costs of these schools. [PL 2005, c. 153, §6 (AMD).] G. A special purpose private preschool that provides both educational and medically necessary behavioral health services to children with disabilities who have not attained 6 years of age is entitled to receive payment for the educational services the preschool provides for the Child Development Services System. Before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, the Child Development Services System shall collaborate with special purpose private preschools to establish a funding formula that provides appropriate daily tuition rates for the educational services provided by each special purpose private preschool. The funding formula for the daily tuition rates must include, but is not limited to, the costs of supporting each preschool's site director and teachers and allocations for agency support staff, supplies, equipment, curricula, staff development, technology and noninstructional expenses such as heating, insurance, maintenance, occupancy costs, office supplies, phones and utilities. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. YYY, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. YYY, §1 (AMD).]

3. Private general purpose facilities. [PL 2005, c. 153, §7 (RP).]

4. Exempted private agencies. This section shall not apply to and the commissioner shall have no authority over tuition rates charged for special education programs by private agencies where the tuition is not paid, reimbursed or otherwise funded in whole or in part by this State. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5151 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5151
20-A §5151. Technical assistance for truants, dropout prevention and reintegration and alternative education
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall provide technical assistance regarding truancy, dropouts and reintegration and alternative education programs. To do this, the commissioner shall employ at least one consultant whose responsibility is to cover the area of truancy, dropouts and alternative education. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. KK, §1 (AMD).]

1. Qualifications. Any consultant must be knowledgeable in the problems of truancy, dropouts and reintegration and policies and programs. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. KK, §2 (AMD).]

2. Duties. The consultant shall: A. Provide technical assistance to school administrative units and private schools approved for tuition purposes to establish alternative education programs; [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] B. Develop screening tools for early identification of potential dropouts; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] C. Act as a clearinghouse for information on alternative education programs in the State, on exemplary programs in other states and on research pertaining to the subject, and promote effective programs; [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] D. Function as a liaison among the commissioner, department staff, advisory committee and school administrative units and private schools as it pertains to truants, dropouts and reintegration, alternative education programs, alternative learning and adult education; [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] E. Develop model curricula and programs for alternative education schools and programs; [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] F. Assess and provide for the evaluation of alternative education programs consistent with the standards established by the commissioner; [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] G. Develop training programs for superintendents, principals and school attendance officers to improve effectiveness in performance of their duties as pertains to truants, dropouts and reintegration and alternative education programs; [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] H. Develop and submit a plan on behalf of the commissioner for the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and the state board on the prevalence of truancy and dropouts, assess alternative and adult education programs and prepare positive strategies to prevent and remedy the problems identified, including reintegration planning for juvenile offenders who have been released from juvenile facilities and are enrolling in schools in the State; [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] I. Have the responsibility for preventive programs and alternative education programs; [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] J. Collect data on the scope of the dropout and truancy problem in the State, including data on the number of students who are expelled from school and the number who are readmitted to school after expulsion; [PL 2011, c. 614, §20 (AMD).] K. Evaluate the scope of the problem of dropouts and truants and programs and policies directed to meet it, including reintegration planning and aftercare services provided for juvenile offenders who have been released from juvenile facilities and have enrolled in schools in the State; [PL 2001, c. 452, §12 (AMD).] L. Provide staff services to the advisory committee; and [PL 1985, c. 774, §5 (NEW).] M. Plan and coordinate programs and grant writing to stimulate programs and research on the problem of dropouts, truants, alternative education, alternative learning and adult education. [PL 2007, c. 667, §9 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 614, §20 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1306 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1306
20-A §1306. Budget format
Status: in_force

The board of directors shall determine the budget format unless it is established by the district voters. [PL 1989, c. 414, §4 (AMD).]

1. Petition. An article establishing the budget format may be placed on the next warrant if authorized by a majority vote of the board or if a written petition of at least 10% of the number of voters voting in the last gubernatorial election in the municipalities within the district has been presented to the board. [PL 1989, c. 414, §4 (AMD).]

2. Meeting. A school budget format may be established by the district voters if the lesser of either 20% of the number of registered voters or 200 registered voters vote on an appropriate warrant article and a majority approve it. The meeting shall be called and held as provided for budget meetings under sections 1303 and 1304 or under sections 1351 to 1354 if the directors so choose or if the voting at district budget meetings is done within each member municipality. [PL 1989, c. 414, §4 (AMD).]

3. Effective date. A change in budget format shall be voted on at least 90 days prior to the budget year for which that change is to be effective. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6992 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 231 / Section 6992
20-A §6992. Purple Star School
Status: in_force

The department shall designate a school administrative unit as a Purple Star School if the school administrative unit applies and qualifies for the designation under this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8352 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8352
20-A §8352. Department budget recommendations
Status: in_force

1. Budget recommendation. Prior to December 15th of each year, the commissioner, with the approval of the state board, shall certify to the Governor and to the Bureau of the Budget the funding levels the commissioner recommends to carry out the purposes of this subchapter and subchapters III and IV . The commissioner shall include these funding levels in the department's request to the Legislature for appropriations from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 1991, c. 518, §9 (AMD).]

2. Budget limitation. This section does not apply to construction grants made under chapter 609 . [PL 2019, c. 398, §25 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8602 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8602
20-A §8602. Rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner may adopt rules to establish requirements for adult education courses, to establish procedures for approving adult education courses offered by units, regions or centers and to otherwise carry out the purposes of this chapter. [PL 1991, c. 518, §34 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10702 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10702
20-A §10702. Use of name "community college," "college" or "university"
Status: in_force

An educational institution may use the term "community college," "college" or "university" in connection with its operation or use any other name, title or descriptive matter that might tend to indicate that it is an institution of higher learning with the authority to confer degrees, only if it: [PL 2007, c. 572, Pt. A, §9 (AMD).]

1. Temporary approval. Is operating under a license or certificate of temporary approval from the state board in accordance with section 10703 ; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Authorization. Has authorization to confer degrees in accordance with sections 10704 and 10704‑A . [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §81 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13012-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13012-B
20-A §13012-B. Emergency teacher certificate and reciprocal professional certificate
Status: in_force

Upon the identification of an educator staffing shortage in the State, the commissioner may issue emergency certificates to teachers, specialists and administrators in accordance with this section. The commissioner shall issue an emergency teacher certificate or reciprocal professional certificate to an applicant who meets the requirements of this section. The commissioner shall provide to an applicant who is not qualified information regarding any remaining requirements and other certification options available to the applicant. The commissioner may issue an emergency teacher certificate or reciprocal professional certificate under this section only to address the identified staffing shortage and only in a manner that ensures that the person issued an emergency teacher certificate or reciprocal professional certificate does not supplant an otherwise qualified and available teacher, specialist or administrator. [PL 2021, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]

1. Emergency teacher certificate. The commissioner may issue an emergency teacher certificate under this section to an applicant who has submitted to a criminal history background check and who: A. Holds a 4-year postsecondary degree or the equivalent in work or academic experience; [PL 2021, c. 228, §2 (NEW).] B. Is enrolled in an approved educator preparation program; or [PL 2021, c. 228, §2 (NEW).] C. Holds a certification as an education technician III issued according to rules of the department pursuant to section 13019‑H , except that an emergency education technician III is not eligible for an emergency teacher certificate under this paragraph. [PL 2023, c. 200, §1 (AMD).] A teacher holding an emergency teacher certificate shall participate in a mentoring program provided by the department or a school administrative unit. A certificate issued pursuant to this subsection is issued for a one-year period and no more than 3 emergency teacher certificates may be issued per applicant. [PL 2023, c. 200, §1 (AMD).]

2. Reciprocal professional certificate. The commissioner may issue a reciprocal professional certificate pursuant to this section to a teacher, specialist or administrator who has submitted to a criminal history background check and holds a comparable certificate in another state, the District of Columbia, a United States territory or another country. A certificate issued pursuant to this subsection is issued for a 5-year period. [PL 2021, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12961 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 441-A / Section 12961
20-A §12961. Maine Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program
Status: in_force

1. Program established. The Maine Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program, referred to in this section as "the program," is established within the Finance Authority of Maine for certain health care professionals who commit to living and working in the State for at least 3 years. The authority may, as funds permit, make loan repayments on behalf of eligible program participants to address critical workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to the behavioral health and oral care sectors. Under the program, the authority shall pay up to $25,000 per year and, in aggregate, the lesser of $75,000 and 50% of the recipient’s outstanding student loan balance. [PL 2025, c. 180, §3 (NEW).]

2. Fund established. The Maine Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Fund is established within the Finance Authority of Maine as a nonlapsing fund. The fund may accept appropriations, donations and other funds from various sources, including state, federal and private sources. Costs and expenses of maintaining, servicing and administering the program may be paid out of the fund. [PL 2025, c. 180, §3 (NEW).]

3. Rules. The Finance Authority of Maine may adopt routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A to carry out the purposes of the program, including application requirements and program eligibility. [PL 2025, c. 180, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 10201
20-A §10201. Establishment
Status: in_force

The Energy Testing Laboratory of Maine, referred to in this chapter as "ETLM," is established. [PL 1997, c. 607, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15678 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15678
20-A §15678. Calculation of salary and benefit costs; school level teaching staff
Status: in_force

1. Salary and benefit costs; teaching positions. The commissioner shall annually determine, for each school administrative unit, the salary and benefit costs of all school level teaching positions that are necessary to carry out this Act. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

2. Ratios. In calculating the salary and benefit costs pursuant to this section, the commissioner shall utilize the following student-to-teacher ratios. A. For the elementary school level, the student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] A-1. Notwithstanding paragraph A , for fiscal years 2021-22 and 2022-23 only, for the elementary school level, the student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §3 (AMD).] B. For the middle school level, beginning July 1, 2017, the student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §32 (AMD).] B-1. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §4 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §15678, sub-§2, ¶B-1 (RP).] C. For the high school level, beginning July 1, 2017, the student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §32 (AMD).] D. For the kindergarten level, beginning July 1, 2018, the student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §32 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §§3, 4 (AMD).]

3. Number of teaching positions required. The commissioner shall identify for each school administrative unit, using the pupil count arrived at under section 15674, subsection 1, paragraph C or D , whichever is applicable, the number of school level teaching positions that are required in order to achieve the student-to-teacher ratios set forth in subsection 2 . [PL 2021, c. 428, §6 (AMD).]

4. Estimated salary costs. The commissioner shall determine the estimated salary cost for the number of school level teaching positions required under subsection 3 . In order to calculate this amount, the commissioner shall use the salary matrix pursuant to section 15677 for all school level teaching positions in each category. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

5. Total salary and benefit costs for school level teaching staff. The total salary and benefit costs for school level teaching staff are equal to the sum of: A. The amount identified pursuant to subsection 4 ; and [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. The amount, as determined by the commissioner, that equals the statewide percentage of salary costs that represents the statewide average benefit costs. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §41 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §41 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3619 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3619
20-A §3619. Organization meeting
Status: in_force

The commissioners, acting jointly, shall fix a time and place for a special meeting of the qualified voters within the interstate school district for the purpose of organization, and shall prepare and issue the warrant for the meeting after consultation with the interstate school district planning board and the members-elect, if any, of the interstate school board of directors. Such meeting must be held within 60 days after the date of issuance of the certificate of formation, unless the time is further extended by the joint action of the state boards. At the organization meeting the commissioner of education of the state where the meeting is held, or that commissioner of education's designate, shall preside in the first instance, and the following business must be transacted: [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]

1. Temporary moderator and clerk. A temporary moderator and a temporary clerk shall be elected from among the qualified voters who shall serve until a moderator and clerk respectively have been elected and qualified. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Officers. A moderator, a clerk, a treasurer and 3 auditors shall be elected to serve until the next annual meeting and thereafter until their successors are elected and qualified. Unless previously elected, a board of school directors shall be elected to serve until their successors are elected and qualified. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Date of annual meeting. The date for the annual meeting shall be established. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Expenses. Provision shall be made for the payment of any organizational or other expense incurred on behalf of the district before the organization meeting, including the cost of architects, surveyors, contractors, attorneys and educational or other consultants or experts. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Other business. Any other business, the subject matter of which has been included in the warrant, and which the voters would have had power to transact at an annual meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3655 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3655
20-A §3655. Suit and service of process in New Hampshire
Status: in_force

The courts of New Hampshire shall have the same jurisdiction over the district as though a New Hampshire member district were a party instead of the interstate district. The service necessary to institute suit in New Hampshire shall be made on the district by leaving a copy of the writ or other proceedings in hand or at the last and usual place of abode of one of the directors who resides in New Hampshire, and by mailing a like copy to the clerk and to one other director by certified mail with return receipt requested. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]