20-A M.R.S. § 10015 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10015
20-A §10015. Access to transcripts and diplomas
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Debt" means any money, obligation, claim or sum due or owing or alleged to be due or owing from a student. "Debt" does not include the fee, if any, charged to all students for the costs of providing a transcript or diploma. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] B. "Four-year postsecondary educational institution" means a public or private postsecondary school in the State that offers a bachelor's degree or other 4-year degree. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] C. "Two-year postsecondary educational institution" means a public or private postsecondary school in the State that offers an associate degree or other 2-year degree. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).]

2. Prohibition. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, upon the request of a current or former student, a 2-year postsecondary educational institution or 4-year postsecondary educational institution shall provide that student's transcript or diploma and may not condition the release of the transcript or diploma on agreement to a repayment plan unless the student owes a debt of $500 or more at a 2-year postsecondary educational institution or $2,500 or more at a 4-year postsecondary educational institution. If a 2-year postsecondary educational institution or 4-year postsecondary educational institution requires a student to agree to a repayment plan under this subsection, the 2-year postsecondary educational institution or 4-year postsecondary educational institution shall: A. Provide the student with the right to appeal the terms of the repayment plan; and [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] B. Collect data on the reason for the student's request for the release of the transcript or diploma, including but not limited to: (1) A job application; (2) A transfer to another institution; (3) An application for financial aid; (4) Pursuit of opportunities in the military or National Guard; or (5) Pursuit of other postsecondary educational opportunities. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] A 2-year postsecondary educational institution or 4-year postsecondary educational institution may not require a student to make a payment on a repayment plan prior to releasing the transcript or diploma. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).]

3. Uniform policy. A 2-year postsecondary educational institution or 4-year postsecondary educational institution that has more than one campus in this State shall adopt a uniform policy on the release of student transcripts and diplomas that is consistent across all campuses. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).]

4. Enforcement by Superintendent of Consumer Credit Protection. The Superintendent of Consumer Credit Protection within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation may take appropriate action to ensure compliance with this section. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).]

5. Unfair trade practice. A violation of this section constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of Title 5, chapter 10 . [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).]

6. Rules. The Superintendent of Consumer Credit Protection within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation 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 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).]

7. Report. Beginning January 15, 2023 and annually thereafter, each 2-year postsecondary educational institution and 4-year postsecondary educational institution in this State shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters on requests for the release of transcripts and diplomas. The report must include: A. The number of transcripts and diplomas released, disaggregated by those released to a student who owes a debt of: (1) Five hundred dollars or more at a 2-year postsecondary educational institution; and (2) Twenty-five hundred dollars or more at a 4-year postsecondary educational institution; [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] B. The number of accounts in a repayment plan and the amounts still outstanding and status of the repayment plan; and [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] C. The total number of requests for transcripts and diplomas disaggregated by the reason for the request, demographic information of students who request a transcript or diploma, if known, and the nature and age of the debt owed. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).] The report may include a recommendation on the amount of debt pursuant to subsection 2 over which a 2-year postsecondary educational institution or 4-year postsecondary educational institution may require a student to agree to a repayment plan. [PL 2021, c. 538, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7211 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7211
20-A §7211. Regional support and service hubs
Status: in_force

The Child Development Services System shall establish 9 regional support and service hubs that are aligned with each of the 9 superintendent regions established by the statewide association of superintendents. The regional support and service hubs shall provide supports and resources to school administrative units that have assumed the responsibility for child find activities and for providing a free, appropriate public education to children eligible under Part B, Section 619 pursuant to section 7006, subsection 2 and other high-quality early childhood programs partnering with or otherwise contracted by a school administrative unit to fulfill the school administrative unit's responsibilities under Part B, Section 619 pursuant to section 7006, subsection 2 as determined through memoranda of understanding between the department and the school administrative unit. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).]

1. Minimum requirements. Each regional support and service hub shall, at a minimum, offer the following supports, assistance and resources to the school administrative units within the superintendent region to which the regional support and service hub is aligned: A. Assistance with child find activities; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] B. Training and other professional development opportunities and technical assistance with the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices for young children, including, but not limited to, curriculum, screening and assessment selections aligned with the State's early learning developmental standards, understanding of and requirements to meet free, appropriate public education and least restrictive environment standards and best practices for inclusive learning; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] C. Assistance with establishing and strengthening community partnerships with existing inclusive, high-quality early childhood programs to help school administrative units meet federal obligations under Part B, Section 619. High-quality early childhood programs include, but are not limited to, Head Start programs, private prekindergarten and child care programs and other community-based programs; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] D. Assistance with locating transportation services; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] E. Assistance with administrative tasks associated with the assumption of responsibility for a free, appropriate public education under Part B, Section 619; and [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] F. Maintenance and coordination of access to credentialed educators and service providers who are available to school administrative units on a contractual basis, including, but not limited to, supportive educational technicians; speech, occupational and physical therapists; assistive technology experts; and board-certified behavioral experts. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).]

2. Guiding principles. In providing supports and resources to school administrative units that have assumed the responsibility for child find activities and for ensuring a free, appropriate public education to children eligible under Part B, Section 619 in the least restrictive environment, the regional support and service hubs shall: A. Ensure that parents of children eligible under Part B, Section 619 are recognized as collaborative partners, experts and decision makers; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] B. Provide written information to parents of children eligible under Part B, Section 619 that includes, but is not limited to, information regarding regional and local services and service providers; other early childhood resources, such as child care providers; Head Start programs; community-based approaches to improving access to quality early care and education; resources available through the department and the Department of Health and Human Services; and other community partners and resources. Such information must also be made available on any publicly accessible website associated with the Child Development Services System or the regional support and service hubs; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] C. Emphasize federal and state requirements regarding inclusion and least restrictive environments; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] D. Encourage coordination with community partnerships to maximize resources and provide comprehensive services to meet the needs of children; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] E. Support and encourage the use of evidence-based supports, including, but not limited to, behavior analysts and assistive technology; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] F. Support and encourage the use of a strength-based approach in the support and provision of services to children eligible under Part B, Section 619; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] G. Facilitate parental support groups and provide resources for parents dealing with bullying, difficult family dynamics and behavioral challenges; and [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] H. Convene and assist the parental advisory committees under section 7209‑A, subsection 9 . [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §18 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6606 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6606
20-A §6606. Participation in substance use disorder services
Status: in_force

In compliance with written school policy adopted by a school board, the school board may require that a student who has been determined to be in violation of school rules governing substance use or alcohol or drug possession participate in a substance use assessment, education or support group service offered by the school. The school board shall provide for notice to the parents or legal guardian of a student required to participate in such services. If the school board elects to do so, it may request a parent or legal guardian to participate in the services. [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §61 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6501 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6501
20-A §6501. Sanitary facilities
Status: in_force

Sanitary facilities shall be provided as follows. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Toilets. A school administrative unit shall provide clean toilets in all school buildings, which shall be: A. Of the flush water closet type and connected to a sewer, filter bed or septic tank, or of another design approved by the Department of Health and Human Services; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).] B. Separated according to sex and accessible only by separate entrances and exits; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Installed so that privacy, cleanliness and supervision are assured; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Free from all obscene markings. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

2. Maintenance. Each school administrative unit shall provide for the cleaning and repair of its toilet facilities. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Inspection. The school board shall annually cause an inspection of the sanitary conditions of the school administrative unit's school buildings to insure compliance with this section. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The state board may adopt or amend rules to implement this section. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Penalty. Failure to comply with this section is subject to penalties under section 6801‑A . [PL 1991, c. 548, Pt. A, §12 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1461-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1461-A
20-A §1461-A. Transitional powers and duties of initial regional school unit board
Status: in_force

As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, "regional school unit board" means the initial regional school unit board elected pursuant to section 1472‑A . From the time of election of the regional school unit board to July 1st of the regional school unit's first operational year, the regional school unit board shall establish interim rules of procedures and shall elect officers who shall serve until officers are elected at a meeting following the operational date of the regional school unit. The regional school unit board's powers and duties during this period are governed by this section. [PL 2007, c. 668, §5 (NEW).]

1. Selection of superintendent. The regional school unit board shall select a superintendent for the regional school unit in accordance with section 1051 to carry out the duties specified in section 1055 . During the interim period, the salary, office and other expenses of the superintendent, as well as the costs of the regional school unit board, including insurance, must be allocated to the school administrative units by the cost-sharing formula established in accordance with section 1481‑A and included in the reorganization plan for the regional school unit. [PL 2007, c. 668, §5 (NEW).]

2. Budget preparation and approval. The regional school unit board shall prepare the annual budget for the first operational year of the regional school unit in time for its presentation to and consideration by the regional school unit board in accordance with subchapter 4 . Specific duties may be assigned to existing personnel with the approval of the employing school administrative unit. The regional school unit board shall complete the budget development process and recommend a budget for consideration by the legislative body responsible for final budget approval and the residents of the regional school unit. The budget format, approval procedures and assessments for the regional school unit's first operational year budget must be in accordance with this chapter. [PL 2007, c. 668, §5 (NEW).]

3. Authorization. The regional school unit board is authorized to take all other actions provided under state law to prepare the regional school unit to become operational on July 1st for the first operational year, including the authority to open and maintain accounts, to incur expenses to be allocated among the regional school unit's member school administrative units in accordance with the reorganization plan for the regional school unit and to file applications for school construction projects and revolving renovation fund loans and other available funding. Prior to the operational date of the regional school unit, the regional school unit board shall take measures necessary to prepare to meet its obligations as a public employer on and after the operational date pursuant to Title 26, chapter 9‑A , including but not limited to negotiating a successor collective bargaining agreement that will take effect on or after the operational date. Until the operational date of the regional school unit, each participating school administrative unit retains all other authority, duties and obligations of the public employer of the employees of the school administrative unit pursuant to Title 26, chapter 9‑A . [PL 2009, c. 107, §2 (AMD).]

4. Fiscal agent. The regional school unit board is authorized to expend start-up funds for the regional school unit. A school administrative unit within the regional school unit may serve as a fiscal agent and may expend any start-up funds on behalf of the new regional school unit prior to the regional school unit's operational date without calling for a special meeting of the local legislative body. [PL 2007, c. 668, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12306 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 426 / Section 12306
20-A §12306. Stakeholder consultation
Status: in_force

In administering the program and assessing its effectiveness, the chief executive officer may consult stakeholders from the dental community, including, but not limited to, representatives of dental education and practitioner communities in the State and organizations representing the interests of low-income communities in the State. [RR 2019, c. 1, Pt. A, §19 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12571 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 429-A / Section 12571
20-A §12571. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]

2. Family foster home. "Family foster home" means the same as defined in Title 22, section 8101, subsection 3 . [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]

2-A. Permanency guardian. "Permanency guardian" means the person described in Title 22, section 4038‑C . [PL 2005, c. 471, §1 (NEW).]

3. State postsecondary educational institution. "Postsecondary educational institution" means the University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy and the Maine Community College System. [PL 1999, c. 216, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]

4. Unmet need. [PL 1999, c. 774, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15904 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15904
20-A §15904. Local vote
Status: in_force

Prior to design and funding approval by the state board, a school construction project, except a small scale school construction project as defined in section 15901, subsection 4‑A , must receive a favorable vote conducted in accordance with the following. [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. B, §4 (AMD).]

1. Municipal schools. In a municipality where the responsibility for final adoption of the school budget is vested in a municipal council by municipal charter or in a town meeting, the vote shall be by referendum in accordance with the appropriate provisions set forth in Title 21‑A and Title 30‑A , except that the filing requirement contained in Title 30‑A, section 2528, subsection 5 , does not apply. [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§60, 106 (RPR); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]

2. School administrative districts. In a school administrative district the vote must be conducted in accordance with section 1305 or sections 1351 to 1354 . [PL 1999, c. 81, §11 (AMD).]

3. Community school districts. In a community school district, the vote shall be conducted in accordance with Title 30‑A, sections 2528 to 2532 . The return and counting of votes shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures established in section 1353, subsection 3 . The district school committee shall: A. Issue a warrant ordering the municipalities within the district to place the school construction article on the ballot; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Prepare and furnish the required number of ballots for carrying out the vote. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§61, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]

3-A. Regional school units. In a regional school unit, the vote must be conducted in accordance with chapter 103‑A . [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §35 (NEW).]

4. Form. The article shall indicate: A. [PL 1985, c. 248, §5 (RP).] B. [PL 1985, c. 248, §5 (RP).] C. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §8 (RP).] D. The estimated amount of the additional operating costs during each of the first 2 years; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. The school administrative unit is responsible for the local share of annual principal and interest payments for this school construction project included in the total cost of education appropriated pursuant to section 15690, subsection 1 , if any, and for the annual principal and interest payments for the non-state-funded portion of this school construction project. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §9 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §§8, 9 (AMD).]

5. Career and technical education regions. In a career and technical education region, the vote must be conducted in accordance with sections 1351 to 1354 and section 8465 . References in sections 1351 to 1354 to school administrative unit and board of directors mean "career and technical education region" and "cooperative board," respectively. [RR 1991, c. 2, §72 (COR); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

6. Permanent space lease-purchase projects. A permanent space lease-purchase project, as defined in section 15901, subsection 4‑B , whose costs are wholly eligible as debt service costs for subsidy purposes under section 15672, subsection 2‑A, paragraph B must receive a favorable vote of the legislative body of the school administrative unit. A permanent space lease-purchase project whose lease-purchase costs are not eligible as debt service costs for subsidy purposes under section 15672, subsection 2‑A, paragraph B must receive a favorable vote of the legislative body conducted in accordance with this section, except that subsection 4 does not apply. The vote may authorize the school board or school committee to enter into a mortgage, security interest or other encumbrance on the permanent space lease-purchase project determined to be necessary for the permanent space lease-purchase project. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. B, §15 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11406 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417 / Section 11406
20-A §11406. Loans to minors
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law, if the borrower on a loan insured under this program is a minor, an otherwise valid note or other written agreement executed by the borrower for the purpose of the loan creates a binding obligation. [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (RPR); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15689 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15689
20-A §15689. Adjustments to state share of total allocation
Status: in_force

Beginning July 1, 2005, adjustments to the state share of the total allocation must be made as set out in this section. [PL 2003, c. 712, §17 (NEW).]

1. Minimum state allocation. Each school administrative unit must be guaranteed a minimum state share of its total allocation that is an amount equal to the greater of the following: A. The sum of the following calculations: (1) Multiplying 5% of each school administrative unit's essential programs and services per-pupil elementary rate by the average number of resident kindergarten to grade 8 pupils as determined under section 15674, subsection 1, paragraph C , subparagraph (1); and (2) Multiplying 5% of each school administrative unit's essential programs and services per-pupil secondary rate by the average number of resident grade 9 to grade 12 pupils as determined under section 15674, subsection 1, paragraph C , subparagraph (1); and B. The school administrative unit's special education costs as calculated pursuant to section 15681‑A, subsection 2 multiplied by the following transition percentages: (1) In fiscal year 2005-06, 84%; (2) In fiscal year 2006-07, 84%; (3) In fiscal year 2007-08, 84%; (4) In fiscal year 2008-09, 45%; (5) In fiscal year 2009-10, 40% including funds provided under Title XIV of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; (6) In fiscal year 2010-11, 35% including funds provided under Title XIV of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; (7) In fiscal year 2011-12, 30%; (8) In fiscal year 2012-13, 30%; (9) In fiscal year 2013-14, 35%; (10) In fiscal year 2014-15, 30%; (11) In fiscal year 2015-16, 30%; (12) In fiscal year 2016-17, 30%; (13) In fiscal year 2017-18, 33%; (14) In fiscal year 2018-19, 40%; (15) In fiscal year 2019-20, 45%; and (16) In fiscal year 2020-21 and succeeding years, 50%. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §50 (AMD).] These funds must be an adjustment to the school administrative unit's state and local allocation after the state and local allocation has been adjusted for debt service pursuant to subsection 2 . Beginning July 1, 2007, these funds must be an adjustment to the school administrative unit's state and local allocation in addition to the state and local allocation that has been adjusted for debt service pursuant to subsection 2 . [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §§49, 50 (AMD).]

1-A. Adjustments to state contributions to member municipalities in certain school districts. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. C, §5 (RP).]

1-B. Adjustments to state contributions to member municipalities in regional school units or alternative organizational structure. The minimum state allocation provisions of subsection 1, paragraph B are applicable for each case in which the school administrative units in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit or alternative organizational structure received an adjustment under subsection 1, paragraph B for fiscal year 2007-08 or fiscal year 2008-09. For each regional school unit or alternative organizational structure eligible under this subsection, the minimum state allocation provisions of subsection 1, paragraph B are applicable for each member municipality that was a member of the eligible school administrative units in existence prior to the operational date of the new regional school unit or alternative organizational structure. [PL 2007, c. 668, §38 (NEW).]

2. Adjustment for debt service. Each school administrative unit may receive an adjustment for a debt service determined as follows. A. A school administrative unit is eligible for this adjustment under the following conditions. (1) The school administrative unit's local share results in a full-value education mill rate less than the local cost share expectation as described in section 15671‑A through the 2009-10 fiscal year. Beginning in fiscal year 2010-11 and in subsequent fiscal years, the school administrative unit's debt service allocation must include principal and interest payments as defined in section 15672, subsection 2‑A, paragraph A . (2) The school administrative unit has debt service costs defined under section 15672, subsection 2‑A that have been placed on the state board's priority list by January 2005. (3) Beginning in fiscal year 2010-11 and in subsequent years, the school administrative unit's total debt service costs less the local share amount in paragraph B , subparagraph (2), division (b) is greater than the current state share of the total allocation. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §23 (AMD).] B. The amount of the adjustment is the difference, but not less than zero, between the state share of the total allocation under this chapter and the amount computed as follows. (2) Beginning July 1, 2007, the school administrative unit's state share of the total allocation if the local share was the sum of the following: (a) The local share amount for the school administrative unit calculated as the lesser of the total allocation excluding debt service costs and the school administrative unit's fiscal capacity multiplied by the mill rate expectation established in section 15671‑A less the debt service adjustment mill rate defined in section 15672, subsection 2‑B ; and (b) The local share amount for the school administrative unit calculated as the lesser of the debt service costs and the school administrative unit's fiscal capacity multiplied by the debt service adjustment mill rate defined in section 15672, subsection 2‑B . [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. AAAA, §15 (AMD).] C. Beginning in fiscal year 2016-17, the debt service adjustment in this subsection must be applied to each member municipality of a school administrative district, community school district and regional school unit. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. C, §12 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. C, §12 (AMD).]

3. Adjustment limitations. The amounts of the adjustments paid to school administrative units or municipalities pursuant to this section are limited to the amounts appropriated by the Legislature for these adjustments. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §59 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

4. Audit adjustments. The following provisions apply to audit adjustments. A. If errors are revealed by audit and by the commissioner, the school administrative unit's state subsidy must be adjusted to include corrections. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §60 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. If audit adjustments are discovered after the funding level is certified by the commissioner and the state board on December 15th pursuant to section 15689‑C , the department may request the necessary additional funds, if any, to pay for these adjustments. These amounts, if any, are in addition to the audit adjustment amount certified by the commissioner and state board on the prior December 15th. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §60 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §60 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

5. Adjustment for cost of educating eligible students in long-term drug treatment centers. A school administrative unit that operates an educational program approved pursuant to chapter 327 to serve eligible students in licensed drug treatment centers must be reimbursed in the year in which costs are incurred as follows. A. Reimbursements must be limited to the state average tuition rate for the number of students in the approved program plan. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. AAA, §2 (AMD).] B. The rate of reimbursement per student may not exceed the state average tuition rates in effect during the year of placement as computed under sections 5804 and 5805 . The tuition rates must be computed based on the state average secondary tuition rate and may be adjusted if the program is approved to operate beyond the 180-day school year. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §60 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. AAA, §2 (AMD).]

6. Adjustment for uncertified personnel. The commissioner shall reduce the state share of the total allocation to a school administrative unit in the current year or following year by an amount that represents the state share of expenditures for salaries and benefits paid to uncertified personnel. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §60 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

7. Adjustment for minimum teacher salary. [PL 2011, c. 477, Pt. D, §1 (RP); PL 2011, c. 477, Pt. D, §3 (AFF).]

7-A. Adjustment for minimum teacher salary. Beginning in fiscal year 2020-21, the commissioner shall, in accordance with this subsection, increase the state share of the total allocation to a qualifying school administrative unit by an amount necessary to achieve the minimum salary for certified teachers and career and technical education teachers established in section 13407 . A. As used in this subsection, unless the context otherwise indicates, "qualifying school administrative unit" means a school administrative unit that the commissioner determines to have a locally established salary schedule with a minimum teacher salary of less than $40,000 in school year 2019-2020. As used in this subsection, unless the context otherwise indicates, "incremental salary increases" means the incremental increases in the salaries of certified teachers and career and technical education teachers employed by a qualifying school administrative unit in school year 2019-2020 necessary to meet the minimum salary requirements of section 13407 from fiscal year 2020-21 to fiscal year 2022-23. [PL 2021, c. 441, §2 (AMD).] B. The commissioner shall allocate the funds appropriated by the Legislature in accordance with the following. (1) The amount of increased funds provided to qualifying school administrative units under this subsection must be the amount necessary to fund the incremental salary increases specified in this subsection. (2) The number of certified teachers and career and technical education teachers eligible for incremental salary increases in a qualifying school administrative unit for a fiscal year must be based on the information supplied to the department pursuant to section 13407 in that fiscal year. (3) The increased funds provided under this subsection must be issued to qualifying school administrative units as an adjustment to the state school subsidy for distribution to the certified teachers and career and technical education teachers. Qualifying school administrative units shall use the payments provided under this subsection to provide salary adjustments to those certified teachers and career and technical education teachers eligible for incremental salary increases. The department shall collect the necessary data to allow the funds to be included in a qualifying school administrative unit's monthly subsidy payments beginning no later than February 1st of each fiscal year. (4) Funding for incremental salary increases in fiscal year 2020-21 must be based on data submitted to the department and certified by school administrative units as of October 1, 2019. [PL 2021, c. 441, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 441, §2 (AMD).]

8. Payments for minimum salary adjustments. [PL 2011, c. 477, Pt. D, §2 (RP); PL 2011, c. 477, Pt. D, §3 (AFF).]

9. Regionalization, consolidation and efficiency assistance adjustment. The commissioner may expend and disburse funds limited to the amount appropriated by the Legislature to carry out the purposes of promoting regionalization, consolidation and efficiency. These funds may be an adjustment to the qualifying school administrative unit's state allocation. The commissioner may also expend and disburse these funds as follows: A. For direct contractual agreements to provide legal services, facilitation services and other services to assist a school administrative unit with planning and implementing regionalization, consolidation and efficiencies; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §11 (NEW).] B. For direct support to education service centers established pursuant to chapter 123 including those costs specified in section 3806 ; and [PL 2019, c. 219, §8 (AMD).] C. For department costs incurred for the review of applications and interlocal agreements for education service centers under chapter 123 . [PL 2019, c. 219, §8 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 219, §8 (AMD).]

10. Innovative school construction project adjustment. For any fiscal year, if the appropriation for the state share of debt service exceeds the annual payments, the commissioner may expend and disburse the balance of funds to carry out the purposes of innovative school construction. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. C, §9 (NEW).]

11. Minimum economically disadvantaged student adjustment. Beginning in fiscal year 2012-13, and for each subsequent fiscal year, each school administrative unit may receive an adjustment for economically disadvantaged students determined as follows. A. A school administrative unit is eligible for the adjustment for economically disadvantaged students under the following conditions: (1) The school administrative unit receives an adjustment for the minimum state allocation pursuant to subsection 1 ; (2) The school administrative unit's percentage of economically disadvantaged students as determined pursuant to section 15675, subsection 2 is greater than the state average percentage of economically disadvantaged students; and (3) The school administrative unit operates a school. [PL 2011, c. 419, §3 (NEW).] B. The amount of the adjustment for economically disadvantaged students is the amount computed as the school administrative unit's total allocation for economically disadvantaged students. [PL 2019, c. 398, §36 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 398, §36 (AMD).]

12. Adjustment of subsidy for statewide contract purchases. [PL 2021, c. 571, §33 (RP).] Revisor's Note: (Subsection 12 as enacted by PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. F, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 20-A, SECTION 15689, SUBSECTION 13)

13. (REALLOCATED FROM T. 20-A, §15689, sub-§12) Bus refurbishing program. [PL 2021, c. 571, §34 (RP).]

14. MaineCare seed for school administrative units. The commissioner may deduct from a school administrative unit's state subsidy and pay on behalf of the school administrative unit allowable school-based costs that represent the school administrative unit's portion of MaineCare payments. A transfer of payment by the department to the Department of Health and Human Services must be made pursuant to a schedule agreed upon by the Department of Health and Human Services and the department and in a manner that remains in compliance with federal intergovernmental transfer requirements. No later than 90 days after the incurrence of allowable school-based payments to schools, the Department of Health and Human Services shall provide the detailed payment information to the department. The department shall make this information available and apply the adjustment to the appropriate school administrative units within 30 days of receipt of the detailed payment information from the Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §53 (NEW).]

15. Special education budgetary hardship adjustment. Beginning in fiscal year 2018-19, the following provisions apply to adjustments for special education budgetary hardships. A. If a school administrative unit determined eligible pursuant to paragraph B petitions the commissioner and demonstrates that the unexpected education costs of placement of a student in a special education program will cause a budgetary hardship, the commissioner may provide to the unit an amount not to exceed the allowable costs of the placement less 3 times the statewide special education EPS per-pupil rate for in-district placements or less 4 times the statewide special education EPS per-pupil rate for out-of-district placements. The allowable costs are those special education costs described in section 15672, subsection 30‑A, paragraphs A and B . [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §53 (NEW).] B. The commissioner shall determine that a school administrative unit is eligible for an adjustment under paragraph A if: (1) The student's placement is a result of an appeal approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 5205, subsection 6 or the student became the fiscal responsibility of the school administrative unit after the passage of that unit's budget for the current fiscal year; and (2) The school administrative unit's unexpected allowable costs result in a 5% or more increase in the percentage of the unit's special education budget category to the unit's total budget excluding the debt service budget category. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §53 (NEW).] C. The funds for adjustments under paragraph A are limited to the amount appropriated by the Legislature for that purpose, and any unexpended balance from another program's appropriated amounts under this chapter may be applied by the commissioner toward the adjustments. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §53 (NEW).] D. A school administrative unit may expend the funds from the adjustment under paragraph A without seeking approval by the unit's legislative body. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §53 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §53 (NEW).]

16. English learner budgetary hardship adjustment. Beginning in fiscal year 2022-23, the following provisions apply to adjustments for English learner budgetary hardships. A. If a school administrative unit is determined eligible pursuant to paragraph B , the commissioner may provide an amount equal to that school administrative unit’s most recent state share of the increased English learner weighted allocation, as calculated pursuant to section 15675, subsection 1 , resulting from the increased enrollment. If the school administrative unit’s most recent state share percentage is less than the statewide state share percentage under section 15675, subsection 1, paragraph B , then the adjustment amount is equal to the most recent state share percentage. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. JJJJ, §1 (AMD).] B. The commissioner may determine that a school administrative unit is eligible for an adjustment under paragraph A if: (1) The increased student enrollment is a result of a student's becoming the fiscal responsibility of the school administrative unit after the passage of the annual budget for the current fiscal year; and (2) The school administrative unit's unexpected enrollment increase results in an increase of 3% or more in English learner weighted allocation, as calculated pursuant to section 15675, subsection 1 . [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. JJJJ, §2 (AMD).] C. The funds for adjustments under paragraph A are limited to the amount appropriated by the Legislature for that purpose. An unexpended balance from another program's appropriated amounts under this chapter may be applied by the commissioner toward the adjustments. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. JJJJ, §3 (AMD).] D. A school administrative unit may expend the funds from the adjustment under paragraph A without seeking approval of the school administrative unit’s legislative body. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. C, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. JJJJ, §§1-3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8460 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8460
20-A §8460. Budget
Status: in_force

Each region's budget must be prepared and approved as follows. [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).]

1. Duties of the cooperative board. The cooperative board shall: A. Prepare and approve a budget for the region; [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).] B. Hold a public hearing in each of 2 separate municipalities in the region, prior to submitting the budget for approval by the region's voters in accordance with one of the methods of voting set forth in subsection 2 ; [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).] C. Prepare articles, or orders for municipal council meetings, in substantially the form set forth in subparagraphs (1) and (2): (1) "Shall the regional career and technical education operating budget as approved by the cooperative board for the year be approved in the amount of $ ?"; and (2) "Shall the career and technical education region approve a budget for adult education in the amount of $ for the year ?"; [RR 2003, c. 2, §65 (COR).] D. Select the method of submitting the articles or orders for budget approval from those set forth in subsection 2 ; and [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).] E. Select the date of the budget vote, if the regional budget meeting method is used. [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).] [RR 2003, c. 2, §65 (COR).]

2. Methods of budget approval. The cooperative board shall submit the budget for approval by the voters in a region as follows: A. The articles, or orders, for the career and technical education operating budget and adult education budget for the region must be submitted for approval by one of the following methods prior to July 1st: (1) The school administrative unit method described in section 8461 ; (2) The referendum method described in sections 1351 to 1354 ; or (3) The regional budget meeting method described in section 8462 ; and [RR 2003, c. 2, §66 (COR).] B. For the purpose of approving money to repay bonds issued by the region, each school administrative unit within the region shall include as part of the debt service portion of its regular school budget an amount sufficient to pay such school administrative unit's share of the region's debt service. [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).] [RR 2003, c. 2, §66 (COR).]

3. Budget reconsideration. If the articles or orders are not approved pursuant to subsection 2 , the cooperative board shall: A. Prepare a revised budget and budget articles; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Submit the revised budget articles for voter approval under the regional budget meeting method before August 1st. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 518, §26 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7405-D — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7405-D
20-A §7405-D. Statewide education and family services; site-based programs
Status: in_force

1. Free, appropriate public education responsibility. The school administrative unit is responsible for providing a free, appropriate public education pursuant to chapter 301 and Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Public Law 91‑230, for deaf and hard-of-hearing students at that school administrative unit receiving services delivered by the center. When a student attends a site-based program, the student's sending school is responsible for providing a free, appropriate public education as required under Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Public Law 91-230. [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).]

2. Responsibility for statewide education and family services. Responsibility for providing statewide education and family services pursuant to Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Public Law 91-230, is as follows: A. The center is responsible for: (1) Any specially designed instruction. The center shall ensure staffing to support a child's individualized education program services; (2) Any speech-language services. The center shall ensure staffing for speech-language consultation services; (3) Any consultation services, including but not limited to consultations with teachers of deaf students, speech-language pathologists, special education providers, American Sign Language specialists, interpreters and social workers; (4) Parent training and counseling in American Sign Language and cued language; (5) Evaluations in speech language, functional listening and American Sign Language; (6) Statewide coordination of hearing assistive technology; (7) Statewide coordination of American Sign Language interpreting services and cued speech transliteration services; (8) Statewide social-emotional programming; and (9) Behavioral analysis provided by or performed under the supervision of a person certified by a national board of behavior analysts; and [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).] B. The sending school is responsible for: (1) American Sign Language interpreting services and cued speech transliteration services in the sending school's district for students; and (2) Transportation to and from extracurricular events hosted by the center. [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).]

3. Responsibility for services at site-based programs; center. The center is responsible for providing the following services at site-based programs that are specific to deaf and hard-of-hearing students: A. The costs of transportation and other related services as defined by section 7001, subsection 4‑B , including the following related services: (1) Speech-language therapy, including listening and spoken-language services; (2) Audiology services in conjunction with the student's managing audiologist; (3) Occupational therapy; (4) Transportation for students attending site-based programs from towns other than the host school towns; (5) American Sign Language interpreting services for educational programming; (6) Extended school year services; (7) Evaluation for the following: (a) Occupational therapy services; (b) Speech-language therapy; (c) American Sign Language services; (d) Psychoeducational services; (e) Academic achievement services; and (f) Functional listening services; (8) Observations in the learning environment; (9) Behavioral support services and planning, including functional behavioral evaluations and behavior intervention plans; (10) Specially designed instruction; (11) Social work services; (12) Behavioral analysis provided by or performed under the supervision of a person certified by a national board of behavior analysts; (13) Cued speech transliteration services for educational programming; (14) Transition planning; (15) Remote hearing technology services designed for educational use; (16) Acoustic consultation, including measurement of unoccupied classroom noise levels and observation of the environment, in order to make recommendations for acoustically appropriate treatment; (17) Educational technician services in general education classes; (18) Social-emotional programming; and (19) Boarding for high school students. The center shall pay the room and board costs for each student who is eligible for room and board and placed in a high school site-based program through funds appropriated by the State. [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).]

4. Responsibility for services at site-based programs; sending school. The sending school is responsible for providing any special education or related services not listed in subsection 3, paragraph A necessary for the provision of a free and appropriate education at a site-based program, including but not limited to: A. Physical therapy and physical therapy evaluations; and [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).] B. Extracurricular activities, including but not limited to fees, interpreting services and transportation costs when no accommodations are listed on the individualized education program for that student. [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).] Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, the costs of related services not listed in this subsection are the responsibility of the sending school. [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).]

5. State and federal educational services requirements. The Mackworth Island preschool, statewide education and family services and site-based programs must comply with all standards for state public schools and must comply with all federal and state laws and department rules for the provision of educational services to children with disabilities. [PL 2021, c. 646, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1705 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1705
20-A §1705. Authority to accept gifts
Status: in_force

1. Outright or in trust. A community school district may accept and receive money or other property, outright or in trust, for any specified benevolent or educational purpose. A. When the district school committee receives written notice from a prospective donor or a representative of the donor of a proposed gift, outright or in trust, it shall submit the matter to the next regular meeting of the committee, and shall, within 10 days after the meeting, send written notice of its acceptance or rejection. [PL 1983, c. 806, §23 (AMD).] B. If the gift is in trust the committee shall either deposit or invest trust funds according to Title 30‑A, chapter 223, subchapter III‑A . [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§50, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8,10 (AMD).] [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§50, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8,10 (AMD).]

2. Conditional. A community school district may accept and receive money or other property as a conditional gift for any specified benevolent or educational purpose. When the district school committee receives written notice from a prospective donor or a representative of the donor of a proposed gift, they shall submit the matter to the next regular meeting of the legislative body or shall call a special meeting for that purpose and shall, within 10 days after the meeting, send written notice of its acceptance or rejection. [PL 1983, c. 806, §24 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1452 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1452
20-A §1452. Application of general law; core functions of a regional school unit
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, schools operated by the regional school units established in accordance with this chapter are the official schools of the participating municipalities. The provisions of general law relating to public education apply to these schools. State funds for public schools must be paid directly to the treasurer of a regional school unit. The core functions for which a regional school unit is responsible include without limitation: [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (AMD).]

1. Employment of superintendent. Employment and discharge of a superintendent pursuant to section 1001, subsection 3 and chapter 101, subchapter 2 ; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

2. Performance of business functions. Administration of accounting, payroll, financial management, purchasing insurance and auditing; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

3. Special education administration. Administration of special education duties of school administrative units under chapter 303 ; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

4. Transportation. Administration of transportation; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

5. Core curriculum. Adoption of a core curriculum, standardized testing and assessments aligned with the system of learning results established in section 6209 ; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

6. Budget. Adoption of the regional school unit budget; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

7. Reporting. Reporting required by state or federal law or regulation; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

8. Employment. Functioning as the employer of all employees working within the regional school unit for collective bargaining purposes and for all other purposes, including but not limited to those contained in section 1464 , in Title 26, chapter 9-A and in all state and federal laws regulating the rights and duties of employers and employees; [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

9. School calendar. Establishment of a common school calendar, subject to local variations permitted by the regional school unit board; and [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]

10. Adoption of policies. Adoption of policies for all schools in the regional school unit pursuant to section 1001, subsection 1‑A , except that the local school committee may adopt policies not in conflict with the regional school unit policies. [PL 2007, c. 668, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11473 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11473
20-A §11473. Maine Education Savings Program Fund
Status: in_force

1. Creation. The Maine Education Savings Program Fund, referred to in this chapter as "the program fund," is established as a nonlapsing fund to be held, directed and administered by the authority. The authority shall keep the program fund segregated from all other funds held by the authority and shall invest and reinvest, or cause to be invested and reinvested, the program fund for the benefit of the program under the direction of and with the advice of the advisory committee. The program fund so administered is a fund held on behalf of participants and beneficiaries who are deemed specifically named persons for the purposes of Title 5, section 135‑A . [PL 2011, c. 150, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 150, §9 (AFF); PL 2017, c. 474, Pt. F, §9 (REV).]

2. Sources of money. The following sources of money must be paid into the program fund: A. All money appropriated for inclusion in the program fund; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).] B. All interest, dividends or other pecuniary gains from investment of money in the program fund; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).] C. All money received pursuant to participation agreements; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).] D. Any grants, gifts and other money from the State and from any unit of federal, state or local government or from any person, firm, partnership or corporation for deposit to the program fund. Contributions may be limited in application to specified classes of beneficiaries; and [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).] E. Any other money available to the authority and directed by the authority to be paid into the program fund. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

3. Application of program fund. Money in the program fund may be applied to carry out any power of the authority under or in connection with this chapter. All money in the program fund must be continuously applied by the authority to carry out this chapter and for no other purpose. Assets of the program fund must at all times be preserved, invested and expended only for the purposes of the program and must be held for the benefit of the participants and beneficiaries, including the refunding of fees paid by participants or any class of participants, the matching of contributions made by participants or any class of participants or the use of funds to provide scholarships to program account beneficiaries who attend institutions of higher education whether or not in the State. Assets may not be transferred or used by the State or the authority for any purposes other than the purposes of the program. Notwithstanding the requirements of this subsection regarding the permissible uses of the money in the program fund, all amounts in the program fund, except for contributions and program earnings that have been credited to an account, may be used by the authority to pay the administrative costs of the program and program fund as well as costs associated with providing financial education for the benefit of students and families, as determined by the authority. [PL 2013, c. 4, §1 (AMD).]

4. Accounts within program fund. The authority may divide the program fund into separate accounts for any purpose it determines necessary or convenient for carrying out the purposes of this chapter, including, without limitation, the establishment of appropriate reserve funds for investment and operating expenses. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

5. Common investment of funds. The authority may commingle, or cause or allow to be commingled, amounts credited to some or all accounts for investment purposes and may provide for the application of program earnings to pay any administrative costs of the program fund prior to crediting program earnings to participants' accounts. [PL 2011, c. 150, §2 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 150, §9 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12710 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12710
20-A §12710. Maine Community College System Office
Status: in_force

The Maine Community College System Office shall implement the policies of the board of trustees and shall provide staff and technical assistance to each college and state-level coordination and leadership to the system. [PL 1989, c. 443, §46 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12854 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 435 / Section 12854
20-A §12854. System responsibilities
Status: in_force

The system shall: [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

1. Recruitment and retention. Develop and implement strategies that support the efforts of state and private agencies to enhance recruitment and retention of health professionals in inadequately served geographical, cultural and medical speciality areas of the State; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

2. Recruitment of state residents. Develop and implement strategies for enhancing the recruitment of state residents into health professions, especially those residents who are disadvantaged or members of insufficiently represented populations; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

3. Needs assessment. Conduct studies, establish data management mechanisms and undertake any other activities that improve the State's ability to assess the need for health professionals and health profession education; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

4. Clinical and continuing education. Develop and implement strategies for conducting clinical and continuing education programs for health professionals that use community-based and culturally appropriate curricula; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

5. Contracts. Establish contractual relationships to carry out system plans with health profession education programs, the statewide consortium for health professions education, and centers; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

6. Assistance to centers. Provide technical and administrative services to the centers and the statewide consortium for health professions education; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

7. System funds. Manage system funds in accordance with policies developed under this chapter and develop and implement plans to raise public and private funds to promote the goals of the system; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

8. Coordination. Coordinate the efforts of the system with state and federal health and education initiatives; and [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]

9. Annual report. Beginning in 1992, submit a written report on or before November 15th of each year to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report must include the following: A. The fiscal status of the system and the status of contracts with regional centers and other system contractors; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).] B. Information regarding education, outreach and training programs; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).] C. Information regarding placement of health care personnel in inadequately served areas; [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).] D. An assessment of system accomplishments; and [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).] E. Recommended legislation. [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 372, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15683-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15683-B
20-A §15683-B. Public charter schools; calculation of total allocation and state contribution
Status: in_force

Beginning with fiscal year 2015-16, this section applies to public charter schools authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, established under Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 10‑D , in accordance with the funding provisions established in section 2413‑A . [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]

1. Calculation of EPS per-pupil rates. If there is only one school administrative unit sending students to a public charter school in a school year, the commissioner shall use that resident school administrative unit's EPS per-pupil rate. If there is more than one school administrative unit sending students to the public charter school, the commissioner shall calculate a public charter school's EPS per-pupil rate for each year as follows. A. When there are elementary students from outside of a single resident school administrative unit sending students to an elementary public charter school, the EPS per-pupil rate for elementary grades is calculated by multiplying the number of students from a resident school administrative unit attending the public charter school by that resident school administrative unit's elementary EPS per-pupil rate to find the total cost for elementary students enrolled in the public charter school in that resident school administrative unit, then adding the total cost for elementary students enrolled in the public charter school from each resident school administrative unit. The result is divided by the total number of elementary students in the public charter school. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] B. When there are secondary students from outside of a single resident school administrative unit sending students to a secondary public charter school, the EPS per-pupil rate for secondary grades is calculated by multiplying the number of students from a resident school administrative unit attending the public charter school by that resident school administrative unit's secondary EPS per-pupil rate to find the total cost for secondary students enrolled in the public charter school in that resident school administrative unit, then adding the total cost for secondary students enrolled in the public charter school from each resident school administrative unit. The result is divided by the total number of secondary students in the public charter school. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]

2. Pupil counts. Notwithstanding section 15674 , the commissioner shall determine a public charter school's student counts for each year as follows. A. The basic student count for a public charter school is the pupil count for October 1st of the most recent calendar year prior to the year of funding. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] B. The number of economically disadvantaged students for each public charter school is determined by multiplying the number of students at the public charter school by the most recent available elementary free or reduced-price meals percentage for that public charter school. The elementary free or reduced-price meals percentage may be applied to determine the number of economically disadvantaged students in the public charter school secondary grades. If the public charter school does not operate elementary grades, the most recent available secondary free or reduced-price meals percentage must be used in place of the elementary free or reduced-price meals percentage. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] C. The number of English learners for each public charter school is the number of English learners from the most recent October count prior to the year of funding. [PL 2019, c. 398, §34 (AMD).] D. The number of special education students for each public charter school is the number of special education students from the most recent October count prior to the year of funding. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 398, §34 (AMD).]

3. Operating allocation. The commissioner shall determine a public charter school's operating allocation for each year as the sum of: A. The base allocation, which is the pupil count pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph A multiplied by the public charter school's EPS per-pupil rates calculated pursuant to subsection 1 ; [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] B. The economically disadvantaged student allocation, which is the pupil count determined pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph B multiplied by the additional weight for each economically disadvantaged student pursuant to section 15675, subsection 2 ; [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] C. The English learner allocation, which is the pupil count pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph C multiplied by the additional weight for each English learner pursuant to section 15675, subsection 1 ; [PL 2019, c. 398, §35 (AMD).] D. The targeted funds for standards-based system allocation, which is based on the per-pupil amount pursuant to section 15683, subsection 1, paragraph C multiplied by the pupil count pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph A ; [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] E. The targeted funds for technology resource allocation, which is based on the per-pupil amount pursuant to section 15683, subsection 1, paragraph D multiplied by the pupil count in subsection 2, paragraph A ; and [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] F. The targeted funds for public preschool to grade 2 student allocation, which is based on the preschool to grade 2 pupil count pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph A multiplied by the public charter school's elementary EPS per-pupil rates in subsection 1 . [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] The operating allocation calculated pursuant to this subsection must be adjusted by multiplying it by the appropriate transition percentage in accordance with section 15671, subsection 7 . [PL 2019, c. 398, §35 (AMD).]

4. Other subsidizable costs allocation. The commissioner shall determine a public charter school's other subsidizable costs allocation for each year as the sum of: A. The gifted and talented allocation pursuant to section 2413‑A, subsection 2, paragraph A , subparagraph (4); [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] B. The special education allocation pursuant to section 2413‑A, subsection 2, paragraph B . The special education allocation may not be less than 90% of the public charter school base year expenditures for special education; and [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] C. The transportation operating allocation, which is the statewide per-pupil essential programs and services transportation operating allocation multiplied by a percentage established by the Maine Charter School Commission for that public charter school based on the cost of transportation services provided by the public charter school to the student but not to exceed 100% multiplied by the pupil count in subsection 2, paragraph A . [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] A public charter school is not entitled to career and technical education funding. The school administrative unit in which the public charter school student resides must pay the cost of attendance for the student at a career and technical education program. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]

5. Total allocation and state contribution. The commissioner shall determine a public charter school's total allocation as the sum of the school's operating allocation under subsection 3 and other subsidizable costs allocation under subsection 4 . That total allocation is the state contribution, except that up to 3% of this amount must be withheld in accordance with section 2405, subsection 5, paragraph B and transferred to the Maine Charter School Commission. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]

6. Payment of state contribution. The commissioner shall authorize state subsidy payments to be made to public charter schools in accordance with the same schedule of payments for school administrative units pursuant to section 15689‑B . [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]

7. MaineCare seed. The commissioner may deduct from a public charter school's state subsidy and pay on behalf of the public charter school allowable school-based costs that represent the public charter school's portion of MaineCare payments. A transfer of payment by the department to the Department of Health and Human Services must be made pursuant to a schedule agreed upon by the Department of Health and Human Services and the department and based on documentation of payments made from MaineCare funds. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]

8. Curtailment adjustment. In any funding year, if general purpose aid for local schools funding is curtailed, then the public charter school state contribution under this chapter must be curtailed by the proportional percentage that school administrative units have been curtailed. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]

9. Phase-in procedures for new or newly expanded public charter schools. For new or newly expanded public charter schools, the commissioner shall make a preliminary calculation of total allocation based on the following: A. Estimated student counts not to exceed the enrollment limit established by the Maine Charter School Commission; [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] B. Estimated rates and weights based on statewide averages; and [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] C. The preliminary calculation of total allocation, which must be replaced with actual student data once students have been enrolled for the new school year. The new or newly expanded public charter school shall enroll new students no later than August 1st in a student information system maintained by the department. [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 54, §6 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1483 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1483
20-A §1483. Regional school unit budget; budget formats
Status: in_force

1. Content. Beginning with the budget for the 2008-2009 school year, a regional school unit shall include in its budget document: A. The regional school unit's total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12, its non-state-funded debt service, if any, and any additional expenditures authorized by law; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. A summary of anticipated revenues and estimated school expenditures for the fiscal year; and [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. The following statement, including the estimated dollar amount of state retirement payments: "This budget does not include the estimated amount of $....... in employer share of teacher retirement costs that is paid directly by the State." [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20117 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20117
20-A §20117. Severability and construction - Article 17
Status: in_force

1. Severability. The provisions of this compact are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision is unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact are enforceable. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Construction. The provisions of this compact must be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes. Nothing in this compact may be construed to prohibit the applicability of other interstate compacts to which the states are members. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10801 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 410 / Section 10801
20-A §10801. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

1. Accreditation. "Accreditation" means a formal status granted by an accrediting agency to an institution meeting or exceeding the educational quality criteria as stated in the accrediting agency's publication in order to assess and enhance the educational quality of an institution, ensure consistency in institutional operations, promote institutional improvement and provide for public accountability. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

2. Accreditation mill. "Accreditation mill" means an entity that is created to give the appearance that certain substandard schools or institutions of higher education are legitimately accredited organizations, that is not recognized by any authorized state, professional or national agency and that has few, if any, standards for quality. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

3. Diploma mill. "Diploma mill" means an institution of higher education operating without accreditation or supervision of a state or a nationally recognized professional agency and granting diplomas that are either fraudulent or, because of lack of proper standards, worthless. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

4. Degree mill. "Degree mill" means a school or institution of higher education without accreditation that meets any one of the following conditions: A. Issues degrees without requiring any student academic work; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] B. Issues degrees based solely on the student's life experience or portfolio without requiring any college-level work submitted to and evaluated by faculty with appropriate academic degrees from standard accredited institutions; or [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] C. Issues degrees basing more than 50% of required credits on the student's life experience. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

5. Duly authorized institution of higher learning. "Duly authorized institution of higher learning" means an institution that: A. Has accreditation recognized by the United States Secretary of Education or has the foreign equivalent of such accreditation; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] B. Has an authorization to operate under the laws of this State; or [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] C. Does not operate in this State and is: (1) Licensed by the appropriate agency of another state; and (2) An active applicant for accreditation by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Secretary of Education. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

6. False academic degree. "False academic degree" means a document such as a degree or certification of completion of a degree, course work or academic credit, including a transcript, that provides evidence or demonstrates completion of a course of instruction or course work that results in the issuance of an associate or more advanced degree by an institution that is not a duly authorized institution of higher learning. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]

7. Substandard school or institution of higher education. "Substandard school or institution of higher education" means an entity without accreditation that offers credentials purported to be degrees without requiring the type and level of academic work typically needed to earn a degree and that: A. Issues degrees without requiring any substantial student academic work; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] B. Issues degrees based solely on the student's life experience or portfolio without requiring any college-level work submitted to and evaluated by faculty with appropriate academic degrees from accredited institutions; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] C. Issues degrees without requiring that at least 80% of the student work for which credit is given be college-level work appropriate for the degree; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] D. Issues degrees using more than 20% of required credits based on the student's life experience; [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] E. Issues degrees using more than 20% of credits transferred from an unaccredited school or institution of higher education; or [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] F. Issues degrees without at least 80% of student work for credit being evaluated by faculty with accredited degrees or issues degrees based on a nationally recognized college-level examination such as College Level Examination Program, Advanced Placement or New York Regents. [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 429, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3616 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3616
20-A §3616. Warning of meetings
Status: in_force

A meeting shall be warned by a warrant addressed to the residents of the interstate school district qualified to vote in district affairs, stating the time and place of the meeting and the subject matter of the business to be acted upon. The warrant shall be signed by the clerk and by a majority of the directors. Upon written application of 10 or more voters in the district, presented to the directors or to one of them, at least 25 days before the day prescribed for an annual meeting, the directors shall insert in their warrant for such meeting any subject matter specified in such application. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11420 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11420
20-A §11420. Bonds
Status: in_force

1. Issuance; purpose; payment; authorization; interim receipts or certificates. The authority may, at any time and from time to time, issue bonds for the purpose of making authority loans to institutions participating in the program for the purpose of providing education loans, for acquiring existing portfolios of education loans from institutions or for financing or funding education loans directly or indirectly to borrowers. The bonds of each issue must be payable from sources specified in the agreement with bondholders, including without limitation, principal and interest on loans; payments by institutions, banks, insurance companies or others pursuant to letters of credit or purchase agreements; investment earnings from funds or accounts maintained pursuant to a trust agreement or other document; insurance proceeds; loan funding deposits; proceeds of sales of education loans; proceeds of refunding bonds; and other fees, charges or revenues of the authority if so specified. Bonds must be authorized by the authority and must: A. Bear the date or dates, and mature at a time or times, whether as serial bonds or as term bonds, or both, determined by the authority; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] B. Bear interest at a rate or rates determined by the authority, including, but not limited to, fixed, variable, floating or adjustable interest rates; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] C. Be payable at a time or times, in the denominations and form, either coupon or registered or both, and carry the registration and privileges as to conversion and for the replacement of mutilated, lost or destroyed bonds as the authority may establish; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] D. Be negotiable and be payable in lawful money of the United States at a designated place or be payable in another form of currency if the authority so designates; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] E. Be subject to redemption in accordance with the agreement with bondholders; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] F. Be executed by the manual or facsimile signatures of the officers or designees of the authority; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] G. Be sold in the manner and upon the terms determined by the authority at public or private sale, with or without public bidding; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] H. Be conclusively presumed to be fully and duly authorized and issued under the laws of the State and any person or governmental unit must be estopped from questioning their authorization, sale, issuance, execution or delivery by the authority; and [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).] I. Be deemed to be negotiable instruments issued under the laws of the State. [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] Pending preparation of the definitive bonds, the authority may issue interim receipts or certificates, which must be exchanged for such definitive bonds. Bonds issued under this chapter do not constitute or create any debt or debts, liability or liabilities on behalf of the State or of any political subdivision of the State, other than the authority, or a loan of the credit of the State or a pledge of the faith and credit of the State or of any such political subdivision, other than the authority, but are payable solely from the funds provided. All such bonds must contain on the face of the bonds a statement to the effect that neither the State nor any political subdivision of the State is obligated to pay the same or the interest on the bonds, except from revenues derived pursuant to one or more agreements, and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the State or of any political subdivision of the State is pledged to the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or the interest on such bonds. The issuance of bonds under this chapter must not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the State or any political subdivision of the State to levy or to pledge any form of taxation whatever or to make any appropriation for their payment. Nothing in this section contained may prevent nor be construed to prevent the authority from pledging its full faith and credit or the full faith and credit of an institution to the payment of bonds or issue of bonds authorized pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

2. Provisions in bond resolution or other document. Any bond resolution or other document may contain provisions, which must be a part of the contract with the holders of the bonds to be authorized under this chapter, as to: A. Pledging or assigning the revenues derived from authority loans, education loans or other sources with respect to which the bonds are to be issued; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] B. The fees and other charges to be collected and the sums to be raised in each year, and the use, investment and disposition of such sums; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] C. The setting aside of loan funding deposits, debt service reserves, capitalized interest accounts, cost of issuance accounts and sinking funds, and the regulation, investment and disposition; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] D. Limitations on the use of proceeds of loans; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] E. Limitations on the purpose to which or the investments in which the proceeds of sale of any issue of bonds then or thereafter to be issued may be applied; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] F. Limitations on the issuance of additional bonds, the terms upon which additional bonds may be issued and secured, the terms upon which additional bonds may rank on a parity with, or be subordinate or superior to, other bonds; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] G. The refunding or refinancing of outstanding bonds; [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] H. The procedure, if any, by which the terms of any contract with bondholders may be altered or amended and the amount of bonds the holders of which must consent thereto, and the manner in which consent must be given; [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).] I. Defining the acts or omissions that constitute a default in the duties of the authority to holders of its obligations and providing the rights or remedies of such holders in the event of a default; [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).] J. Providing for guarantees, pledges of endowments, letters of credit, property or other security, or insurance for the benefit of the holders of the bonds; and [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).] K. Any other matter relating to the bonds that the authority determines appropriate. [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

3. Liability. No member or employee of the authority nor any person executing the bonds issued under this chapter may be liable personally on the bonds or subject to any personal liability by reason of the issuance of the bonds. [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

4. Purchasing, refunding or refinancing by authority. The authority may purchase its bonds issued under this chapter out of any available funds and may hold, pledge, cancel or resell the bonds subject to and in accordance with agreements with bondholders. The authority may refund or refinance any of its bonds issued under this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

5. Security for series or issue of bonds. The authority may pledge the repayments of authority loans as security for a series or issue of bonds issued under this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this chapter, the authority may commingle and pledge as security for a series or issue of such bonds, with the consent of all of the institutions that are participating in the series or issue; the education loan series portfolios and some or all future education loan series portfolios of the institutions; and the loan funding deposits of the institutions if education loan series portfolios and other security and money set aside in any fund or funds pledged for any series or issue of such bonds are held for the sole benefit of the series or issue separate and apart from education loan series portfolios and other security and money pledged for any other series or issue of such bonds of the authority. [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]

The authority may provide for transfer of registration of its registered bonds issued under this chapter by book entry on the records of the entity designated for that purpose and may enter into any agreement it considers necessary to accomplish these purposes. [PL 2015, c. 170, §19 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 401-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 401-A
20-A §401-A. Responsibilities of the State Board of Education
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is intended to act as a body with certain policy-making, administrative and advisory functions. In those capacities, the board has the primary responsibility for the following: [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §47 (NEW).]

1. Formulating policy. Formulating policy by which the commissioner shall administer certain regulatory tasks; [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §47 (NEW).]

2. Advising commissioner. Advising the commissioner in the administration of all the mandated responsibilities of that position; and [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §47 (NEW).]

3. Enforcing regulatory requirements. Enforcing regulatory requirements for school administrative units. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §47 (AMD).]

The state board may advise the commissioner and the Legislature on matters concerning state laws relating to public preschool to grade 12 and postsecondary education. [PL 2007, c. 572, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13305 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 504 / Section 13305
20-A §13305. Elimination of principal's position
Status: reserved

The right to terminate a contract, after due notice of 90 days, is reserved to the school board when changes in local conditions warrant the elimination of the principal's position for which the contract was made. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1206 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1206
20-A §1206. Application of general law
Status: in_force

Schools operated by legally established school administrative districts shall be the official schools of the participating municipalities. The provisions of general law relating to public education shall apply to these schools. State funds for public schools shall be paid directly to the treasurer of the school administrative district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12104 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424 / Section 12104
20-A §12104. Loans for medical education
Status: in_force

The Health Professions Loan Program, referred to in this section as the "program," is established and is administered by the authority. [PL 1991, c. 830, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 832, §10 (NEW).]

1. Eligibility. Loans are available to Maine residents pursuing allopathic, osteopathic, veterinary and dentistry education and to Maine residents obtaining a first loan under this section for the pursuit of an education in optometry prior to January 1, 2011. To be eligible for a loan under this section, a person must meet eligibility criteria, established by rule of the authority, which at a minimum must require: A. That the student show financial need for a loan; and [PL 1991, c. 830, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 832, §10 (NEW).] B. That priority be given to students: (1) Who have previously received a loan pursuant to this section and who exhibit financial need as determined by the authority; (2) Who are participants in the Access to Medical Education Program established in section 12103 ; or (3) Who are participants in the Maine Veterinary Medicine Loan Program established in chapter 424‑A . [PL 2009, c. 488, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 488, §3 (AMD).]

2. State contract students. [PL 2009, c. 488, §4 (RP).]

2-A. Access to Medical Education Program students. As long as the student is otherwise eligible, a student occupying a position at a school of allopathic or osteopathic medicine pursuant to section 12103 that was secured by the chief executive officer on or before January 1, 2010 continues to be eligible for loans under the program under this section through June 30, 2013. As long as the student is otherwise eligible, a student occupying a position at a school of veterinary medicine pursuant to section 12103 that was secured by the chief executive officer on or before January 1, 2011 continues to be eligible for loans under the program under this section through June 30, 2014. [PL 2009, c. 488, §5 (AMD).]

3. Maximum loan amount. The chief executive officer may establish the maximum loan amount and may provide for a different maximum loan amount for applicants in different categories. [PL 1991, c. 830, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 832, §10 (NEW).]

4. Allocation of loan fund. [PL 2009, c. 488, §6 (RP).]

5. Loan agreement for students obtaining first program loans prior to January 1, 2010 or January 1, 2011. This subsection applies to allopathic and osteopathic students under section 12103 who obtained their first program loan prior to January 1, 2010 and to all other students who obtained their first program loan prior to January 1, 2011. The student shall enter into a loan agreement that provides for the following. A. Upon completion of professional education the student shall repay the loan in accordance with the following schedule. (1) A loan recipient who does not obtain loan forgiveness pursuant to this section shall repay the entire principal portion of the loan plus simple interest at a rate to be determined by rule of the authority. Interest does not begin to accrue until the loan recipient completes medical education, including residency and internship. The authority may establish differing interest rates to encourage loan recipients to practice primary health care medicine in the State. (2) Primary health care physicians and dentists practicing in a designated health professional shortage area, any physician practicing in an underserved specialty or any physician providing services to a designated underserved group are forgiven the larger of 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness plus any accrued interest or $7,500 for each year of practice. Primary health care physicians and dentists practicing in the State, but not practicing in a designated health professional shortage area, are forgiven the larger of 12.5% of the original outstanding indebtedness plus any accrued interest or $3,750 for each year of practice. (3) Veterinarians providing services to Maine residents with insufficient veterinary services are forgiven the larger of 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness plus any accrued interest or $7,500 for each year of practice. (4) Any student completing an entire residency at any primary health care residency program in the State is forgiven 50% of the original outstanding indebtedness for each year of practice in a designated health professional shortage area, as a physician practicing in an underserved specialty or as a physician providing services to an underserved group or 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness for each year of primary health care practice in the State. [PL 1995, c. 117, Pt. D, §2 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 117, Pt. D, §3 (AFF).] B. Loans must be repaid over a term no greater than 10 years, except that the chief executive officer may extend an individual's term as necessary to ensure repayment of the loan. Repayment must commence when the loan recipient completes, withdraws from or otherwise fails to continue medical education. [PL 1991, c. 830, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 832, §10 (NEW).] C. The Department of Health and Human Services may require a loan recipient requesting forgiveness or an interest rate benefit under this section, excluding veterinarians, to report annually to the Department of Health and Human Services, office of rural health and primary care the following: (1) The number of Medicaid patients served by the loan recipient and the percentage of the loan recipient's overall service provided to Medicaid patients; (2) The number of instances in which a loan recipient accepted a Medicare assignment and the number of and basis for any rejections during the period of the report; and (3) The amount of time devoted by the loan recipient to practice in a public health clinic during the period of the report. If the office of rural health and primary care determines that the level of service provided was not reasonable or if the loan recipient fails to provide the report by the date required, the loan recipient is not entitled to any loan forgiveness or interest rate benefit under this section for the year of the report. [PL 2009, c. 488, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 488, §7 (AMD).]

5-A. Loan agreement for students obtaining first program loans after January 1, 2010 or January 1, 2011. This subsection applies to students who are not eligible for loan agreements under subsection 5 . The student shall enter into a loan agreement that provides for the following. A. Upon completion of professional education the student shall repay the entire principal portion of the loan plus simple interest at a rate that may range from 0% up to a maximum to be determined by rule of the authority and depending upon the type and location of medical practice undertaken by the loan recipient. Interest does not begin to accrue until the loan recipient completes medical education, including residency and internship. The authority may establish differing interest rates to encourage loan recipients to provide primary health care or dentistry in certain areas of the State, or to certain underserved groups, to practice in underserved specialties or to provide veterinary services in areas of the State with insufficient veterinary services as defined in chapter 424‑A . [PL 2009, c. 488, §8 (NEW).] B. Loans must be repaid over a term no greater than 10 years, except that the chief executive officer may extend an individual's term as necessary to ensure repayment of the loan. Repayment must commence when the loan recipient completes, withdraws from or otherwise fails to continue medical education. [PL 2009, c. 488, §8 (NEW).] C. The Department of Health and Human Services may require a loan recipient requesting an interest rate benefit under this section, excluding veterinarians, to report annually to the Department of Health and Human Services, office of rural health and primary care the following: (1) The number of Medicaid patients served by the loan recipient and the percentage of the loan recipient's overall service provided to Medicaid patients; (2) The number of instances in which a loan recipient accepted a Medicare assignment and the number of and basis for any rejections during the period of the report; and (3) The amount of time devoted by the loan recipient to practice in a public health clinic during the period of the report. [PL 2009, c. 488, §8 (NEW).] If the Department of Health and Human Services, office of rural health and primary care determines that the level of service provided was not reasonable or if the loan recipient fails to provide the report by the date required, the loan recipient is not entitled to any interest rate benefit under this section for the year of the report. [PL 2009, c. 488, §8 (NEW).]

6. Deferments. Deferments may be granted for causes established by rule of the authority. Interest at a rate to be determined by rule of the authority must be assessed during the deferment. The student's total debt to the authority, including principal and interest, must be repaid either through return service, if eligible, or cash payments. The chief executive officer shall make determinations of deferment on a case-by-case basis. The decision of the chief executive officer is final. [PL 2009, c. 488, §9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1652 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1652
20-A §1652. District school committee
Status: in_force

1. Officers, treasurer's fee and bond. The district school committee shall, annually in April, choose by ballot from its membership a chairman, a treasurer and a secretary. It may authorize the district's superintendent to be the treasurer and secretary. A. The treasurer, if authorized by the district school committee, may receive up to $250 for services. The treasurer shall give a bond to the community school district in the sum and with sureties as the district school committee determines. The bond shall be deposited with the chairman. The expense of the bond shall be paid by the community school district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Members of the district school committee shall receive only the compensation authorized by the municipalities or school administrative units which they represent. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13013 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13013
20-A §13013. Professional teacher certificate
Status: in_force

1. Definition. A professional teacher certificate is a renewable certificate issued to an individual who has met the qualifications of this section. [PL 2017, c. 235, §12 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Qualifications. [PL 1991, c. 682, §3 (RP).]

2-A. Qualifications. [PL 2017, c. 235, §12 (RP); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2-B. Qualifications. State board rules governing the qualifications for a professional teacher certificate must require that the certificate may be issued only to an applicant who, at a minimum, meets one of the following criteria: A. Has graduated from an educator preparation program; [PL 2021, c. 228, §3 (RPR).] B. Has met the criteria established by the state board by: (1) Passing a qualifying examination; (2) Meeting grade point average requirements in required course work; or (3) Successful completion of a portfolio review demonstrating competency through academic or work experience; [PL 2021, c. 228, §3 (RPR).] C. Has successfully completed a preparation program in another state, the District of Columbia, a United States territory or another country, subject to the completion of an approved preparation program for the endorsement or certificate being sought with a formal recommendation for certification from the institution that provided the program; or [PL 2021, c. 228, §3 (RPR).] D. Is otherwise qualified by having met the criteria established by the state board for teaching in a specified content area. [PL 2021, c. 228, §3 (RPR).] [PL 2021, c. 228, §3 (RPR).]

3. Endorsements. A professional teacher certificate must be issued with an endorsement that specifies the grades and subject area that the teacher is determined qualified to teach. A holder of a professional teacher certificate may not teach outside the certificate holder's area of endorsement unless the certificate holder has received a waiver from the commissioner in accordance with state board rules. [PL 2019, c. 584, §2 (AMD).]

4. Five-year certificate. A professional teacher certificate is issued for a 5-year period. [PL 2017, c. 235, §12 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

5. Renewal. A professional teacher certificate may be renewed for 5-year periods in accordance with state board rules, which must require, at a minimum, that the teacher, whether employed or unemployed, complete at least 6 semester hours of professional or academic study or in-service training designed to improve the performance of the teacher in the field. If the teacher has attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the renewal period is for 10 years. If a rule adopted pursuant to section 13006‑A amends the endorsement specifications for grades or subject areas for a teacher's professional teacher certificate, the teacher may renew the teacher's professional teacher certificate with the same grades and subject areas endorsements as were issued with the active professional teacher certificate that is held by the teacher at the time of the amendment. [PL 2019, c. 584, §3 (AMD).]

6. Reissuance; retired teacher. The commissioner may issue a professional teacher certificate to a person who is receiving a retirement benefit from the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program established under Title 5, section 17602 and who was employed for at least 10 years by a public school, who has been receiving a retirement benefit for no more than 5 years and who, immediately prior to receiving that benefit, possessed an active professional teacher certificate in good standing that has subsequently lapsed. The professional teacher certificate must be issued with the same grades and subject areas endorsements as were issued with the active professional teacher certificate that was held by the teacher at the time of the teacher's retirement. A professional teacher certificate issued under this subsection is for the same period as specified in subsection 4 and subject to the same renewal standards as specified in subsection 5 . State board rules may further govern qualifications for a professional teacher certificate issued under this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 442, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6206 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 222 / Section 6206
20-A §6206. Educational costs
Status: in_force

Costs relating to the development of the state assessment program, printing, distribution, analysis and dissemination of results for each school administrative unit shall be paid by the department. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§ 3, 4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12001 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 423 / Section 12001
20-A §12001. Purpose
Status: in_force

1. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for persons who desire to practice osteopathic medicine in this State. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Findings. The provision of financial assistance in securing this type of higher education is an important public purpose. Many qualified youth are deterred by financial considerations from securing this type of higher education resulting in irreparable loss to the State in maintaining the health of its residents. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4013 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4013
20-A §4013. Radon
Status: in_force

1. Testing. A school administrative unit may hire a person registered with the division of environmental health within the Department of Health and Human Services under the Radon Registration Act to test an occupied elementary school, secondary school or other building of the school administrative unit every 5 years for radon. The method of testing must be consistent with testing standards established in rules adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services. The school administrative unit shall maintain, make available for review and notify parents, faculty and staff of test results under this subsection. The school administrative unit shall report radon test results to the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. No later than October 1, 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, the Department of Health and Human Services shall submit a report of the test results from all school administrative units to the Legislature and the Governor. [PL 2019, c. 172, §1 (NEW).]

2. Funding. When funds are available, the department shall disburse money to school administrative units to use for radon testing. The department shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 172, §1 (NEW).]

3. New schools. A school administrative unit, when building a new elementary school, secondary school or other building, shall use radon-resistant new construction techniques consistent with rules adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 2019, c. 172, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 16101 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 611 / Section 16101
20-A §16101. Authority for condemnation
Status: in_force

1. Conditions. A school administrative unit may condemn land for the construction or enlargement of school buildings and playgrounds when: A. The owner of the property refuses to sell; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. The parties are unable to agree on a price within 60 days of the first offer; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. The owner of the property resides outside the State and has no authorized agent or attorney within the State. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. School administrative units. The following school administrative units may condemn land for school construction: A. Municipalities; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. School administrative districts or regional school units; and [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §4 (AMD).] C. Community school districts. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §4 (AMD).]

3. Restrictions. A school administrative unit may not condemn lots exceeding 25 acres for one project. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12526 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-A / Section 12526
20-A §12526. Eligibility requirements
Status: in_force

1. Program loan repayment agreement. A program loan repayment agreement may be given only to an individual who is employed in this State in an eligible employment position and who has met other eligibility criteria established by rules of the authority. [PL 2003, c. 710, §2 (NEW).]

2. Matching funds. An eligible employer must provide funds to match the amount provided by the authority for program loan repayments under this section. The employer's match must be paid to the authority for payment to the financial institution holding the employee's student loan and must be in an amount equal to the amount of the program loan repayment to be provided by the authority. [PL 2003, c. 710, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6902 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6902
20-A §6902. Duties
Status: in_force

Jobs for Maine's Graduates is authorized and directed to provide services to the State and to quasi-public, public and private entities and to assist students in making the transition from school to work. The corporation shall: [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

1. Graduation. Help keep students in high school through graduation; [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

2. Quality jobs. Render 9 months of intensive assistance and follow-up activities to assure student placement in quality jobs with ample career opportunities; [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

3. Postsecondary education. Encourage students to pursue postsecondary education by assisting in securing appropriate part-time work to accompany that education; [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

4. Lifelong learning. Encourage lifelong learning by introducing students to the importance of skills training and demonstrating how learning is relevant to skills necessary in the workplace; [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

5. Youth apprenticeship. Assist schools and private sector corporations in the development of youth apprenticeship systems to connect more closely schools and the workplace; and [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]

6. Other. Engage in other activities designed by its board of directors and consistent with this chapter. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8601-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8601-A
20-A §8601-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, §33 (NEW).]

1. Adult education. "Adult education" means an education program primarily operated for individuals beyond the compulsory school age that is administered by school administrative units through a career pathways and service system and that, except as provided in section 8602‑B , includes intake, assessment, advising, instruction and individual learning plans; is guided by data management and analysis, annual monitoring and annual professional development plans; uses appropriately certified staff; is designed to meet identified local needs; makes use of partnerships and alignment with workforce development, postsecondary institutions and support services; and offers at least 3 of the following: A. Basic literacy instruction or instruction in English as a Second Language; [PL 2011, c. 517, §1 (NEW).] B. High school completion courses; [PL 2011, c. 517, §1 (NEW).] C. College transition courses; [PL 2011, c. 517, §1 (NEW).] D. [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. C, §1 (RP).] E. [PL 2017, c. 381, §11 (RP).] F. Adult workforce training and retraining; and [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] G. Adult career and technical education. [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] "Adult education" also includes enrichment courses offered as part of a school administrative unit's adult education program in accordance with section 8613 . [PL 2017, c. 381, §11 (AMD).]

2. Adult education program costs. "Adult education program costs" means those costs identified in section 8607‑A . [PL 1991, c. 518, §33 (NEW).]

2-A. Career and technical education. [PL 2011, c. 517, §2 (RP).]

3. Center. "Center" has the same meaning as in section 8301‑A, subsection 3 , applicable to career and technical education for secondary students. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (AMD).]

4. Foundation year. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (RP).]

5. Maximum allowable expenditures. "Maximum allowable expenditures" means, for state subsidy purposes, an amount not to exceed the sum of funds appropriated through taxation and expended in accordance with section 8607‑A in the base year, plus the amount of subsidy paid by the State during the base year. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (AMD).]

6. Municipality. "Municipality" has the same meaning as in section 15672, subsection 21 . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §28 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

7. Parent. "Parent" means a parent, as defined in section 1, subsection 20 , with legal custody of a minor child, except that "parent" of a child with disabilities means a parent as defined in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1401(23). [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (AMD).]

8. Region. "Region" has the same meaning as in section 8301‑A, subsection 6 , applicable to career and technical education for secondary students. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (AMD).]

9. Residence. "Residence" means, with reference to a person's eligibility to receive adult 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 or installation is considered part of the school administrative unit in which it is located. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (AMD).]

10. Unit. "Unit" means a school administrative unit. [PL 1991, c. 518, §33 (NEW).]

11. Vocational education. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. D, §2 (RP).]

12. Adult career and technical education. "Adult career and technical education" means organized educational activities, eligible for federal or state funding, that: A. Offer a sequence of courses that provide individuals with the academic and technical knowledge and skills the individuals need to prepare for further education and for careers, other than careers requiring a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree, in current or emerging employment sectors; and [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).] B. Include competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills and occupation-specific skills of an individual. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 517, §3 (AMD).]

13. Adult learners with disabilities. "Adult learners with disabilities" means individuals who have been determined eligible as students with disabilities under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act who are 16 years of age or older and under 21 years of age and who have neither received a regular high school diploma nor turned 20 years of age during the prior school year; individuals who are eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and individuals who are eligible under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. [PL 2011, c. 517, §4 (AMD).]

14. Adult workforce training and retraining. "Adult workforce training and retraining" means courses or activities eligible for state funding that serve any of the following adult learners: A. Preparatory learners, who are adults learning new skills in preparation for employment in a job or occupation that is new to them; [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).] B. Supplemental learners, who are adults pursuing courses or activities that are related, in a clear and applicable manner, to current full-time or part-time employment or wage-earning activities; and [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. C, §2 (AMD).] C. Certificate learners, who are adults participating in a sequence of courses that provide individuals with the academic and technical knowledge and skills that individuals need to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging employment sectors, including the skills and training and work credential programs conducted under the auspices of the boards of the local workforce investment areas designated pursuant to the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Public Law 113-128, and the department. [PL 2017, c. 110, §4 (AMD).] D. [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. C, §3 (RP).] [PL 2017, c. 110, §4 (AMD).]

15. Base year. "Base year" has the same meaning as in section 15672, subsection 1‑B . [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).]

16. Basic literacy instruction. "Basic literacy instruction" means instruction, based on individual needs and goals, for adults whose skills in reading, writing, numeracy, speaking or listening are below the grade 12 level. It includes adult basic education and English as a Second Language instruction described in the State’s plan for the implementation of the federal adult education program and adult literacy and English as a Second Language instruction provided with state and local funding. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).]

17. College transition course. "College transition course" means a course to support adults with high school diplomas who are not academically prepared to take college courses. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).]

18. Enrichment course. "Enrichment course" means a noncredit course provided under the supervision of an instructor and in accordance with a course outline identifying instructional goals for its participants. "Enrichment course" does not include offerings for the sole purpose of recreation. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).]

19. High school completion course. "High school completion course" means a course that is aligned with the system of learning results established in accordance with section 6209 and includes general educational development preparation courses for the Maine high school equivalency diploma. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).]

20. Instructional supplies. "Instructional supplies" means those supplies that fulfill the purpose of a specific instructional program and, during the teaching process, are actually consumed or worn out through use, or lose their identity through fabrication or incorporation into different or more complete units or substances. Instructional supplies do not include those items that result in a product or service for the student for which lab or materials fees may be assessed, or those items that result in a product or service for the unit, region or center. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).]

21. Student with disabilities. "Student with disabilities" has the same meaning as "child with a disability" as defined in section 7001 , and any such students are included under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400, et seq. [PL 2007, c. 131, §2 (NEW).]

22. Career pathways services. [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. C, §4 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 12
20-A §12. Prohibition of Native American mascots
Status: in_force

A public school, the University of Maine System or any college within the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System or any college within the Maine Community College System or the Maine Maritime Academy may not have or adopt a name, symbol or image that depicts or refers to a Native American tribe, individual, custom or tradition and that is used as a mascot, nickname, logo, letterhead or team name of the school. [PL 2019, c. 123, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9503 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9503
20-A §9503. Penalties
Status: in_force

1. Fines. Any person, who operates or maintains a proprietary school in violation of this chapter, or represents itself as operating and maintaining such a school, is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000, payable to the State, to be recovered in a civil act. [PL 1983, c. 841, §4 (NEW).]

2. Enforcement actions. The State may bring an action in Superior Court to enjoin any person from violating this chapter, regardless of whether proceedings have been or may be instituted in the District Court or whether criminal proceedings have been or may be instituted. A violation of the provisions of this chapter or any rules adopted under this chapter is prima facie evidence of a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. Responsible owners, officers and employees of licensees are personally liable to any person harmed by intentional violations of this chapter or applicable rules, including violations of rules regarding refunds, for the amount of damage caused by the violation. [PL 1997, c. 771, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §78 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11801 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 421 / Section 11801
20-A §11801. Legislative intent
Status: in_force

1. Admission of Maine residents to educational institutions. It is the intent of the Legislature to assure, to the greatest extent possible, the admission of qualified Maine residents to educational institutions providing programs of instruction leading to doctoral degrees in allopathic medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Responsibility for program. It is the intent of the Legislature, consistent with the purposes of this chapter, that the Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine shall administer the program and develop a plan that ensures, to the extent practicable, that Maine contract students, or a similar number of out-of-state medical school graduates, return to practice their profession within the State, in underserved areas. [PL 1989, c. 698, §14 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

3. Advisory committee. [PL 2023, c. 607, §11 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8207 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 312 / Section 8207
20-A §8207. Financing authority
Status: in_force

The board of trustees may borrow funds, issue bonds and negotiate notes and other evidences of indebtedness or obligations of the school for renovation and construction purposes to pay for costs as defined in Title 22, section 2053, subsection 3 and may issue temporary notes and renewal notes to pay for those costs. Bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or obligations of the school are legal obligations of the school on behalf of the State and are payable solely from the school's revenues and other sources of funds, including funds obtained pursuant to Title 22, section 2053, subsection 4‑B, paragraph B and these borrowings by the school do not constitute debts or liabilities of, and are not includable in, any debt limitation of the State or any municipality or political subdivision of the State. The board of trustees has the discretion to fix the date, maturities, denomination, interest rate, place of payment, form and other details of the bonds or notes of the school. Unless otherwise provided in the vote authorizing their issuance, bonds or notes of the school are signed by the treasurer and countersigned by the chair of the board of trustees. The aggregate principal amount of outstanding bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness of the school may not exceed $3,000,000 at any one time, excluding temporary notes and renewal notes. The board of trustees may pledge or assign its revenues, including any funds that have been or may be appropriated to the school by the Town of Limestone, and the proceeds of those revenues and its other property as security toward its bonds, notes, other evidences of indebtedness or other obligations of the school. The proceeds of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness may be invested in accordance with Title 30‑A, sections 5706 and 5712 . Bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued under this section are not debts of the State, nor a pledge of the credit of the State, but are payable solely from the funds of the school. The board of trustees may also borrow funds in anticipation of revenues for current operating expenses for a term not exceeding 13 months. Indebtedness incurred and evidences of indebtedness issued under this chapter are deemed to constitute a proper public purpose and all income derived is exempt from taxation in the State. The net earnings of the school may not inure to the benefit of any private person. If the school is dissolved, the distribution of all property owned by the school must be determined by the Legislature in accordance with this chapter and may not inure to the benefit of any private person. [PL 1997, c. 772, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20114 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20114
20-A §20114. Financing of the interstate commission - Article 14
Status: in_force

1. Payment for reasonable expenses. The interstate commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Assessment. The interstate commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff that must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the interstate commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount must be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Incur obligations. The interstate commission may not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same and may not pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

4. Accounts. The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission are subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. All receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission must be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit must be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13605 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 507 / Section 13605
20-A §13605. School administrative units to grant paid leave to public school employees affected by COVID-19
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit shall grant up to 15 paid leave days to a public school employee affected by the illness caused by infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, referred to in this section as “COVID-19,” in accordance with the following. [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).]

1. Requirements. A public school employee who is affected by COVID-19 is granted up to a maximum of 15 days of paid leave when needed by the employee because the employee: A. Is subject to a federal, state or local quarantine order related to COVID-19; [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).] B. Has been or is advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine for reasons related to COVID-19; [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).] C. Is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is seeking a medical diagnosis; [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).] D. Is caring for an individual subject to a federal, state or local quarantine order related to COVID-19; or [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).] E. Is a parent or guardian who is providing care for a child whose school or place of child care is closed or unavailable due to precautions related to COVID-19. [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).]

2. Application. Subsection 1 applies from January 1, 2021 until the employee has been granted a maximum of 15 days of paid leave for the purposes described in this section, except as provided in subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (AMD).]

3. Exception. A public school employee who, on or after the effective date of this subsection, has 60 days or more of accrued paid leave is not eligible for leave pursuant to subsection 1 . [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (NEW).]

4. Funding. A school administrative unit may use federal funds to provide the paid leave required under this section, including but not limited to funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Public Law 116-136, the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, to the extent the funds are eligible to be used for the purposes of this section in accordance with federal law and regulations. [PL 2021, c. 614, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2906 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2906
20-A §2906. Accreditation
Status: in_force

Any private school which chooses the accreditation method of approval shall make available to the commissioner on a timely basis all accreditation reports on the school and shall notify the commissioner promptly upon a determination that the school is not accredited or is on probation. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§ 7, 25 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3304 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3304
20-A §3304. Tuition students in unorganized units
Status: in_force

A school board may, when it seems advantageous and in the best interest of the students concerned, arrange for students who are entitled to school privileges in its school administrative unit, to attend schools maintained by the State in the unorganized territory, subject to the terms and conditions the commissioner may determine. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Charges. [PL 1997, c. 535, §1 (RP).]

1-A. Charges. The per pupil tuition charge must be an amount equal to the state average expenditure per elementary pupil during the preceding year, as determined annually by the commissioner pursuant to section 5804 , or the receiving school administrative unit's actual expenditure per elementary pupil for the preceding year as calculated by the commissioner, whichever is less. [PL 2005, c. 115, §1 (AMD).]

2. Income credited. The tuition income shall be credited to the Unorganized Territory School and Capital Working Funds for the fiscal year in which it is earned. [PL 1985, c. 490, §13 (AMD).]

3. Payments. The school board shall pay, prior to June 30th of the school year for which a schooling agreement is made any sums agreed on and shall charge these sums to the appropriations of money raised in that school administrative unit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12004 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 423 / Section 12004
20-A §12004. Repayment for pre-June 30, 1981 students
Status: in_force

1. Agreement. A student commencing professional education between September 1, 1971 and June 30, 1981, as a condition of receiving a loan, shall enter into an agreement with the State that the student, after the completion of an internship, residency, obligated public health service or Armed Forces' service, shall enter in the practice of osteopathic medicine in this State and continue in that practice for a period of one year for each $2,000 of the loan utilized. [PL 1985, c. 797, §48 (AMD).]

2. Initial interest. The loan must be granted to the applicant with no interest or principal payments until one year after the applicant has ended attendance at that osteopathic college or university. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §20 (COR).]

3. Breach of contract. If a recipient of a loan fails to comply with the terms of the agreement with the State for reasons other than death, the recipient shall immediately be liable to the State for all loan payments received plus interest on each payment at the rate of 6% each year compounded semiannually. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Repayment process. If a recipient of a loan practices osteopathic medicine in a community in this State for only a part of the total compensatory practice agreed upon, the recipient shall be liable to the State only for the amount granted under the loan plus interest at the rate of 6% each year compounded semiannually. This amount shall be reduced by a credit at the rate of $2,000 plus interest for each year the recipient has actually practiced in the State. The loan shall be repaid within 12 years of graduation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12981 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12981
20-A §12981. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

1. Affirmative consent. "Affirmative consent" means consent to sexual activity that can be revoked at any time. "Affirmative consent" does not include silence, lack of resistance or consent given while intoxicated. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

2. Employee. "Employee" means an individual who is employed by an institution of higher education, including a full-time, part-time or contracted employee, or an individual who was employed by an institution of higher education, including a full-time, part-time or contracted employee, but has taken a leave of absence or terminated the employment as a result of having been a victim of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking or for any other reason. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

3. Institution of higher education. "Institution of higher education" or "institution" means a public, private, nonprofit or for-profit postsecondary school chartered, incorporated or otherwise organized in the State with an established physical presence in the State. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

4. Interpersonal violence climate survey. "Interpersonal violence climate survey" means the survey developed pursuant to section 12984, subsection 8 . [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

5. Intimate partner violence. "Intimate partner violence" means any of the acts that constitute abuse under Title 19‑A, section 4002, subsection 1, paragraphs A to H that are committed by an individual who is or has been in a social relationship with another individual of an intimate nature regardless of whether the individuals were or are sexual partners. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

6. Reporting party. "Reporting party" means a student or employee who reports having experienced an alleged incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking at an institution of higher education. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

7. Responding party. "Responding party" means an individual who has been accused of an alleged incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking at an institution of higher education. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

8. Sexual violence. "Sexual violence" means conduct that constitutes: A. Any crime under Title 17‑A, chapter 11 ; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. Unauthorized dissemination of certain private images pursuant to Title 17‑A, section 511‑A ; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking pursuant to Title 17‑A, section 852 or 853 , respectively; or [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] D. Sexual harassment as defined in Title 14, section 6000, subsection 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

9. Stalking. "Stalking" means conduct that constitutes the crime of stalking under Title 17‑A, section 210‑A . [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

10. Student. "Student" means an individual who is enrolled or is seeking to be enrolled in an institution of higher education in this State and is a candidate for a degree or diploma or graduate certificate or has taken a leave of absence as a result of having been a victim of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

11. Title IX coordinator. "Title IX coordinator" means the employee at an institution of higher education who is responsible for institutional compliance with the so-called Title IX provisions of the federal Education Amendments of 1972, Public Law 92-318, as amended. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

12. Trauma-informed response. "Trauma-informed response" means a response by an individual who has received specific training in the complexities of trauma caused by intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking including training on: A. The neurobiological impact of trauma; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. The influence of societal stereotypes or other misconceptions relating to the causes and impacts of trauma on an individual experiencing the trauma caused by intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Methodologies for avoiding perpetuation of the trauma caused by intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking; and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] D. How to conduct an effective investigation of trauma. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11804-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 421 / Section 11804-A
20-A §11804-A. Agreement for contract students after July 1, 1981 and prior to January 1, 1993
Status: in_force

1. Agreement. Any state contract student commencing professional education on or after July 1, 1981 and prior to January 1, 1993 shall, as a condition precedent to the commencement of the education, enter into an agreement with the State under which the student shall agree: A. To pay tuition to the institution; and [PL 1983, c. 862, §67 (NEW).] B. Upon the conclusion of professional education, including internship, residency, fellowship, obligated public health service and obligated national service, to pay the State an amount of money equal to the difference between the nonresident tuition at the institution being attended by the state contract student and the tuition charged the state contract student. (1) This amount is payable at 9% simple annual interest over a period not to exceed 10 years; however, students may extend the repayment period by one to 10 years with the approval of the chief executive officer for a total repayment period not to exceed 20 years. (2) These installment payments commence upon conclusion of the state contract student's professional education under rules adopted by the authority. [PL 1991, c. 832, §4 (AMD).] After March 16, 1990, the agreement provided for in this subsection must be entered into by the student and the authority. [PL 1991, c. 832, §4 (AMD).]

2. Forgiveness. Any student who, upon the conclusion of the student's professional education, including, if applicable, internship, residency, fellowship, obligated public health service and obligated national service, elects to serve as a practitioner of allopathic medicine, dentistry, optometry or veterinary medicine in a designated, underserved area in the State is forgiven 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness for each year of that practice. A. Any student electing to complete an entire residency at any family practice residency program in the State is forgiven 50% of the original outstanding indebtedness upon completion. [PL 1991, c. 612, §5 (NEW).] B. Any student electing to serve as a practitioner of allopathic medicine or any other underserved specialty area established by rule under this chapter who practices in an underserved geographic area is forgiven the larger of 25% of the original outstanding indebtedness or $10,000 for each year of that practice. [PL 1991, c. 612, §5 (NEW).] Any student who elects to practice in the State and receives the benefits of these provisions shall provide a reasonable level of service to all patients regardless of their ability to pay, including Medicare and Medicaid patients, and participate in public health clinics where necessary. This subsection applies to all contract students commencing their professional education on or after July 1, 1981 and prior to January 1, 1993. [PL 1991, c. 832, §4 (AMD).]

3. Determination. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall determine underserved areas for the practice of allopathic medicine, dentistry and optometry. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall determine underserved areas for the practice of veterinary medicine. [PL 1985, c. 455, §6, 11 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §7 (REV).]

4. Deferment. Contract students under this section who, during the repayment period, either return to a Maine practice and then leave the State or initially remain outside the State and then return to a Maine practice may seek a deferment of the annual principal and interest payments while outside the State for a period of time not to exceed 3 years. Interest must be assessed during this time and the student's total debt to the authority, including principal and interest, must be repaid either through return service or cash payments as established by the chief executive officer. Requests for deferments must be made to the chief executive officer, who shall make a determination on a case-by-case basis. The decision of the chief executive officer is final. [PL 1991, c. 832, §4 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5805 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 219 / Section 5805
20-A §5805. Secondary school students; public schools
Status: in_force

Tuition charges for secondary school students in public schools shall be governed by the following. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Computation of tuition rate. The tuition rate at a public secondary school shall be the sum of all expenditures divided by the number of students. These figures shall be determined as follows. A. Expenditures shall be all expenditures for public secondary education for the period July 1st to June 30th of the year immediately before the school year for which the tuition charge is computed, except expenditures for: (1) Special education; (2) Career and technical education; (3) Community services; (4) Major capital outlay; (5) Debt retirement; and (6) Tuition and transportation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. D, §3 (REV).] B. The number of students shall be the average number of public secondary pupils enrolled on October 1st and April 1st of the same year. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. The figure obtained by using the figures established in paragraphs A and B shall be divided by the average number of secondary students on October 1st and April 1st of the year immediately prior to the year for which the tuition charge is computed. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. The tuition rate thus determined shall be adjusted by the average change in public secondary education costs for the 2 years immediately before the school year for which the tuition charge is computed. This adjustment shall be limited to a 6% increase. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. D, §3 (REV).]

2. Maximum allowable tuition. The maximum allowable tuition charge by a public secondary school is the rate computed under subsection 1 or the state average per public secondary student cost as adjusted, whichever is lower. The school board of the sending unit may vote to pay a higher tuition rate. [PL 1997, c. 266, §10 (AMD).]

3. Maine School of Science and Mathematics. [PL 1995, c. 368, Pt. LL, §1 (RP).]

4. Debt service factor. Notwithstanding subsections 1 and 2 , beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, a school administrative unit may charge a debt service factor for newly incurred capital outlay and debt service, as defined in section 1, subsection 19‑A . The debt service factor must be an amount agreed upon by both the sending and receiving units, with the approval of the commissioner, and may not exceed 10% of a school's legal tuition rate per student in any one year. The debt service factor adjustment must be limited to a period of time not to exceed the receiving unit's repayment period for newly incurred capital outlay and debt service. The percentage of the debt service factor must be proportional to the cost of the project and the number of tuition students. [PL 1997, c. 787, §5 (NEW).]

5. Online learning program. [PL 2011, c. 353, §2 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §5805, sub-§5 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15901 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15901
20-A §15901. Definitions
Status: in_force

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

1. Concept approval. "Concept approval" means the initial approval of a school construction project by the state board which indicates: A. Acknowledgment of the local need; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Approval of the preliminary design; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Approval of estimated costs; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. The state board's intent to issue design and funding approval subject to a favorable local vote and approval of final cost estimates. [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. B, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. B, §2 (AMD).]

1-A. Design and funding approval. "Design and funding approval" means approval by the state board indicating that a school construction project's drawings and specifications have been developed to 100% completion, the project has gained the recommendations of the department and the school administrative unit is authorized to seek bids for the work. [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. B, §3 (NEW).]

2. Maintenance of plant. "Maintenance of plant" means those activities concerned with keeping the grounds, buildings and equipment at their original condition of completeness or efficiency either through repairs or by replacement of property. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Major capital cost. "Major capital cost" means school construction projects and may include the cost for equipment approved under a school construction project. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. School construction project. "School construction project" means: A. On-site additions to existing schools; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. New schools; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. The cost of land acquired in conjunction with projects otherwise defined by this subsection; [PL 1983, c. 612 (AMD).] D. The building of or acquisition of other facilities related to the operation of school administrative units; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. The complete restoration of existing school buildings in lieu of replacement when in the judgment of the commissioner the action is in the best interest of the State and local unit; and [PL 1983, c. 613 (RPR).] F. Off-site construction only if, in the judgment of the commissioner, it is economically in the best interests of the State or there is no other practical way to complete a project. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. B, §12 (AMD).] "School construction project" does not mean the purchase, lease-purchase or construction of portable temporary classroom space, as defined in section 15672, subsection 21‑B , the lease-purchase of bus garage and maintenance facilities or a permanent space lease-purchase project as defined in section 15901, subsection 4-B . [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. B, §12 (AMD).]

4-A. Small scale school construction project. "Small scale school construction project" means a project that will not be eligible for state subsidy and is limited to: A. New buildings not exceeding 600 square feet in gross area to be utilized solely for storage or custodial work, or both; or [PL 1985, c. 248, §2 (NEW).] B. On-site additions to existing school buildings not exceeding 600 square feet in gross area. [PL 1985, c. 248, §2 (NEW).] "Small scale school construction project" does not mean the purchase, lease-purchase or construction of portable temporary classroom space, as defined in section 15672, subsection 21‑B , or the lease-purchase of bus garage and maintenance facilities. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. B, §13 (AMD).]

4-B. Permanent space lease-purchase project. "Permanent space lease-purchase project" means the lease-purchase of permanent administrative space or permanent small nonadministrative or instructional space whose costs are wholly or partially eligible as debt service costs for subsidy purposes under section 15672, subsection 2‑A, paragraph B , subparagraph (1) or subparagraph (3). "Permanent space lease-purchase project" does not mean the purchase, lease-purchase or construction of portable temporary classroom space, as defined in section 15672, subsection 21-B , or the lease-purchase of bus garage and maintenance facilities. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. B, §14 (AMD).]

5. Total cost of school construction projects. "Total costs of school construction projects" means all costs related to or incidental to the project, except financing costs and proceeds from insured losses. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. School administrative unit. "School administrative unit" means a school administrative unit as defined by section 1, subsection 26 and a career and technical education region as defined by section 8301-A, subsection 6 , except that in section 15907 , the reference to "unit" or "school administrative unit" means a unit within a career and technical education region. [RR 1991, c. 2, §71 (COR); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

7. School board. "School board" means a school board as defined in section 1, subsection 28 and the cooperative board of a career and technical education region. [RR 1991, c. 2, §71 (COR); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

8. Superintendent. "Superintendent" means a superintendent as defined by section 1, subsection 39 , and the director of a career and technical education region, if that person had been appointed to serve as administrative officer of the region, or the superintendent who has been appointed to serve as ex officio administrative officer. [RR 1991, c. 2, §71 (COR); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1471 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1471
20-A §1471. Regional school unit board
Status: in_force

A regional school unit board must be established in accordance with this section. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1. Size. Following the initial certification of a regional school unit, any change in the size, composition or apportionment of the regional school unit board must be determined by a joint meeting of all the municipalities within the regional school unit. Unless determined otherwise pursuant to section 1472 , each regional school unit board must include at least one director from each municipality or subdistrict. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Term of office. In municipalities with annual elections, directors serve 3-year terms. In municipalities with biennial elections, directors serve 4-year terms. A director serves until a successor is elected and qualified. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

3. Compensation . Compensation for attendance at a regional school unit board meeting must be between $10 and $25 per meeting for each director. Whenever the directors recommend increasing their compensation, they shall submit their recommendation to the voters in the regional school unit for approval. A. On notification by the regional school unit board, the municipal officers shall, at the next regular or special town meeting or city election, prepare a warrant or ballot for the purpose of voting on the proposed increase. The question must be in the following form. "Do you favor paying a member of the regional school unit board of directors compensation at the rate of $.... for each meeting that member attends?" [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. An increase in compensation is not effective unless approved by a majority of the voters voting on the question set out in paragraph A . [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

4. Secretary and treasurer . The superintendent serves as secretary and treasurer of the regional school unit board and shall give a bond to the regional school unit board of a sum and with the sureties as the regional school unit determines. The bond must be deposited with the chair of the regional school unit board. The expense of that bond must be paid by the regional school unit. The bond premium, compensation paid directors for attendance at meetings and expenses of the regional school unit must be paid from funds of the regional school unit by the treasurer on vouchers presented and certified by the superintendent and approved by a majority of the regional school unit board or a finance committee duly elected annually by that board. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

5. Oath of office . Before a newly elected director's first regional school unit board meeting, that director must take the following oath or affirmation before a dedimus justice or notary public. "I ................ do swear that I will faithfully discharge to the best of my abilities the duties incumbent on me as a regional school unit board director of (name of regional school unit) according to the Constitution of Maine and laws of this State, so help me God." A. A director shall take the oath or affirmation and return a certificate documenting that the oath or affirmation has been taken to the secretary of the regional school unit to place in the regional school unit board records. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. If a director is conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, the word "affirm" may be used instead of "swear" and the words "this I do under the pains and penalty of perjury" may be used instead of the words "so help me God." [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

6. Election of officers. The regional school unit board shall elect a chair and vice-chair and other officers as may be necessary. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11499 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11499
20-A §11499. Bonds as legal investments
Status: in_force

Bonds issued by the authority under this chapter are securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the State and its political subdivisions; insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business; trust companies, banks, bankers, banking associations, savings banks and savings associations, including savings and loan associations; financial institutions; credit unions; building and loan associations; investment companies; executors, administrators, trustees and other fiduciaries; pension, retirement funds and profit-sharing plans; other persons carrying on a banking business; and all other persons may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. These bonds are made securities that may properly and legally be deposited with and received by any state, municipal or public officer or any agency or political subdivision of the State for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of the State is now or may hereafter be authorized by law. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12527 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-A / Section 12527
20-A §12527. Payment provisions
Status: in_force

The authority shall enter into a program loan repayment agreement with an eligible individual on terms and conditions that are acceptable to the authority and that at a minimum must require the eligible individual and the eligible individual's employer to certify annually, before payment of any installment by the authority under the program loan agreement, that the eligible individual has been employed in an eligible employment position for the preceding 12-month period. Payment of any installment by the authority, including matching funds provided to the authority by the employer, must be made directly for credit to the eligible individual's account at the financial institution certified by the eligible individual as responsible for administration of that person's student loans. [PL 2003, c. 710, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5022 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5022
20-A §5022. Admission to regular program
Status: in_force

1. Placement. A student who has been receiving home-school instruction and who seeks admission to the regular school program must be placed in a grade commensurate with the level of the student's academic achievement. Placement must be guided by the following. A. Grade level placement is determined by the locally designated appropriate school staff, based upon but not limited to such factors as the student's completed curricula and record of achievement, conferencing with the student's parent or guardian and administration of tests, if determined necessary. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. The final grade level placement decision is based upon local school unit policy and procedures. That decision may be appealed to the school unit superintendent and, if desired, subsequently to the local school board, whose decision is final. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).]

2. High school course credits and diploma eligibility. The following standards govern the awarding of course credits and a graduation diploma to a student receiving home-school instruction who seeks admission to the public high school. A. A student shall earn high school credits for satisfactory completion of courses in the public high school pursuant to section 5021, subsection 2, paragraph A . [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] B. A student may earn credit for course work completed through home-school instruction if the principal determines both in advance and upon completion of the course that the course satisfies the requirements for awarding the credit. The principal may direct that the student undergo a test or tests to assist in making a determination relative to the awarding of credit. [PL 1995, c. 610, §1 (NEW).] C. Requests for transfer credit for equivalent instruction completed at nonapproved private schools, at private schools that elect not to meet requirements under section 2901 or through other equivalent instruction programs must be evaluated on the merits of the documentation provided. The principal and guidance staff shall conduct these evaluations on request by the student or the student's parent or guardian. The principal may direct that the student undergo a test or tests to assist in making a determination relative to the awarding of credit under this paragraph. [PL 2003, c. 271, §1 (AMD).] D. Awarding of a high school diploma by the local school is conditioned upon the student's demonstration of having satisfied all course credit and other requirements established by the local school board. The local board of directors may establish resident credit requirements as a precondition for the awarding of a local school unit diploma. [PL 2003, c. 271, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2003, c. 271, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11004 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11004
20-A §11004. Officers; meetings; organization - Article IV
Status: in_force

1. Officers. The board shall annually elect from its members a chair and vice-chair and shall appoint and at its pleasure remove or discharge those officers. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §46 (COR).]

2. Employees. It may appoint and employ an executive secretary and may employ such stenographic, clerical, technical or legal personnel as shall be necessary and at its pleasure remove or discharge such personnel. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Rules. It shall adopt a seal and suitable bylaws and shall promulgate any and all rules which may be necessary for the conduct of its business. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Office. It may maintain an office or offices within the territory of the compacting states. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Meetings. It may meet at any time or place. Meetings shall be held at least once each year. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but no action of the board imposing any obligation on any compacting state shall be binding unless a majority of the members from the compacting state shall have voted in favor thereof. Where meetings are planned to discuss matters relevant to problems of education affecting only certain of the compacting states, the board may vote to authorize special meetings of the board members of such states. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Accounts. The board shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall make an annual report to the governor and the legislature of each compacting state, setting forth in detail the operations and transactions conducted by it pursuant to this compact, and shall make recommendations for any legislative action deemed by it advisable, including amendments to the statutes of the compacting states which may be necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this compact. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

7. Credit. The board shall not pledge the credit of any compacting state without the consent of the Legislature thereof given pursuant to the constitutional processes of said state. The board may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it under Article VII of this compact; provided that board takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to the incurring of any obligation to be met in whole or in part in this manner. Except where the board makes use of funds available to it under Article VII , the board shall not incur any obligations for salaries, office, administrative, traveling or other expenses prior to the allotment of funds by the compacting states adequate to meet the same. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

8. Audit. Each compacting state reserves the right to provide hereafter by law for the examination and audit of the accounts of the board. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

9. Disbursements. The board shall appoint a treasurer and assistant treasurer who may be empowered to perform any and all duties of the treasurer. Fiscal disbursements of the board should be valid only when authorized by any 2 persons from among those authorized by the board to execute this authority, and when substantiated by vouchers signed and countersigned by any 2 members from among those authorized by the board to execute this authority. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

10. Records. The executive secretary shall be custodian of the records of the board with authority to attest to and certify such records or copies thereof. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10901-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10901-A
20-A §10901-A. University of Maine System
Status: in_force

The University of Maine System is made up of 7 universities. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).]

1. Campuses. The universities of the University of Maine System are located and named as follows: A. Orono - University of Maine; [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).] B. Augusta - University of Maine at Augusta; [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).] C. Farmington - University of Maine at Farmington; [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).] D. Fort Kent - University of Maine at Fort Kent; [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).] E. Machias - University of Maine at Machias; [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).] F. Presque Isle - University of Maine at Presque Isle; and [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).] G. Portland and Gorham - University of Southern Maine. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. UUU, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6307-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6307-A
20-A §6307-A. Naloxone hydrochloride administration instruction
Status: in_force

In accordance with rules adopted by the department, a public school shall offer training to secondary students on how to administer naloxone hydrochloride, as defined in section 6307, subsection 1, paragraph C , in nasal spray form. The rules adopted by the department under this section must provide that the training is an extracurricular instruction, that instruction is delivered by a qualified individual and that the standards for instruction are based on those of a nationally recognized program, organization or agency. Rules adopted under this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 460, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 257 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 257
20-A §257. High school equivalency diplomas
Status: in_force

1. Issuance of diploma. The commissioner shall issue a high school equivalency diploma to a person who: A. Is at least 17 years of age and: (2) Has demonstrated, through procedures prescribed by the commissioner, attainment of a general educational development comparable to that of a secondary school graduate. [PL 2017, c. 381, §1 (AMD).] B. [PL 2017, c. 381, §2 (RP).] C. [PL 1991, c. 662, §1 (RP).] D. [PL 1991, c. 662, §1 (RP).] E. [PL 1991, c. 662, §1 (RP).] The commissioner shall issue a diploma authorized by this subsection upon compliance with the requirements of this subsection or as soon thereafter as possible. [PL 2017, c. 381, §§1, 2 (AMD).]

2. Equivalency diploma status. High school equivalency diplomas have the legal status of high school diplomas. [PL 1991, c. 662, §1 (RPR).]

3. Fees. A fee may not be charged for the issuance of any high school equivalency diploma to residents of the State. [PL 1991, c. 662, §1 (RPR).]

4. Department of Education diploma. [PL 2013, c. 439, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10014 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10014
20-A §10014. Homeless students
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Homeless student" means a student under 25 years of age who has been verified, at any time during the 24 months immediately preceding the student's admission to or while enrolled in a state postsecondary educational institution, as a homeless child or youth as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001, 42 United States Code, Section 11431 et seq. by: (1) The director of a governmental or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to persons experiencing homelessness, or the director's designee; (2) A local education agency liaison for children and youth experiencing homelessness pursuant to the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001, 42 United States Code, Section 11431 et seq. or a school counselor or school social worker as defined in section 4008, subsection 1 ; (3) An attorney representing the student in any legal matter, if the student is under 18 years of age; (4) The director of a federal outreach and student services program designed to identify and provide services for economically disadvantaged individuals or a federal program about gaining early awareness and readiness for undergraduate programs, or the director's designee; or (5) A financial aid administrator at a state postsecondary educational institution. [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).] B. "State postsecondary educational institution" means the University of Maine System and any college within the system, the Maine Community College System and any college within the system and Maine Maritime Academy. [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).]

2. Homeless student liaison. Each state postsecondary educational institution may designate a staff member who is employed within the institution's financial aid office or another appropriate office or department to serve as the homeless student liaison. The homeless student liaison must have expertise in the financial aid eligibility of homeless students and in identifying services for homeless students. The liaison shall assist homeless students in applying for federal and state financial aid and applying for and receiving available services. [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).]

3. Housing resources. When housing resources are offered by and available for occupancy at a state postsecondary educational institution, the state postsecondary educational institution shall: A. Give homeless students who are enrolled full-time in that state postsecondary educational institution priority for available housing resources, including but not limited to priority for housing facilities that remain open for occupation during academic and campus breaks; and [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).] B. Develop individual housing plans for homeless students who are enrolled full-time. [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).]

4. Homeless student financial assistance grant. Beginning in fiscal year 2020-21, each state postsecondary educational institution may award a homeless student a grant under this subsection. The grant award is limited to the amount of the cost of tuition, less all other financial aid received from a Federal Pell Grant or any other merit-based or needs-based grant or scholarship, not including a grant awarded under this subsection, that the homeless student is not required to repay. To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, a homeless student must have completed an application for federal student financial aid programs for which the student may be eligible for the academic year for which the student applies. The availability of the grant and the amount of the grant under this subsection are subject to the amounts appropriated by the Legislature. [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).]

5. Fund. Each state postsecondary educational institution shall establish a nonlapsing fund to distribute grant awards pursuant to subsection 4 . The University of Maine System, Maine Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy shall include the estimated full funding necessary to provide the grants under subsection 4 in the preparation of the biennial budget for presentation to the Governor and the Legislature. [PL 2019, c. 538, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5161 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5161
20-A §5161. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2007, c. 451, §6 (NEW).]

1. Academic programming waiver. [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §4 (RP).]

1-A. Academic programming agreement. "Academic programming agreement" means an agreement between an interim program and a responsible school through which the responsible school agrees to accept the academic programming, credits and documentation of achievement of standards completed by a student in the interim program. [PL 2013, c. 439, §6 (NEW).]

1-B. Community provider. "Community provider" means a governmental or nongovernmental entity that provides services to students or families, including but not limited to temporary and permanent housing, case management, immigration and language services and social, behavioral health, occupational training and legal services. [PL 2021, c. 445, §2 (NEW).]

2. Department of Education diploma. "Department of Education diploma" means a diploma awarded under section 257‑A . [PL 2013, c. 439, §7 (RPR).]

2-A. Education disruption. "Education disruption" means disruption of the educational program of an elementary or secondary school student as a result of: A. Homelessness, foster care placement or another housing disruption; [PL 2025, c. 312, §3 (AMD).] B. Absence for more than 10% of the school days in a school year due to unforeseen circumstances, including, but not limited to, placement in an interim program, unplanned hospitalization or serious medical condition; [PL 2025, c. 312, §3 (AMD).] C. Enrollment in 2 or more schools or educational programs during the student's secondary school education; or [PL 2025, c. 312, §3 (AMD).] D. The student's being an immigrant student or a migrant student. [PL 2021, c. 445, §3 (NEW).] "Education disruption" does not include an absence for 10 or more consecutive school days as a result of a planned absence for a reason such as a family event or a medical absence for a planned hospitalization or recovery or pursuant to a superintendent's determination developed in accordance with section 5205, subsection 2 . [PL 2025, c. 312, §3 (AMD).]

2-B. Foster care placement. "Foster care placement" means placement of a child in substitute 24-hour care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the child placing agency has placement and care responsibility, including, but not limited to, placement in a family foster home, foster home of a relative, group home, emergency shelter, residential facility, child care institution or preadoptive home. For the purposes of this subsection, a placement is a foster care placement regardless of whether the foster care facility is licensed and payments are made by the State or a tribal or local agency for the care of the child, whether adoption subsidy payments are being made prior to the finalization of an adoption or whether there is federal matching of any payments that are made. [PL 2021, c. 445, §4 (NEW).]

2-C. Immigrant student. "Immigrant student" means a student who was not born in any state or territory of the United States, including the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and has not attended one or more schools in any one or more states or territories for more than 3 full academic years in the aggregate. [PL 2021, c. 445, §5 (NEW).]

3. Interim placement. [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §4 (RP).]

3-A. Interim program. "Interim program" means: A. A youth development center; [PL 2013, c. 439, §9 (NEW).] B. A hospital or other facility for the purpose of unplanned medical or psychiatric treatment; or [PL 2013, c. 439, §9 (NEW).] C. Any other program or school approved by the department, except a program or school in which a student is placed pursuant to an individual education plan or a superintendent transfer under section 5205 . [PL 2013, c. 439, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 439, §9 (NEW).]

4. Learning results. "Learning results" means the system of learning results established pursuant to section 6209 . [PL 2007, c. 451, §6 (NEW).]

4-A. Migrant student. "Migrant student" means a student who has been identified as a migratory child by the United States Department of Education's migrant education program with a certificate of eligibility pursuant to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 United States Code, Chapter 70, Subchapter 1, Part C and related regulations. [PL 2021, c. 445, §6 (NEW).]

5. Receiving school. [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §4 (RP).]

5-A. Responsible school. "Responsible school" means the school responsible for developing or updating a school work recognition plan. [PL 2013, c. 439, §10 (NEW).]

6. School work recognition plan. "School work recognition plan" means a written document, developed and updated in collaboration among the responsible school, the student, the student's parents or guardians, previous schools the student attended, interim programs the student attended and other relevant agencies, that outlines how a student who is experiencing, or who has experienced, an education disruption is making and is demonstrating progress toward achievement of learning results. A school work recognition plan includes but is not limited to: A. A summary of the student's achievement relative to the appropriate learning results; [PL 2021, c. 445, §7 (NEW).] B. A compilation of full and partial credits and other achievement recognitions earned; [PL 2021, c. 445, §7 (NEW).] C. An identification of any gaps between the student's achievement and the achievement typical of the student's same-age peers; and [PL 2021, c. 445, §7 (NEW).] D. A plan for maximizing the student's progress and closing identified gaps. [PL 2021, c. 445, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 445, §7 (AMD).]

7. Sending school. [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §4 (RP).]

8. Statewide review team. [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §4 (RP).]

9. Students who experience education disruption. [PL 2013, c. 439, §12 (RP).]

10. Student. "Student" means an elementary school or secondary school student. [PL 2013, c. 439, §13 (NEW).]

11. Student experiencing homelessness. "Student experiencing homelessness" means a student who has been identified by a school administrative unit as a homeless child or youth as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 United States Code, Chapter 119. [PL 2021, c. 445, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13026 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13026
20-A §13026. Compliance with criminal history record check and fingerprinting requirements
Status: in_force

1. List of school administrative unit employees. Beginning January 1, 2019, and quarterly thereafter, a school administrative unit shall submit to the department a list of the names of all employees subject to certification, approval or authorization and indicate for each person included on the list the date on which the person most recently commenced employment with the school administrative unit. [PL 2017, c. 426, §1 (NEW).]

2. Notification of noncompliance. Upon receipt of a list from a school administrative unit pursuant to subsection 1 , the department shall determine for each person included on the list whether the person has complied with all applicable criminal history record check and fingerprinting requirements of section 6103 and rules adopted by the state board. If the department determines that the person has failed to comply with any such applicable requirement, the department shall immediately notify the school administrative unit of the person's failure to comply. [PL 2017, c. 426, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7006 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 301 / Section 7006
20-A §7006. Responsibility
Status: in_force

The Department of Education is designated as the state education agency responsible for carrying out the State's obligations under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq., as amended. The department and every school administrative unit, intermediate educational unit, public school or other public agency that receives federal or state funds to provide early intervention or free, appropriate public education services to children with disabilities shall comply with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as amended, and all federal regulations adopted under the Act. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §20 (NEW).]

1. Responsibility for Part C. The commissioner shall designate responsibility for ensuring child find activities and early intervention services under Part C for children from birth until 3 years of age, or until the start of the school year in which the child is 4 years of age if the extended Part C option is selected by the family of the child, to the Child Development Services System. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §11 (NEW).]

2. Responsibility for Part B, Section 619. Until June 30, 2028, the commissioner shall designate responsibility for child find activities and for ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 to the Child Development Services System or to school administrative units in accordance with the transition schedule and supports under section 7209‑A . Beginning July 1, 2028, the commissioner shall designate responsibility for child find activities and for ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 to school administrative units. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §11 (NEW).]

3. Service provision. A school administrative unit that has been designated to have responsibility for child find activities and for ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 pursuant to subsection 2 may directly provide special education and related services to children eligible under Part B, Section 619 and may contract with public and private providers to provide special education and related services. A school administrative unit may also access the school administrative unit’s regional support and service hub to provide certain services as delineated in a memorandum of understanding between the department and the school administrative unit. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §11 (NEW).]

4. Exception. Notwithstanding subsection 2 , if the commissioner determines that a school administrative unit is unable to assume responsibility for child find activities and for ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 pursuant to subsection 2 , the commissioner may establish a modified plan for that school administrative unit in managing those children. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §11 (NEW).]

5. Annual report. The department shall report annually by March 1st to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters. The report must include, for school administrative units, each of the components required of the Child Development Services System pursuant to section 7209, subsection 4, paragraph E . The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters may report out a bill related to the report to the session of the Legislature in which the report is received. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. W, §11 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10955 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10955
20-A §10955. Terms of financing transactions
Status: in_force

1. Form; terms; manner of sale. All evidences of indebtedness issued in connection with the financing transactions pursuant to this chapter may be in serial form; may bear such date or dates; may mature at such time or times, and in such amount or amounts; may bear interest at such rate or rates, including variable or adjustable; may be payable in such form and at such time or times and at such place or places; and may include such redemption and conversion privileges as those votes may provide. All evidences of indebtedness must be issued and sold under such terms and conditions as the trustees determine. The votes must provide that the treasurer manually sign evidences of indebtedness and other related financing documents and the votes may provide for counter-signature of those evidences of indebtedness and related documents by another officer, either manually or in facsimile form. All such evidences of indebtedness are deemed to be negotiable instruments under Title 11, Article 8‑A . [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §45 (COR).]

2. Presumption of lawful authorization. After issuance, all evidences of indebtedness of the university shall be conclusively presumed to be fully and duly authorized and issued under the laws of the State, and any person or governmental unit shall be stopped from questioning their authorization, sale, issuance, execution or delivery by the university. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

3. Voting power. The power to fix the date of sale or issuance of any evidences of indebtedness, receive bids or proposals, award and sell any evidences of indebtedness, set the terms and provisions of any evidences of indebtedness and take all other action necessary to borrow money under this chapter and sell and deliver any evidences of indebtedness in connection with this chapter may be delegated to any officer, official or trustee of the university by a majority vote of the trustees. [RR 2009, c. 2, §44 (COR).]

4. No state debt. Money borrowed pursuant to this chapter and evidences of indebtedness issued in connection with this chapter shall not constitute any debt or liability of the State or of any municipality or any political subdivision of the State, but shall be payable solely from the revenues of the university or any project for which they are issued, and all such evidences of indebtedness shall contain on their face a statement to that effect. The borrowing of money pursuant to this chapter and the issuance of evidence of indebtedness under this chapter shall not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the State or any municipality or political subdivision to levy or to pledge any form of taxation or to make any appropriation for their payment and such evidences of indebtedness shall not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitation or restriction. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15915-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15915-A
20-A §15915-A. Telecommunications service agreements
Status: in_force

1. Service agreements. The governing bodies of school administrative units and career and technical education regions are authorized to enter into agreements for not more than 10 years with private entities such as telecommunications service providers to purchase telecommunications services, including services for interactive audio and visual communication and transmission of data for educational purposes. [PL 1997, c. 664, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

2. Interlocal agreements. The governing bodies of school administrative units and career and technical education regions are authorized to enter into interlocal agreements in accordance with Title 30-A, chapter 115 and may organize or cause to be organized joint boards and legal entities including public nonprofit corporations under Title 13, chapter 81 and Title 13-B to purchase telecommunications services and to acquire customer premise telecommunications, as defined by the Public Utilities Commission, and related technology equipment. [PL 1997, c. 664, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

3. Legal and tax status. The interlocal agreement must provide for appointment or election of each member of a joint board or governing body of a legal entity formed under this section by the governing body of one or more of the constituent members of the interlocal agreement. The joint board or governing body of the legal entity formed may purchase telecommunications services and acquire, purchase, lease and lease-purchase customer premise telecommunications and related technology equipment on behalf of the constituent members of the interlocal agreement. Customer premise telecommunications and related technology equipment acquired by the joint board or governing board of the legal entity formed are deemed to be public school property for all purposes. A lease-purchase agreement for customer premise telecommunications and related technology equipment constitutes a proper public purpose and the interest or interest component of income derived from the lease-purchase agreement is exempt from taxation in this State. The net earnings of the joint board or governing body of the legal entity formed may not inure to the benefit of any private person. If the joint board or legal entity formed is dissolved, the distribution of all property owned by the joint board or legal entity formed must be determined by the joint board or governing body of the legal entity formed and may not inure to the benefit of any private person. [PL 1997, c. 664, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9922 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 333 / Section 9922
20-A §9922. Establishment of a community school
Status: in_force

Beginning October 1, 2015, a school board may designate an existing school or establish a new school as a community school. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]

1. Community school plan goals. A community school shall collaborate with community partners to provide services to students, families and community members that promote student success while addressing the needs of the whole student. A school board may designate or establish a community school as long as the community school plan developed by the school board is consistent with the following goals: A. Improving student learning and development by providing support for students to enable them to graduate college-ready and career-ready; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] B. Improving the coordination and integration, accessibility and effectiveness of services for children and families, particularly for students attending high-poverty schools, including high-poverty rural schools; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] C. Enabling educators and school personnel to complement and enrich efforts to improve academic achievement and other results related to student learning and development; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] D. Ensuring that children have the physical, social and emotional well-being to come to school ready to engage in the learning process every day; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] E. Promoting and enabling family and community engagement in the education of children; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] F. Enabling more efficient use of federal, state, local and private sector resources that serve children and families; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] G. Facilitating the coordination and integration of programs and services operated by community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations and state, local and tribal governments; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] H. Engaging students as resources for their communities; and [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] I. Engaging the business community and other community organizations as partners. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]

2. Audit. Following the designation or establishment of a community school, but prior to the opening of a community school, a school board shall conduct: A. A community needs audit to identify the academic, physical, social, emotional, health, mental health and civic needs of students and their families that may affect student learning and academic achievement; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] B. A community resource assessment of potential resources, services and opportunities available within or near the community that students, families and community members may access and integrate into the community school; and [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] C. For an existing school that has been designated as a community school, an operations and instructional audit. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]

3. Plan. A school board shall develop a community school plan for each school designated or established as a community school. A. When developing a community school plan for the establishment of a new community school, the school board shall use the results of the community resource assessment under subsection 2, paragraph B to address the specific needs identified in the community needs audit under subsection 2, paragraph A . [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] B. When developing a community school plan for the designation of an existing school as a community school, the school board shall use the results of the community resource assessment under subsection 2, paragraph B to address the specific needs identified in the community needs audit under subsection 2, paragraph A and the operations and instructional audit under subsection 2, paragraph C . [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] C. A community school plan must coordinate, integrate and enhance services for students, families and community members at the community school to improve the academic achievement of students and increase family and community involvement in education. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] D. A community school plan must include cost estimates or an operational budget for the specified educational, developmental, family, health and other comprehensive services to be provided by the community school. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] E. When developing a community school plan for the establishment of a new community school, a school board shall designate a community school coordinator to manage the partnerships with community partners participating in the community school plan. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]

4. Funding. The commissioner may provide state funding to the school administrative units in which community schools are located pursuant to section 15689‑A, subsection 25 . In providing funds under this subsection, the commissioner shall give priority to a qualified school administrative unit in which at least 40% of the students are economically disadvantaged students as determined pursuant to section 15675, subsection 2 and that has more economically disadvantaged students than other qualified school administrative units under this subsection. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]

5. Gifts, grants and donations. A school administrative unit may seek and accept public and private gifts, grants and donations to offset the costs of developing and implementing a community school plan under subsection 3 . A gift, grant or donation received pursuant to this subsection must be approved by the school board prior to the receipt of the gift, grant or donation. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. GGG, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4706 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4706
20-A §4706. Instruction in American history, African American studies, Maine studies, Wabanaki studies and the history of genocide
Status: in_force

Instruction in American history, African American studies, government, citizenship, Maine studies and the history of genocide must be aligned with the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements established under section 6209 . [PL 2021, c. 247, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 247, §3 (AFF).]

1. American history. American history, government and citizenship, including the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the importance of voting and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, must be taught in and required for graduation from all elementary and secondary schools, both public and private. African American studies must be included in the review of content standards and performance indicators of the system of learning results conducted in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4 . [PL 2021, c. 247, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 247, §3 (AFF).]

2. Maine studies. Maine history, including the Constitution of Maine, Maine geography and environment and the natural, industrial and economic resources of Maine and Maine's cultural and ethnic heritage, must be taught. A required component of Maine studies is Wabanaki studies, and Wabanaki studies may be taught as a component of other content areas, as appropriate, including but not limited to the content areas of English language arts, mathematics, science and fine arts. Wabanaki studies and Maine African American studies must be included in the review of content standards and performance indicators of the learning results conducted in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4 . Wabanaki studies must address the following topics: A. Wabanaki governments and political systems and their relationship with local, state, national and international governments; [PL 2023, c. 537, §2 (AMD).] B. Wabanaki cultural systems and the experience of tribal people throughout history; [PL 2023, c. 537, §2 (AMD).] C. Wabanaki territories; and [PL 2023, c. 537, §2 (AMD).] D. Wabanaki economic systems. [PL 2023, c. 537, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 537, §2 (AMD).]

3. History of genocide. The history of genocide, including the Holocaust, must be included in the review of content standards and performance indicators of the system of learning results conducted in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4 . [PL 2021, c. 247, §1 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 247, §3 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10961 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10961
20-A §10961. Governmental functions
Status: in_force

The carrying out by the university of the powers and duties conferred upon it by this chapter shall be deemed to be the performance of an essential governmental function. Nothing contained in this chapter may in any way limit or restrict the powers and duties of the university that are granted to it, and nothing contained in this chapter may be construed to imply that the university did not possess any of the powers and duties granted under this chapter prior to the enactment of this chapter. This chapter shall in no way limit or restrict the power and authority of the State to borrow money for the benefit of the university. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3667 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3667
20-A §3667. Immunity from tort liability
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the fact that an interstate district may derive income from operating profit, fees, rentals and other services, it shall be immune from suit and from liability for injury to persons or property and for other torts caused by it or its agents, servants or independent contractors, except insofar as it may have undertaken such liability under RSA 221:7 relating to workers' compensation, or RSA 412:3 relating to the procurement of liability insurance by a governmental agency and except insofar as it may have undertaken such liability under Maine laws relating to workers' compensation or Maine laws relating to the procurement of liability insurance by a governmental agency. [PL 1987, c. 769, Pt. A, §61 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 406 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 406
20-A §406. Rules
Status: in_force

The state board may adopt rules to carry out its responsibilities under this Title. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12702 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12702
20-A §12702. System established
Status: in_force

There is established the Maine Community College System which shall be a body corporate and politic and a public instrumentality of the State and the exercise of the powers conferred by this chapter shall be deemed and held to be the performance of essential governmental functions. The system shall consist of the board of trustees, the Community College Support Office and the community colleges. [PL 1989, c. 443, §34 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]