20-A M.R.S. § 1603 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1603
20-A §1603. Official school
Status: in_force

The community school district shall be the official school of the participating municipalities responsible for the operation of the grades authorized by the commissioner's certificate. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1451 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1451
20-A §1451. Regional school units
Status: in_force

It is declared the policy of the State to provide sufficient resources to support the reorganization of school administrative units into regional, state-approved units of school administration to provide: [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1. Opportunity. Equitable educational opportunity for all students to demonstrate achievement of the content standards of the State's system of learning results established in section 6209 ; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Programs. Rigorous academic programs that meet the requirements of the system of learning results established in section 6209 and that prepare students for college, careers and citizenship; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

3. Delivery. Uniformity in the delivery of academic programs that meet the requirements of the system of learning results established in section 6209 ; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

4. Tax rates. A greater uniformity of tax rates for the support of schools; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

5. Sustainability. The efficient use of limited resources in order to achieve long-term sustainability and predictability in the support of public schools; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

6. Public funds. Effective use of the public funds expended for the support of public schools by means of: A. The creation of cost-efficient organizational structures; and [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. Administrative structures and efficiencies that permit the organized and regular delivery of uniform state-sponsored professional development programs to promote coherence and consistency in the understanding and application of the State's standards-based system for continuous improvement in student achievement; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

7. School choice. The preservation of opportunities for choice of schools; and [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

8. Services. The maximization of opportunities to deliver services that can more effectively be provided in larger districts than from within smaller units or individual schools. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

Regional school units shall provide kindergarten to grade 12 public education, in accordance with this Title, and shall develop and implement policies that address efficiencies in administration, educational programming and the sharing of community resources for the continuous improvement of student achievement and the preparation of students for college, careers and citizenship. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9701 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 327 / Section 9701
20-A §9701. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1987, c. 827, §1 (NEW).]

1. Drug treatment center. "Drug treatment center" means a facility as defined in Title 22, section 8001 , which provides substance use disorder treatment. [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §62 (AMD).]

2. Eligible student. "Eligible student" means any resident of the State between the ages of 5 and 20 years who is otherwise eligible for public schooling under this Title. [PL 1987, c. 827, §1 (NEW).]

3. Long-term treatment. "Long-term treatment" means treatment in a drug treatment center designed to provide treatment for a period in excess of 60 days. [PL 1987, c. 827, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8206 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 312 / Section 8206
20-A §8206. Programs and operations
Status: in_force

The programs and operations of the school include: [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

1. School year. Operating on a calendar year that meets or exceeds the minimum number of statewide student instructional days; [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

2. Courses of study; programs; plan. By February 15, 1995, a plan must be submitted to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters that outlines the statewide education programs provided by the school and guarantees opportunities and access to students and educators not residing full time at the school. The plan, to be implemented in September 1995, must include, but is not limited to, offering short courses, workshops, seminars, weekend instructional programs, distance learning and various other programs of short duration for teachers and students. The plan may include other innovative programs that meet the purpose of the school and assist in the professional development of the State's science and mathematics teachers. [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

3. School admission. Admittance of high school students and students pursuing a postgraduate high school year of education based on the enrollment criteria established by the board of trustees as provided in section 8205, subsection 11 . Students who apply and are accepted by the school are allowed to attend as provided in section 5205, subsection 6 ; [PL 2009, c. 486, §11 (AMD).]

4. Extracurricular activities. Participation in all extracurricular activities offered at Limestone Junior Senior High School; and [PL 1993, c. 706, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

5. Telecommunications. Utilization of distance learning technologies to allow transmission of certain specialty courses conducted at the school for the benefit of high-achieving students attending school units throughout the State. [PL 2009, c. 486, §12 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7502 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 305 / Section 7502
20-A §7502. State institutions
Status: in_force

The director of a state institution shall apply to the superintendent of the school administrative unit in which the institution is located, or in any adjoining unit, for children in the institution to attend that unit's schools. These children with disabilities are entitled to attend under the same conditions as apply to students residing in the school administrative unit and under the rules of the department relating to special education. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §36 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10925 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411-A / Section 10925
20-A §10925. Annual report
Status: in_force

The Chancellor of the University of Maine System shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters on an annual basis regarding services provided pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11006 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11006
20-A §11006. Appropriations - Article VI
Status: in_force

Each state agrees that, when authorized by the legislature pursuant to the constitutional processes, it will from time to time make available to the board such funds as may be required for the expenses of the board as authorized under the terms of this compact. The contribution of each state for this purpose shall be in the proportion that its population bears to the total combined population of the states who are parties hereto as shown from time to time by the most recent official published report of the Bureau of the Census of the United States, unless the board shall adopt another basis in making its recommendation for appropriation to the compacting states. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3637 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3637
20-A §3637. Apportionment of appropriation
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of article VII , the interstate board shall first apply against such appropriation any income to which the interstate district is entitled, and shall then apportion the balance among the member districts in accordance with one of the following formulas as determined by the articles of agreement as amended from time to time: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Taxable property. All of such balance to be apportioned on the basis of the ratio that the fair market value of the taxable property in each member district bears to that of the entire interstate district; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Resident membership. All of such balance to be apportioned on the basis that the average daily resident membership for the preceding fiscal year of each member district bears to that of the average daily resident membership of the entire interstate school district; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Combined formula. A formula based on any combination of the foregoing factors. The term "fair market value of taxable property" shall mean the last locally assessed valuation of a member district in New Hampshire, as last equalized by the New Hampshire state tax commission. The term "fair market value of taxable property" shall mean the equalized grand list of a Maine member district, as determined by the Maine Bureau of Revenue Services. Such assessed valuation and grand list may be further adjusted, by elimination of certain types of taxable property from one or the other or otherwise, in accordance with the articles of agreement, in order that the fair market value of taxable property in each state shall be comparable. "Average daily resident membership" of the interstate district in the first instance shall be the sum of the average daily resident membership of the member districts in the grades involved for the preceding fiscal year where no students were enrolled in the interstate district schools for such preceding fiscal year. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 526, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6004 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6004
20-A §6004. Student counts
Status: in_force

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

1. Duty of superintendent. In accordance with time schedules established by the commissioner, the superintendent of each school administrative unit and the administrator of each private school shall inform the commissioner, in the format specified by and with the content required by the commissioner, of the number of students attending their schools and in the case of public schools the number of students residing in their school administrative unit. This information must be supplied on forms provided by the commissioner. [PL 2011, c. 171, §9 (AMD).]

2. Student count. Students must be counted as follows. A. A student residing in the school administrative unit may be considered in attendance on October 1st and April 1st if the student is attending school on that date. A student must be counted as a resident if the student meets the residence requirement of chapter 213 and must be counted for subsidy if the student meets the definition of "subsidizable pupils" under section 15672, subsection 32 . Excused absences and absences due to illness may not be considered absences under this subsection. [PL 2011, c. 171, §9 (AMD).] B. Students who attend school under section 5205, subsections 2 , 3‑A , 4 , 5 and 6 must be counted in the school administrative unit in which they attend school. [PL 2009, c. 508, §2 (AMD).] C. [PL 1989, c. 534, Pt. E, §2 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. E, §1 (RP).] D. Private schools may report privately funded students on October 1st. All publicly funded students must be reported on October 1st and April 1st in the specified format and with the specific content and in accordance with the time schedules established by the commissioner. [PL 2011, c. 171, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 171, §9 (AMD).]

3. Online learning program. [PL 2011, c. 353, §4 (NEW); MRSA T. 20-A §6004, sub-§3 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10924 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411-A / Section 10924
20-A §10924. New Ventures Maine Advisory Council
Status: in_force

1. Membership. The New Ventures Maine Advisory Council, established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 54 , and in this chapter referred to as "the council," is composed of the following individuals: A. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System or the chancellor's designee; and [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).] B. Fifteen individuals appointed by the Governor who have experience with the problems of displaced homemakers entering, reentering or retraining for the paid workforce or starting a small business. The council shall elect a chair from among its members. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. Q, §2 (REV).]

2. Responsibility. The council shall advise the Chancellor of the University of Maine System on formulating policies related to the administration of this chapter. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1453 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1453
20-A §1453. Status of regional school unit
Status: in_force

For purposes of the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 8, Subsection 3, a regional school unit is a school administrative district. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20101 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20101
20-A §20101. Short title - Article 1
Status: in_force

This chapter may be known and cited as "the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children," which is referred to in this chapter as "the compact." [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1903 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 107 / Section 1903
20-A §1903. Appropriation for superintendent's salary
Status: in_force

School administrative units shall appropriate for the salary of the superintendent their proportion of the sum paid the superintendent, but not more than the amount certified by the union committee, to the municipal treasurer. The proportion to be paid by a municipality shall be paid out of the appropriation made for the support or maintenance of public schools. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7404 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7404
20-A §7404. Funding and tuition for Mackworth Island preschool and site-based programs
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to funding for and tuition to the Mackworth Island preschool, early intervention services for children from birth to under 3 years of age who are deaf and hard of hearing and statewide education and family services, including site-based programs. [PL 2021, c. 646, §4 (AMD).]

1. Funding of the Mackworth Island preschool. Students from this State may attend the Mackworth Island preschool free of tuition. Funding for these students is provided by legislative appropriation or allocation based on the services necessary to satisfy the individualized education programs of the students enrolled in the Mackworth Island preschool. Funding must support maintenance of the Mackworth Island preschool and that portion of the island used by the Mackworth Island preschool. [PL 2021, c. 646, §4 (AMD).]

2. Out-of-state tuition; site-based programs. Students from other states and countries who meet enrollment criteria and receive approval from the host school may attend a site-based program on a space-available basis by paying the cost of tuition, fees and room and board as established by the center board. [PL 2021, c. 646, §4 (AMD).]

3. In-state tuition; site-based programs. The sending school shall pay tuition to the host school and any additional costs for the individualized education program services and evaluations that are not specific to deaf and hard-of-hearing students and not otherwise covered by funding through the center. Funding for the individualized education services at the site-based program must be provided by legislative appropriation or allocation based on the services necessary to satisfy the individualized education program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in accordance with section 7405‑D . [PL 2021, c. 646, §4 (NEW).]

4. Room and board. The center shall pay the room and board costs for each student placed in a site-based program in grades 9 to 12, and grade 8 on a case-by-case basis, whose full-time residence is more than a 50-mile one-way commute from the site-based program. The costs must be paid using funds appropriated or allocated by the State in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the host school and the center. [PL 2021, c. 646, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12511 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12511
20-A §12511. Rules
Status: in_force

Rules adopted by the authority pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 427, §12 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1482 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1482
20-A §1482. Budget preparation
Status: in_force

1. Preparation by regional school unit board. A regional school unit board shall annually prepare a budget for: A. Operational costs; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. Bonds falling due; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. Interest on bonds or other obligations; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] D. Rentals and other charges in a contract; and [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] E. Temporary loans. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Distribution. At least 7 days before a regional school unit budget meeting, the regional school unit board shall make available to the legislative body responsible for final budget approval and residents of the regional school unit a detailed budget document. The detailed budget document must include a summary of anticipated revenues and estimated school expenditures. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6906 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6906
20-A §6906. Limitation of powers
Status: in_force

The corporation may not enter into contracts, obligations or commitments of any kind on behalf of the State or any of its agencies, nor may it have the power of eminent domain or any other power not provided to business corporations generally. Bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness of the corporation may not in any way be a debt or liability of the State or constitute a pledge of the faith and credit of the State. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6652 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6652
20-A §6652. Parenting and training in child development
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit or private secondary school which provides child care services under section 6651 shall offer a one-semester course in parenting and child development to secondary school students. [PL 1989, c. 414, §18 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1701 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1701
20-A §1701. Budget approval
Status: in_force

1. Preparation. A district school committee shall annually prepare a budget for the operational and capital expenditures of the community school district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Articles. The district school committee shall prepare appropriate articles to authorize the budget expenditures and to determine the sums of money that will be assessed to each member municipality. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Time and place. The district school committee shall call an annual budget meeting on or before June 30th at an hour and in a location within the community school district it designates, except that the school committee may delay the annual budget meeting to a date after July 1st in accordance with section 15693, subsection 2, paragraph C . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §11 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

4. Warrants. The district school committee shall post warrants in each of the member municipalities calling for an annual budget meeting. It shall follow the procedures that are used by a town for the calling of a regular town meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Voting lists. The following provisions shall govern voting lists. A. Registration of voters for the annual budget meeting shall be held in each member municipality in accordance with Title 21-A, section 122 . [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §53 (AMD).] B. Prior to the annual budget meeting, the municipal clerk of each member municipality shall supply to the district school committee a current list of the registered voters of the municipality. The lists shall be used in determining the voters who are eligible to vote at the annual budget meeting. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §53 (AMD).]

6. Moderator. The chairman of the district school committee, or when absent the secretary, shall open the meeting and shall call for the election of a moderator. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

7. Majority vote. A majority vote of those voters present and voting shall be necessary for the approval of the annual budget. An article must be voted on by written ballot if at least 10% of those present and voting vote to use a written ballot. The department, in consultation with municipal and school officials and with organizations representing those officials, shall develop and distribute guidelines to assist district budget meeting moderators in explaining and implementing this subsection. [PL 1999, c. 710, §7 (AMD).]

8. Special budget meeting. The district school committee may call a special budget meeting when in their judgment a financial emergency exists. They shall post warrants in each of the member municipalities following the same procedures that are used for calling the regular annual budget meeting. A. At the special budget meeting, the voters may authorize the district school committee to borrow funds to obtain additional moneys for the operation of the district's schools because of a financial emergency. [PL 1985, c. 12 (AMD).] B. If the voters authorize the district school committee to borrow additional money, that amount shall be added to the next annual assessment of the member municipalities. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1985, c. 12 (AMD).]

9. Budget format; voter determination. The budget format shall be prescribed by a majority of the district school committee, unless at least 20% of the number of registered voters, as certified by the several municipal clerks to the secretary, vote on an appropriate warrant article prescribing the budget format. A. The budget format may be determined by the voters of a community school district by adoption of an appropriate warrant article at a properly called election held in accordance with the procedure set forth in section 15693, subsection 6 . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §12 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. An article dealing with the budget format may be placed before the voters at a properly called election if authorized by a majority vote of the district school committee or if a written petition of at least 10% of the number of voters voting in the last gubernatorial election of each municipality comprising the community school district has been presented to the district school committee. [PL 1983, c. 485, §17 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §12 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

10. Change in format. A change in budget format shall be voted at least 90 days prior to the budget year for which that change is to be effective. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

11. Line item categories; transfer of funds. Line item categories and transfer of funds shall be as follows. A. If the budget is prepared by specific line categories, each category shall be included in a separate warrant article. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Unless authorized by the voters, the district school committee may not transfer funds between line item categories. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §5 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §5 (AMD).]

12. State-local allocations. To summarize the action taken on the budget for the purposes of determining the community school district's state-local allocations, the articles prescribed in chapter 606-B must also be voted on. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §13 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4002 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4002
20-A §4002. Schoolbooks, apparatus and appliances
Status: in_force

The following provisions shall apply to schoolbooks, apparatus and appliances. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Free schoolbooks. A school administrative unit shall provide its students with schoolbooks and necessary apparatus and appliances at the expense of the school administrative unit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Purchased textbooks. The parent of a student may buy required textbooks for that student's exclusive use. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Rules. A school board may adopt rules for distributing and preserving schoolbooks, apparatus and appliances provided by the unit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1472-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1472-B
20-A §1472-B. Staggered initial terms
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 1471, subsection 2 , the initial directors elected to a regional school unit board shall meet and draw lots for their term lengths as specified in this section. [PL 2007, c. 668, §9 (NEW).]

1. Municipalities with annual elections. In municipalities with annual elections, 1/3 of the directors serve one-year terms, 1/3 of the directors serve 2-year terms and 1/3 of the directors serve 3-year terms. If the number of directors is not evenly divisible by 3, the first remaining director serves a 3-year term and the 2nd remaining director serves a 2-year term. [PL 2007, c. 668, §9 (NEW).]

2. Municipalities with biennial elections. In municipalities with biennial elections, half of the directors serve 4-year terms and half of the directors serve 2-year terms. If the number of directors is not divisible by 2, the remaining director serves a 4-year term. [PL 2007, c. 668, §9 (NEW).]

The directors shall serve their terms as determined under this section and any additional period until the next regular election of the municipalities. Thereafter, the directors' terms of office are as established in section 1471 . [PL 2007, c. 668, §9 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11009 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11009
20-A §11009. Withdrawal - Article IX
Status: in_force

This compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon a compacting state until the legislature or the governor of such state, as the laws of such state shall provide, takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall not be effective until 2 years after notice thereof has been sent by the governor of the state desiring to withdraw to the governors of all other states then parties to the compact. Such withdrawal shall not relieve the withdrawing state from its obligations accruing prior to the effective date of withdrawal. Any state so withdrawing, unless reinstated, shall cease to have any claim to or ownership of any of the property held by or vested in the board or to any of the funds of the board held under the terms of the compact. Thereafter, the withdrawing state may be reinstated by application after appropriate legislation is enacted by such state, upon approval by a majority vote of the board. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3613 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3613
20-A §3613. Powers
Status: in_force

1. Powers. Each interstate school district shall be a body corporate and politic, with power to: A. Acquire, construct, extend, improve, staff, operate, manage and govern public schools within its boundaries; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. Sue and be sued, subject to the limitations of liability hereinafter set forth; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. Have a seal and alter the same at pleasure; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] D. Adopt, maintain and amend bylaws not inconsistent with this compact, and the laws of the 2 states; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] E. Acquire by purchase, condemnation, lease or otherwise, real and personal property for the use of its schools; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] F. Enter into contracts and incur debts; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] G. Borrow money for the purposes set forth, and to issue its bonds or notes therefor; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] H. Make contracts with and accept grants and aid from the United States, the State of Maine, the State of New Hampshire, any agency or municipality thereof, and private corporations and individuals for the construction, maintenance, reconstruction, operation and financing of its schools; and to do any and all things necessary in order to avail itself of such aid and coorperation; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] I. Employ such assistants, agents, servants and independent contractors as it shall deem necessary or desirable for its purposes; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] J. Take any other action which is necessary or appropriate in order to exercise any of the foregoing powers. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 258-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 258-A
20-A §258-A. Inspection of schools
Status: in_force

1. Petition or request. The commissioner shall inspect a school or schools in a school administrative unit or a private school approved for tuition purposes that enrolls 60% or more publicly funded students and report the findings and recommendations to the appropriate school board, addressing the concerns of the petition in light of applicable school approval standards, when: A. Petitioned by 60% of the parents of the children of one school; [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§3, 25 (NEW).] B. Requested by the school board or superintendent of schools or, if regarding a private school approved for tuition purposes, the school board of the qualified sending school administrative unit; or [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (AMD).] C. Petitioned by 20% of the registered voters of the unit or qualified sending school administrative unit. [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (AMD).] For the purposes of this subsection, "qualified sending school administrative unit" means a school administrative unit that contracts for school privileges under section 2701 for at least 20% of its resident students to attend the private school approved for tuition purposes that is the subject of the request or petition. [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (AMD).]

2. Periodic reviews. The commissioner shall periodically review all public schools and all private schools that receive public funds to determine their compliance with the applicable provisions of this Title and the Maine Human Rights Act. [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (AMD).]

3. Special reviews. The commissioner shall fulfill the monitoring functions required by any state or federal grants to school units or schools. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§3, 25 (NEW).]

4. Private schools. The commissioner may, as a condition of approval, inspect any private school that applies for approval status. [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (AMD).]

5. Comprehensive reviews. Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year and every 2 years thereafter, the commissioner shall conduct a comprehensive review of 5 schools, school administrative units or private schools approved for tuition purposes selected at random. If a school, school administrative unit or private school approved for tuition purposes is selected, and at the time of selection is within 2 years of an accreditation review by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges or its successor organization or has been through a comprehensive review under this subsection in the last 10 years, the commissioner shall randomly select a different school, school administrative unit or private school approved for tuition purposes in its place. For selected schools, school administrative units and private schools approved for tuition purposes: A. The commissioner shall notify the school, school administrative unit or private school approved for tuition purposes no later than 14 days before the date the review is to take place; [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (NEW).] B. On receipt of the notice described in paragraph A , the school, school administrative unit or private school approved for tuition purposes shall ensure that the physical site of the school or schools under review are available for inspection and make available to the commissioner documents related to: (1) Basic school approval standards under this Title; (2) Compliance with the Maine Human Rights Act; (3) The statewide assessment program established under section 6202 ; (4) Implementation of the system of learning results established in section 6209 ; and (5) Health and safety requirements; and [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (NEW).] C. The commissioner shall provide a school, school administrative unit or private school approved for tuition purposes that is unable to demonstrate compliance with basic school approval standards or other requirements of this Title with a corrective action plan. [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (NEW).]

If the commissioner finds that a school, school administrative unit or private school approved for tuition purposes is not in compliance with the Maine Human Rights Act, the commissioner shall refer the finding to the Maine Human Rights Commission. [PL 2023, c. 397, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12855 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 435 / Section 12855
20-A §12855. Director
Status: in_force

The University of New England shall appoint a system director who meets federal area health education center requirements. The director is responsible for the administration of the system in accordance with policies established under this chapter. [PL 2001, c. 352, §9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4008-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4008-A
20-A §4008-A. School counselors and school social workers
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Direct services" means in-person interactions between a school counselor or school social worker and students that are within the scope of the duties of a school counselor or school social worker as established by the department by rule. [PL 2019, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] B. "Indirect services" means services provided by a school counselor or school social worker on behalf of students as a result of a school counselor's or school social worker's interactions with the students and others that are within the scope of the duties of a school counselor or school social worker as established by the department by rule. [PL 2019, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] C. "School counselor" has the same meaning as in section 4008, subsection 1, paragraph B . [PL 2019, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] D. "School social worker" has the same meaning as in section 4008, subsection 1, paragraph C . [PL 2019, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

2. Direct and indirect services to students. Each school counselor and school social worker shall spend at least 80% of the school counselor's or school social worker's time providing direct services to and indirect services on behalf of students. [PL 2019, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

3. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section. The rules must include guidelines regarding the duties of school counselors, including that a school counselor deliver a comprehensive school counseling program, and guidelines regarding the duties of school social workers. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3642 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3642
20-A §3642. Borrowing for capital projects
Status: in_force

An interstate district may incur debt and issue its bonds or notes to finance capital projects. Such projects may consist of the acquisition or improvement of land and buildings for school purposes, the construction, reconstruction, alteration or enlargement of school buildings and related school facilities, the acquisition of equipment of a lasting character and the payment of judgments. No interstate district may authorize indebtedness in excess of 10% of the total fair market value of taxable property in its member districts as defined in article VI . The primary obligation of the interstate district to pay indebtedness of member districts shall not be considered indebtedness of the interstate district for the purpose of determining its borrowing capacity under this section. Bonds or notes issued under this section shall mature in equal or diminishing installments of principal payable at least annually commencing no later than 2 years and ending not later than 30 years after their dates. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8612 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8612
20-A §8612. Other supports
Status: in_force

A unit, region or center that provides adult education shall ensure that adult education students are provided, when applicable, information regarding and referral to other state departments and agencies that provide support to adult education students, including, but not limited to, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor. [PL 2007, c. 131, §10 (NEW).]

Nothing in this section relieves a school administrative unit of its legal responsibility for the education of students with disabilities. [PL 2007, c. 131, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20103 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20103
20-A §20103. Applicability - Article 3
Status: in_force

1. Application to children. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 , this chapter applies to the children of: A. Active duty members of the uniformed services; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] B. Members or veterans of the uniformed services who are severely injured and medically discharged or retired for a period of one year after medical discharge or retirement; and [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] C. Members of the uniformed services who die on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on active duty for a period of one year after death. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Application to local education agencies. This chapter applies to local education agencies. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Exemption. This chapter does not apply to children of: A. Inactive members of the national guard and military reserves; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] B. Members of the uniformed services now retired, except as provided in subsection 1 ; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] C. Veterans of the uniformed services, except as provided in subsection 1 ; and [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] D. Other federal Department of Defense personnel and other federal agency civilian and contract employees not defined as active duty members of the uniformed services. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5103 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5103
20-A §5103. Dropout prevention committee
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to the dropout prevention committee. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).]

1. Committee. Each superintendent, with school board approval, shall annually establish a separate dropout prevention committee for each individual school unit under the superintendent's supervision. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).]

2. Membership. The dropout prevention committee shall be composed of the following members: A. A member of the school board selected by that board; [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).] B. A school administrator selected by the superintendent; [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).] C. A teacher and a school counselor selected by the school administrative unit's teacher organization; [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).] D. A parent selected by the unit's organized parent group, or, if no organized parent group exists, by the school board; [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).] E. A school attendance coordinator from the district selected by the superintendent; [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).] F. A high school student selected by the dropout prevention committee members selected in paragraphs A to E ; [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).] G. A dropout selected by the dropout prevention committee members selected in paragraphs A to E ; and [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).] H. A community resident of the district selected by the dropout prevention committee members selected in paragraphs A to E . [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (NEW).] A dropout prevention committee may increase its membership by majority vote. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).]

3. Terms and vacancies. Members shall serve in accordance with policy established by the school board. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).]

4. Chair. The dropout prevention committee shall select a chair from among its members. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).]

5. Responsibilities. The following provisions apply to responsibilities of the dropout prevention committee. A. The dropout prevention committee shall: (1) Study the problem of dropouts and truancy and the need for alternative education programs, kindergarten to grade 12; (2) Make recommendations for addressing the problems; and (3) Submit a plan of action to the school board, in accordance with section 4502, subsection 5, paragraph L‑1 . [PL 2011, c. 614, §19 (AMD).] B. The dropout prevention committee shall consider the following when developing its plan: (1) Reasons why students drop out of school; (2) Maintenance of continuing contacts with recent dropouts in order to extend opportunities for alternative education programs, counseling and referral; (3) Education of teachers and administrators about the dropout problem; (4) Use of human services programs to help dropouts; (5) The school administrative unit's policies on suspension, expulsion and other disciplinary action; and (6) Discriminatory practices and attitudes within the school administrative unit. [PL 2007, c. 667, §7 (AMD).] C. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RP).] [PL 2011, c. 614, §19 (AMD).]

6. Annual report. The dropout prevention committee shall meet at least annually to review its plan and to make recommendations to the school board. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).]

7. Department assistance. The department shall provide technical assistance to a dropout prevention committee on request to the Office of Truancy, Dropout Prevention and Alternative Education. [PL 1989, c. 415, §29 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10952 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10952
20-A §10952. Powers
Status: in_force

In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the university shall have the following powers, which shall be in addition to any other powers that the university may have pursuant to laws of the State: [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

1. Body politic and corporate. To have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate and an instrumentality and agency of the State; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

2. Sue and be sued. To sue and be sued in its own name; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

3. Official seal. To adopt and have an official seal and alter it at pleasure; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

4. Project ownership. To acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, equip, own, operate and maintain any project or projects, or any combination of project; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

5. Acquisition of property. To acquire by purchase, contract, lease, long-term lease or gift, and hold or dispose of, real or personal property or rights or interests in any such property; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

6. Grants; subsidies; loans. To accept grants, subsidies or loans of money from the Federal Government or a federal agency or instrumentality, or others, upon such terms and conditions as may be imposed, and to pledge the proceeds of grants, subsidies or loans of money received or to be received from the Federal Government or any federal agency or instrumentality, or others, pursuant to agreements entered into between the university and the Federal Government or any federal agency or instrumentality, or others; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

7. Borrow money. To borrow money pursuant to this chapter and issue evidences of indebtedness to finance the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement or equipping of any one project, or more than one, or any combination of projects, or to refund evidences of indebtedness hereafter issued or to refund general obligation debt of the State, or to refund any such refunding evidences of indebtedness or for any one, or more than one, or all of those purposes, or any combination of those purposes, and to provide for the security and payment of those evidences of indebtedness and for the rights of the holders of them, except that any borrowing pursuant to this chapter, exclusive of borrowing to refund evidences of indebtedness, to refund general obligation debt of the State, or to fund issuance costs or necessary reserves or the portion of any borrowing when the related debt service will be funded by a commitment from the Legislature or contractually committed to the university from 3rd-party sources, including foundations, public-private partnership arrangements or donors, may not exceed in the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time $350,000,000, and except that no borrowing may be effected pursuant to this chapter unless the amount of the borrowing and the project or projects are submitted to the legislative Office of Fiscal and Program Review for review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs at least 30 days before closing on such borrowing for the project or projects is to be initiated. Borrowing for the purposes of this chapter may not include capital lease obligations, financing for energy services projects or interim financing for capital projects; [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. PPP, §1 (AMD).]

8. Execute contracts. To make, enter into, execute, deliver and amend any and all contracts, agreements, leases, instruments and documents and perform all acts and do all things necessary or convenient to acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, equip, finance, maintain and operate projects and to carry out the powers granted to this chapter, or reasonably implied from those powers; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. TTTTT, §1 (AMD).]

9. Maintain treasury. To retain in its treasury: A. All money received from the sale of all evidences of indebtedness issued under this chapter; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).] B. All fees, tuitions, rentals and other charges from students, faculty, staff members and others using or being served by, or having the right to use or the right to be served by, or to operate, any project; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).] C. All fees for student activities, student services and all other fees, tuitions and charges collected from students matriculated, registered or otherwise enrolled at and attending the university, pledged under the terms of any resolution authorizing financing transactions pursuant to this chapter; and [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).] D. All rentals from any facility or building leased to the Federal Government or any other 3rd party; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. TTTTT, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. TTTTT, §1 (AMD).]

10. Taxable bond option. To agree and consent to the inclusion of interest on any of its evidences of indebtedness, under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue law of the United States, in the gross income of the holders of any such evidences of indebtedness to the same extent and in the same manner that the interest on bills, bonds, notes or other obligations of the United States is includable in the gross income of the holders of such bills, bonds, notes or other obligations under the United States Internal Revenue Code or any such subsequent law. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. TTTTT, §2 (NEW).]

Any and all powers granted to the university under this chapter may be exercised by majority vote of the trustees and may be delegated to any officer, official or trustee of the university by majority vote of the trustees. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11477 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11477
20-A §11477. Early termination or overfunding of participation agreement
Status: in_force

1. Cancellation. The authority may by rule establish fees and penalties applicable to early termination, overfunding of accounts or failure to use the program fund for an eligible purpose. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

2. Death or disability. The authority may not levy or assess an administration refund fee or penalty upon a participant's termination of a participation agreement under the following circumstances: A. Death of the beneficiary; [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).] B. Permanent disability or mental incapacity of the beneficiary; or [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).] C. Receipt by the beneficiary of a scholarship or educational funding, identified by rule of the authority, resulting in an excess of funds in the account not needed to pay higher education expenses at an institution of higher education. [PL 2017, c. 474, Pt. F, §5 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 474, Pt. F, §5 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1303 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1303
20-A §1303. Budget meeting
Status: in_force

The school board shall hold a district budget meeting at a time it determines. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Warrant. The budget meeting shall be called by a warrant. The warrant shall: A. Be signed by a majority of the board of directors; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Specify the time and place of the meeting; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Include the proposed school budget and other articles the school board chooses to place before the voters, excluding authorization to borrow money for school construction purposes unless the alternate voting procedures of section 1305 are employed; [PL 1999, c. 81, §1 (AMD).] D. Specify the state and local shares of the state-local allocation and local leeway and additional expenditures without state participation; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. Be directed to a resident of the district by name ordering the resident to notify all voters within the district to assemble at the time and place appointed. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 81, §1 (AMD).]

2. Notice. An attested copy of the warrant shall be posted by the person to whom it is directed in some conspicuous public place in each of the municipalities within the district at least 7 days before the meeting. The person who gives notice of the meeting shall make a return of the posting on the warrant stating the manner of notice in each municipality and the time when it was given. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Requested articles. If requested by a written petition of at least 10% of the number of voters voting for the gubernatorial candidates in the last gubernatorial election in each municipality within the district, the board of directors shall place specific articles, not in conflict with existing state statutes, in the warrants for consideration at the next annual district budget meeting. To be included in the warrant a petition shall be received by the board of directors at least 15 days before the date set for the budget meeting. When placed on the warrant, the articles shall be considered before action relating to the appropriation of money for the operation of schools. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11809 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 421 / Section 11809
20-A §11809. Annual review
Status: in_force

The legislative committee having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs shall annually review the program established under this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10954 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10954
20-A §10954. Other financing transactions
Status: in_force

In furtherance of the provisions of section 10906, subsection 1, paragraph C , subparagraph (1), the university may, when directed by vote of the trustees and duly and properly authorized by the Governor, borrow money and enter into financing transactions in the name of the university, on behalf of the State, and issue evidences of indebtedness in connection with such financing transactions: [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

1. Finance. To finance the cost of any one project, or more than one, or any combination of projects; [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

2. Refund evidences of indebtedness. To refund evidences of indebtedness issued and to finance the cost of any project or projects as provided in this chapter or to refund general obligation debt of the State; or [PL 1993, c. 2, §3 (AMD).]

3. Refund refunding borrowings. To refund any such refunding borrowings. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]

All evidences of indebtedness issued in connection with financing transactions entered into pursuant to this section shall be authorized by majority vote of the trustees and approved by the Governor upon submission by the trustees of the vote so passed. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7411 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7411
20-A §7411. Emergency power
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner may assume and exercise the authority of the center board if the commissioner declares an emergency exists such that the health, safety or welfare of students receiving academic, extracurricular or room and board services is in jeopardy or the center is in substantial and persistent violation of federal and state law. The commissioner's declaration of an emergency is not reviewable, but the commissioner shall exercise this emergency authority for a period not to exceed 3 months unless the commissioner again declares that an emergency continues. [PL 2021, c. 646, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1257 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1257
20-A §1257. Quorum
Status: in_force

At least a majority of the board of directors in number and voting power shall be a quorum. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10010-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10010-A
20-A §10010-A. Spouse or child of active duty member of United States Armed Forces
Status: in_force

A spouse or dependent child of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces who is assigned to duty out of the State immediately following assignment to duty in the State is eligible for in-state tuition rates and fees at the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System or the Maine Maritime Academy as long as the spouse or dependent child is continuously enrolled in the postsecondary institution. [PL 2021, c. 248, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1305-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1305-C
20-A §1305-C. Mandatory budget validation and cost center summary budget form
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law, school administrative district budgets developed after January 1, 2008 must conform to the format and referendum procedures for regional school units as set forth in sections 1485 and 1486 . A school administrative district is deemed to be a regional school unit solely for the purpose of developing a budget pursuant to sections 1485 and 1486 . [PL 2007, c. 668, §2 (AMD); PL 2007, c. 668, §55 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15903 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15903
20-A §15903. Approval of plans and specifications
Status: in_force

1. Application. A school construction project, permanent space lease-purchase project or the minor capital costs of a project with an estimated cost of more than $50,000 must meet the requirements of this section. [PL 1999, c. 81, §9 (AMD).]

2. Requirements. The plans and specifications shall contain suitable provision for the health, welfare and safety of persons who will utilize the project. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Approval. [PL 2019, c. 398, §38 (RP).]

4. Changes. Changes in the plans and specifications shall be approved by the department. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Inspection and compliance. Review and inspection of school construction projects and permanent space lease-purchase projects for compliance with approved plans and specifications must be provided in accordance with this subsection. A. If it appears to the commissioner that the school construction project or permanent space lease-purchase project has not been completed in conformity with the approved plans and specifications, the commissioner may cause an inspection of the project to take place. [PL 1999, c. 81, §10 (AMD).] B. Upon receipt by the commissioner of a written petition from one or more residents of the school administrative unit where the school construction project or permanent space lease-purchase project is located claiming that the project has not been completed in conformity with the approved plans and specifications, the commissioner shall cause an inspection of the project to be made or shall issue a written explanation to the petitioner or petitioners explaining the commissioner's refusal to do so. The petitioner or petitioners shall certify as part of the petition that the claim of nonconformance has been brought to the attention of the superintendent of the school administrative unit in which the school construction project or permanent space lease-purchase project is located and that the superintendent has failed to respond in a satisfactory manner to that claim. [PL 1999, c. 81, §10 (AMD).] C. If an investigation is held, the commissioner shall notify the building committee, or legislative body of the school administrative unit when no building committee exists, of the findings of the investigation and of any changes required. The building committee or legislative body of the school administrative unit shall make the changes within a reasonable period of time. Failure to do so shall render the school administrative unit liable to the penalties provided in section 6801-A . [PL 1987, c. 379 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 81, §10 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13032 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502-A / Section 13032
20-A §13032. Qualifying examination
Status: in_force

A professional teacher certificate may be issued to those applicants who have taken and passed the teacher qualifying examination. [PL 2021, c. 228, §11 (AMD).]

1. Communication skills. [PL 1999, c. 569, §1 (RP); PL 1999, c. 569, §6 (AFF).]

2. General knowledge. [PL 1999, c. 569, §1 (RP); PL 1999, c. 569, §6 (AFF).]

3. Professional knowledge. [PL 1999, c. 569, §1 (RP); PL 1999, c. 569, §6 (AFF).]

4. Basic skills. [PL 2017, c. 235, §30 (RP); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

The applicant is responsible for the costs associated with taking the teacher qualifying examination. [PL 1999, c. 569, §1 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 569, §6 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3646 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3646
20-A §3646. State aid programs
Status: in_force

As used in this section, the term "initial aid" includes Maine and New Hampshire financial assistance with respect to a capital project, or the means of financing a capital project, that is available in connection with construction costs of a capital project or that is available at the time indebtedness is incurred to finance the project. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing definition, initial aid specifically includes a New Hampshire state guarantee under RSA 195-B with respect to bonds or notes. As used in this section, the term "long-term aid" includes Maine and New Hampshire financial assistance that is payable periodically in relation to capital costs incurred by an interstate district. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing definition, long-term aid specifically includes New Hampshire school building aid under RSA 198. For the purpose of applying for, receiving and expending initial aid and long-term aid, an interstate district must be deemed a native school district by each state, subject to the following provisions. [PL 2019, c. 398, §18 (AMD).]

When an interstate district has appropriated money for a capital project, the amount appropriated shall be divided into a Maine share and a New Hampshire share in accordance with the capital expense apportionment formula in the articles of agreement as though the total amount appropriated for the project was a capital expense requiring apportionment in the year the appropriation is made. New Hampshire initial aid shall be available with respect to the amount of the New Hampshire share as though it were authorized indebtedness of a New Hampshire cooperative school district. In the case of a state guarantee of interstate district bonds or notes under RSA 195-B, the interstate district shall be eligible to apply for and receive an unconditional state guarantee with respect to an amount of its bonds or notes which does not exceed 50% of the amount of the New Hampshire share as determined above. Maine aid shall be available with respect to the amount of the Maine share as though it were funds voted by a Maine school district. Payments of Maine aid shall be made to the interstate district, and the amount of any borrowing authorized to meet the appropriation for the capital project shall be reduced accordingly. New Hampshire and Maine long-term aid shall be payable to the interstate district. The amounts of long-term aid in each year shall be based on the New Hampshire and Maine shares of the amount of indebtedness of the interstate district which is payable in that year and which has been apportioned in accordance with the capital expense apportionment formula in the articles of agreement. The New Hampshire aid shall be payable at the rate of 45% if there are 3 or less New Hampshire members in the interstate district, and otherwise it shall be payable as though the New Hampshire members were a New Hampshire cooperative school district. New Hampshire and Maine long-term aid shall be deducted from the total capital expenses for the fiscal year in which the long-term aid is payable, and the balance of such expenses shall be apportioned among the member districts. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, New Hampshire and Maine may at any time change their state school aid programs that are in existence when this compact takes effect and may establish new programs, and any legislation for these purposes may specify how such programs shall be applied with respect to interstate districts. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15918 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15918
20-A §15918. Maintenance and capital improvement plan assistance
Status: in_force

The department, within existing resources, shall support facility maintenance and capital planning training for school administrative units. [PL 2013, c. 506, §18 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6810 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 225 / Section 6810
20-A §6810. Truancy
Status: in_force

The penalty for truancy is outlined in section 5053‑A . [PL 2003, c. 533, §6 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12125 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424-A / Section 12125
20-A §12125. Report by the Finance Authority of Maine
Status: in_force

1. Report. The authority shall include in its annual report under Title 10, section 974, subsection 1 the following information regarding the program: A. The number of applications received each year; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] B. The number of loans awarded each year; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] C. The total amount disbursed through the program; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] D. The total amount of loan forgiveness awarded through the program; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] E. The total number of veterinary students assisted by loans through the program; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] F. The total number of veterinarians awarded loan forgiveness through the program; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] G. The number of current program participants working in a veterinary specialty related to livestock; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] H. The number of current program participants working in a veterinary specialty related to emergency and critical care; [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] I. The number of current program participants working in an underserved geographic region; and [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] J. The location of each current program participant's veterinary practice. [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 725, §12 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4722 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4722
20-A §4722. High school diploma standards
Status: in_force

1. Minimum instructional requirements. The instructional requirements leading to a high school diploma must be part of a program of at least 4 years that meets the requirements established by this section and any other instructional requirements established by the commissioner and the school board. [PL 2021, c. 571, §6 (AMD).]

2. Diploma requirements. Instruction in the following subjects must be provided in separate, integrated or applied learning programs. Students may demonstrate achievement of the standards through multiple pathways, including those identified in section 4703 , and by evidence documented by course and learning experiences using multiple measures, including examinations, quizzes, portfolios, performances, exhibitions, projects and community service. A diploma indicates that the graduate has completed the requirements described in this section and is ready to enter a postsecondary education program or a career as a clear and effective communicator, a self-directed and lifelong learner, a creative and practical problem solver, a responsible and involved citizen and an informed and integrative thinker. Students must complete the following minimum requirements for a high school diploma: A. English--4 years or the equivalent in standards achievement; [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).] B. Social studies and history, including American history, government, civics and personal finance--2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement; [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).] C. Mathematics--2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement; [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).] D. Science, including at least one year of laboratory study--2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement; and [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).] E. Fine arts, which may include art, music, forensics or drama--one year or the equivalent in standards achievement. [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 571, §7 (AMD).]

2-A. Implementation of multiple pathways and opportunities. [PL 2021, c. 571, §8 (RP).]

2-B. Policy. [PL 2021, c. 571, §9 (RP).]

3. Satisfactory completion. A secondary school student may earn a diploma if the student has satisfactorily completed all diploma requirements in accordance with the academic standards of the school administrative unit and this section. A school administrative unit shall award a high school diploma to a child with a disability, as defined in section 7001, subsection 1‑B , who satisfies the local diploma requirements in the manner specified by the child's individualized education plan. Career and technical students may satisfy the requirements of subsection 2 through separate or integrated study within the career and technical school curriculum, including through courses provided pursuant to section 8402 or 8451‑A , on the approval of the commissioner and the local school board or in accordance with an equivalency agreement pursuant to section 8404, subsection 3, paragraph B or section 8457, subsection 2 . [PL 2023, c. 247, §1 (AMD).]

4. Exception. A secondary school student who has satisfactorily completed the freshman year in an accredited degree-granting institution of higher education or a secondary school student who has satisfactorily completed the junior and senior years in a dual enrollment career and technical education program formed pursuant to chapter 229 may be eligible to receive a high school diploma from the secondary school the student last attended, although the student may not meet the graduation requirements of this Title. [PL 2013, c. 318, §1 (AMD).]

5. Advanced study. Nothing in this chapter may prevent the award of a diploma to a student who has completed all diploma requirements in fewer than 4 years of study. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§5, 7 (NEW).]

6. Exception for certain veterans. A secondary school may award a high school diploma to a person who meets all of the following requirements. A diploma may be awarded posthumously. A. The person or the person's family must apply to the secondary school for the diploma. [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).] B. The person must either: (1) Have attended the secondary school or attended a secondary school in the geographic area now served by the secondary school; or (2) Currently reside in the geographic area served by the secondary school. [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).] C. The person must have left secondary school: (1) Before or during World War II to serve in the Armed Forces during World War II; (2) Before or during the Korean Conflict to serve in the Armed Forces in the Korean Conflict; (3) Before or during the Vietnam War to serve in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War era. For purposes of this subparagraph, "Vietnam War era" means the period beginning February 28, 1961 and ending May 7, 1975; or (4) To serve in the Armed Forces during the period of wartime or peacetime after a period of wartime described in subparagraph (1), (2) or (3). [PL 2013, c. 281, §1 (AMD).] D. The person did not graduate or receive a high school diploma because of service in the Armed Forces. [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).] E. The person received an honorable discharge or a certificate of honorable service from the Armed Forces. [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).] For purposes of this subsection, "Armed Forces" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard; and the Merchant Marines only for the period of December 7, 1941 to August 16, 1945. [PL 2013, c. 281, §1 (AMD).]

7. Applicability of requirements. This section applies to the granting of diplomas to secondary school students beginning January 1, 2019. [PL 2017, c. 466, §8 (AMD).]

8. Repeal. [PL 2017, c. 466, §9 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10922 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411-A / Section 10922
20-A §10922. New Ventures Maine program
Status: in_force

The Chancellor of the University of Maine System shall maintain a program to provide job counseling, job training, job placement and referral services to displaced homemakers in cooperation with existing displaced homemaker programs. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. AAAA, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12534 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-B / Section 12534
20-A §12534. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish rules necessary to implement this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6603 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6603
20-A §6603. Federal funds
Status: in_force

The Treasurer of State shall receive and disburse all federal funds received under this subchapter. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11402 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417 / Section 11402
20-A §11402. Loan programs administered
Status: in_force

In accordance with the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 United States Code, Chapter 28, Subchapter IV, Part B, as amended, the Finance Authority of Maine shall administer the Robert T. Stafford Loan Program, the Parent Loans to Undergraduate Students Program and the Supplemental Loans for Students Program. To this end, the faith and credit of the State is pledged consistent with the terms and limitations of the Constitution of Maine, Article VIII, Part First, Section 2. [PL 1989, c. 698, §13 (RPR); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11412 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11412
20-A §11412. Declaration of necessity and purpose
Status: in_force

The Legislature declares that there is a need to provide additional assistance for higher education for residents and inhabitants of this State; the cost of higher education is increasing; assistance to higher education, including recipients and providers of higher education, will benefit the people of this State, enhance their welfare and increase their commerce and economic prosperity; it is the purpose of this chapter to provide assistance to students or the families of students who are residents of this State attending institutions of higher education within or outside of this State, to students and the families of students attending institutions of higher education within this State and to institutions of higher education within this State; the assistance provided by this chapter is intended in part to supplement federal guaranteed higher education loan programs, other student loan programs, grant programs, scholarship programs, programs assisting institutions of higher education and other means of assisting students, families of students and institutions of higher education; and the exercise of the powers to the extent and in the manner provided in this chapter is the exercise of an essential governmental function. [PL 1987, c. 807, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5163 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5163
20-A §5163. Continuing educational progress during and after education disruption
Status: in_force

1. Education disruption due to interim program placement. The responsible school at the time a student is placed in an interim program shall: A. Within 5 school days of becoming aware of the placement: (1) Make available to the student individual educational materials such as curricula and assignments designed to enable the student to continue the student's educational programming; or (2) Sign an academic programming agreement; and [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] B. Within 10 days of becoming aware of the placement, work with the student, the parent or guardian and others such as juvenile community corrections officers and community case managers to develop or update a school work recognition plan for the student. [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).]

2. Responsibility after placement. The responsible school for a student who is returning to educational programming following placement in an interim program shall: A. If the responsible school is the same school as the school that was responsible during the placement, update the school work recognition plan at the time of return to educational programming to reflect the actual educational experiences, achievement and credit or recognition granted to the student by the interim program or by the responsible school pursuant to an academic programming agreement; or [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] B. If the responsible school is a different school from the school that was responsible during the placement, review the student's records and the school work recognition plan developed and updated during the placement and update it to reflect the actual educational experiences, achievement and credit or recognition granted to the student by the placement or by the responsible school pursuant to an academic programming agreement. [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).]

3. Education disruption. The responsible school shall: A. Within 10 school days of the school's or program's becoming aware that the student is enrolling in the 3rd school or program in a school year or is experiencing education disruption, work with the student, parent or guardian and staff of other schools and programs in which the student participated to develop or update a school work recognition plan; and [PL 2021, c. 445, §9 (AMD).] B. [PL 2021, c. 445, §9 (RP).] C. Within 5 school days of the school's or program's becoming aware that a student is experiencing a period of absence due to education disruption or multiple transfers, make available to the student individual educational materials, including but not limited to curricula and assignments designed to enable the student to continue the student's educational programming. [PL 2021, c. 445, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 445, §9 (AMD).]

4. Education disruption due to homelessness or foster care placement. [PL 2021, c. 445, §10 (RP).]

5. Staff assistance. For every student who experiences education disruption, professional staff in the responsible school must be assigned to ensure the complete transfer of all records, grades and full and partial credits and all academic material, including an academic programming agreement, if applicable, from the interim program or prior school or program in which the student was placed or that the student attended to the responsible school no later than 5 school days after the student enrolls in the responsible school. [PL 2021, c. 445, §11 (AMD).]

5-A. Mentorship. For every student experiencing education disruption that leads to enrollment in a new responsible school, the new responsible school shall provide the student with an adult staff or volunteer mentor to facilitate the student's transition. [PL 2021, c. 445, §12 (NEW).]

6. Identification of responsible school. For purposes of implementing this section: A. The responsible school for a student at the time the student enters an interim program is the school in which the student is enrolled at the time of entrance to the interim program. If the student is not enrolled at the time of entrance to the interim program, the responsible school is the one in which the student would be enrolled pursuant to chapter 213 ; [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] B. The responsible school for a student during the placement is the same as the school described in paragraph A ; [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] C. The responsible school for a student at the time the student returns to regular educational programming following placement is the school in which the student is enrolled or is entitled to be enrolled; [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] D. The responsible school for a student who enrolls in a 3rd or subsequent educational program in a single school year is the school in which the student enrolls; and [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] E. The responsible school for a student who experiences education disruption due to homelessness or foster care placement is the school in which the student is enrolled or is entitled to be enrolled. [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 439, §15 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11433 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11433
20-A §11433. Chapter cumulative; no notice required
Status: in_force

Neither this chapter nor anything contained in this chapter may be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers that the authority might otherwise have under any laws of this State and this chapter is cumulative of any such powers. Neither the making of contracts nor the issuance of bonds pursuant to this chapter need comply with the requirements of any other state law applicable to the making of contracts, the issuance of bonds or the construction, acquisition or management of any project undertaken pursuant to this chapter. No proceedings, notice or approval is required for the issuance of any bonds or any instrument as security therefor under this chapter, except as is provided in this chapter or in the code, if applicable. [PL 2015, c. 170, §26 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12989 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12989
20-A §12989. Reporting
Status: in_force

1. Report. By October 1, 2023 and annually thereafter, an institution of higher education shall prepare and submit to the commissioner, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over higher education matters the annual security report required under the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1092(f). [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9502 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9502
20-A §9502. Application form; fee; bond
Status: in_force

1. Application requirements; licensing; bonding and revocation of license. The application for a license required by this chapter must be made on forms furnished by the commissioner and be accompanied by a fee of $100 and a surety bond. For applicants that participate in state or federal financial aid programs, except the Federal Direct Student Loan Program under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 United States Code, Section 1087a et seq., the bond must be in favor of the Finance Authority of Maine. For all other applicants, the bond must be in favor of the department. The amount of the bond for a new applicant is $20,000. For renewal applicants, the amount of the bond must be equal to the greater of 10% of the applicant's gross receipts from tuition in the 12 months prior to the application for renewal or $20,000. A. A license is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued. [PL 1983, c. 862, §62 (RPR).] B. The bond must be continuous and must provide indemnification to any student suffering loss as a result of any fraud, misrepresentation, violation of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter or breach of contract. The bond must provide for written notification by the surety to the commissioner in the event of cancellation. Cancellation of the bond by the surety, or of payment under the bond by the surety to the department or the Finance Authority of Maine, results in the revocation of the license. The bond must specifically provide that proceeds are available to pay tuition refunds to students or to student loan lenders on behalf of students eligible for those refunds pursuant to the policies of the school or state or federal law, rule or regulation. [PL 1997, c. 771, §1 (AMD).] C. If one or more students notify the department or the Finance Authority of Maine of a claim the student has against the school for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract or refund due, or that the school has violated the provisions of this chapter or applicable rules, or if any such event is discovered by the department or the Finance Authority of Maine from other sources and the holder of the bond has reason to believe the claim is valid, the holder may make a claim against the bond on behalf of the student or students affected, or on behalf of the department. The department and the Finance Authority of Maine have the concurrent right at any time to review the school's operations and all its records to determine if the school is in compliance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter, or to determine if any claim of a student against the school is valid. [PL 1997, c. 771, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 771, §1 (AMD).]

2. Renewal fee and requirements. A fee of $50 is charged for the renewal of a license. Each submission for a license renewal must include the school's most recent financial audit conducted by a certified public accountant unaffiliated with the school. When a school does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs, internally prepared financial statements signed by the applicant are acceptable. Every renewal application must include a bond in the required amount. The commissioner shall provide copies of the audit or financial statements and, when the bond is not in favor of the department, the original bond to the Finance Authority of Maine and may provide financial information regarding the school to other state agencies with an interest in the operation of the school. When a school applies for renewal of a license, the school must certify that: A. The school has included information in all school brochures and handbooks provided to students and has posted information in a location in the school frequented by students advising students of their rights to receive refunds and where to direct any complaints the students have concerning their education; and [PL 1997, c. 771, §1 (NEW).] B. The school is in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. [PL 1997, c. 771, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 771, §1 (AMD).]

3. General Fund. All fees collected for the issuance or renewal of a license shall be deposited in the State Treasury. [PL 1983, c. 862, §62 (RPR).]

4. Definitions. As used in this section, the term "bond" means a bond, letter of credit or cash equivalent acceptable to the holder, in its discretion. [PL 1997, c. 771, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9702 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 327 / Section 9702
20-A §9702. Program responsibility
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit in which a licensed drug treatment center is located or a nearby school administrative unit shall provide an educational program, as prescribed by the commissioner, for each eligible student residing in the center, notwithstanding the student's legal residence within the State. The selection of the school administrative unit to provide that program shall be made by the commissioner pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . The rules shall take into account the educational needs of students, the ability of a school administrative unit to meet those needs, the proximity of school administrative units to the facility, the expressed wishes of officials representing school administrative units and other appropriate considerations. The decision of the commissioner may be appealed to the State Board of Education. The decision of the board shall be final. [PL 1987, c. 827, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6302 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6302
20-A §6302. School building ventilation
Status: in_force

1. Applicability. This section applies to school buildings subject to basic school approval under section 4502 in which the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is mechanically driven. [PL 1991, c. 181, §2 (NEW).]

2. Operation. Each school administrative unit shall ensure that the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is: A. Maintained and operated to provide at least the quantity of outdoor air required by the state building standards code in effect at the time the building permit was issued or the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system was installed, whichever is later; and [PL 1991, c. 181, §2 (NEW).] B. Operated continuously during school activity hours except: (1) During scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs; and (2) During periods for which school officials can demonstrate to the commissioner's satisfaction that the quantity of outdoor air supplied by an air supply system that is not mechanically driven and by infiltration meets the outdoor air supply rate required by paragraph A . [PL 1991, c. 181, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 181, §2 (NEW).]

3. Inspection and record. Each school administrative unit is responsible for: A. Inspection of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system at least annually and correction of any problems within a reasonable time; and [PL 1991, c. 181, §2 (NEW).] B. Maintaining written records of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system inspection and maintenance for at least 5 years. The superintendent shall make these records available for examination upon request. [PL 1991, c. 181, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1991, c. 181, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10907-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10907-A
20-A §10907-A. Transfer of postsecondary credits; award of degree
Status: in_force

A person who earns an associate degree from the Maine Community College System must be allowed to transfer credits earned at a community college in this State to the University of Maine System for use toward a baccalaureate degree from the University of Maine System in accordance with agreements developed between the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System. A student who earns credits at the University of Maine System, but who does not earn a degree, must be allowed to transfer those credits to the Maine Community College System for use toward an associate degree. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. EEEEE, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3644 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3644
20-A §3644. Sale of bonds and notes
Status: in_force

Bonds and notes which have been authorized under this article may be issued from time to time and shall be sold at not less than par and accrued interest at public or private sale by the chairman of the school board and by the treasurer. Interstate district bonds and notes shall be signed by the said officers, except that either one of the 2 required signatures may be a facsimile. Subject to this compact and the authorizing vote, they shall be in such form, bear such rates of interest and mature at such times as the said officers may determine. Bonds shall, but notes need not, bear the seal of the interstate district, or a facsimile of such seal. Any bonds or notes of the interstate district which are properly executed by the said officers shall be valid and binding according to their terms notwithstanding that before the delivery thereof such officers may have ceased to be officers of the interstate district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5165 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5165
20-A §5165. Graduation of a student experiencing education disruption who is enrolled in more than one school after the student's 2nd year in high school
Status: in_force

1. Course credit or waiver. If a student who is experiencing or has experienced education disruption attends more than one school after the student's 2nd year of high school and is unable to fulfill a diploma course requirement of the responsible school but has completed a similar course elsewhere, the responsible school may award credit for the similar course or waive the requirement. If the responsible school does not award credit for the similar course or waive the requirement, the responsible school shall provide an alternative means for the student to complete the required course for on-time graduation. [PL 2021, c. 445, §14 (NEW).]

2. Award of diploma from previously attended school. If a student experiencing education disruption who attends more than one school after the student's 2nd year in high school cannot meet the graduation requirements of the responsible school but can meet those of the previously attended school, the student must be awarded a diploma by the previously attended school. The responsible school and the previously attended school shall work together to ensure the student is supported in completing any specific remaining requirements. [PL 2021, c. 445, §14 (NEW).]

3. Department of Education diploma. Nothing in this section may be construed to limit a student's eligibility to apply for a Department of Education diploma if the student is unable to complete the diploma requirements of either the responsible school or previously attended school. [PL 2021, c. 445, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5031 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5031
20-A §5031. High school graduation rate
Status: in_force

1. Goal. It is the goal of the State to achieve a graduation rate of 90% by the end of the 2015-2016 school year for each publicly supported secondary school. In addition to calculating the 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate following the procedures outlined in 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 200.19, the department shall also calculate and record for each publicly supported secondary school: A. Beginning with the graduation rate reported for school year 2011-2012 and for each school year thereafter, the 5-year adjusted cohort graduation rate; [PL 2011, c. 614, §12 (NEW).] B. Beginning with the graduation rate reported for school year 2012-2013 and for each school year thereafter, the 6-year adjusted cohort graduation rate; and [PL 2011, c. 614, §12 (NEW).] C. Beginning with the graduation rate reported for school year 2011-2012 and for each school year thereafter, other descriptors of academic success for school-age students on a statewide aggregate basis, including the rates of attainment of a: (1) Department of Education diploma as described under section 257‑A ; (2) High school equivalency diploma as described under section 257 ; and (3) High school equivalency diploma obtained through a high school completion course that includes general educational development preparation courses from an adult education program as described in chapter 315 . [PL 2013, c. 439, §5 (AMD).] The department shall adopt rules specifying that the methods used to calculate publicly supported secondary school graduation rates through the 2015-2016 school year must include calculations for 5-year and 6-year adjusted cohort graduation rates under paragraphs A and B and other descriptors of academic success under paragraph C . [PL 2013, c. 439, §5 (AMD).]

2. Technical assistance. The department shall provide forms to publicly supported secondary schools for reporting graduation rates. The commissioner shall provide technical assistance to publicly supported secondary schools in the State that have not attained a graduation rate of 80% by the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Publicly supported secondary schools that do not meet the 80% graduation rate by the end of the 2012-2013 school year shall provide the commissioner with a copy of the action plan developed under section 5103, subsection 5 no later than December 31, 2013. The action plan may include the steps necessary to achieve a graduation rate of 90% by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. [PL 2009, c. 626, §1 (NEW).]

3. Rules. The department shall adopt rules specifying the method to be used to calculate publicly supported secondary school graduation rates through 2016 and dates by which graduation rates must be reported to the department. Rules adopted under this section are major substantive rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A and must be provisionally adopted and submitted to the Legislature for review no later than January 14, 2011. [PL 2009, c. 626, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2952 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2952
20-A §2952. Report to commissioner
Status: in_force

A private school receiving state funds, either directly or indirectly, and a private school approved for tuition and attendance purposes shall annually, in accordance with time schedules established by the commissioner, report to the commissioner the information the commissioner may require. [PL 2005, c. 153, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13012-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13012-A
20-A §13012-A. Conditional certificate
Status: in_force

1. Conditional certificate. The commissioner may issue a conditional certificate to: A. An individual who has not met all of the requirements for a certificate as set forth in section 13013 , 13019‑I , 13019‑G or 13022 . [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. An individual who is eligible for an endorsement to teach in a teacher shortage area as determined by the commissioner; or [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] C. A holder of a professional teacher certificate under section 13013 who is transitioning to another endorsement; [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Term. A conditional certificate is issued for a 3-year period and may not be renewed. [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

3. Employment. A school administrative unit may employ a conditionally certified individual who is in the process of becoming professionally certified notwithstanding the availability of professionally certified teachers or educational specialists. [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

4. Requirements. A school administrative unit may not employ a conditionally certified teacher or educational specialist unless it has a locally designed peer support and mentoring system as described in section 13015‑A . For a conditional certificate issued under subsection 1, paragraph A or B , the school administrative unit shall for at least the first 2 years of employment, or longer if determined to be necessary, and, for a conditional certificate issued under subsection 1, paragraph C , the school administrative unit shall for at least the first year of employment, or longer if determined to be necessary: A. Ensure that the conditionally certified teacher or educational specialist receives high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction while teaching; and [PL 2019, c. 518, §1 (AMD).] B. Provide a program of intensive supervision for the conditionally certified teacher that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support or a mentoring program, which is separate from any student-teacher requirement that may be required under another authority. [PL 2017, c. 381, §14 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 518, §1 (AMD).]

5. Program review. The commissioner may conduct a program review of any program developed or administered by a school administrative unit to meet the requirements of subsection 4 . [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3614 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3614
20-A §3614. General
Status: in_force

Votes of the district shall be taken at a duly warned meeting held at any place in the district, at which all of the eligible legal voters of the member districts shall be entitled to vote, except as otherwise provided with respect to the election of directors. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12744 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 432-A / Section 12744
20-A §12744. Rulemaking
Status: in_force

The president of the system shall adopt rules to implement this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4504 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 206 / Section 4504
20-A §4504. Implementation and enforcement
Status: in_force

1. Implementation. The commissioner shall determine which schools and school units are in compliance with the basic school approval standards, in accordance with the procedures of the basic school approval rules and the provisions of this Title, and the Maine Human Rights Act. If the commissioner finds that a school or school administrative unit is not in compliance with the Maine Human Rights Act, the commissioner shall refer the finding to the Maine Human Rights Commission. [PL 2023, c. 397, §2 (AMD).]

2. Comprehensive review. The commissioner shall conduct a comprehensive review of a school administrative unit in accordance with the school assistance process established in section 6210 , based on a review of the school administrative unit's comprehensive education plan and student achievement data, or as part of an inspection in accordance with section 258‑A . [PL 2009, c. 313, §5 (AMD).]

3. Rules. Basic school approval rules shall be adopted and enforced in accordance with section 6801‑A and the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. A, §§20, 25 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8705 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 316 / Section 8705
20-A §8705. Departmental personnel
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall employ necessary personnel, subject to the terms of the Civil Service Law, to implement this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 505, §7 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 505, §22 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12996 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 447 / Section 12996
20-A §12996. Maine Credentialed Workforce Program
Status: in_force

1. Establishment; administration. The Maine Credentialed Workforce Program is established to support the credentialing needs of current and future participants in the State's workforce. The authority shall administer the program. The authority's chief executive officer may consult with experts on an ad hoc basis regarding business, education, labor and workforce needs in prioritizing targeted professions. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility requirements. The authority shall establish by rule eligibility requirements for the program, which must include, at a minimum: A. That the applicant has received an associate degree, bachelor's degree or graduate degree or a credential within 5 years of the date of application; [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).] B. That the applicant has outstanding student loan debt or eligible student loans; and [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).] C. That the applicant is willing to accept and maintain employment in a priority occupation position in the State for a minimum of 4 years in return for repayment by the authority of a portion of that applicant's student loan debt. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

3. Application. An application to the program must be made directly to the authority at a time and in a format to be determined by the authority. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

4. Maximum loan repayment. The maximum loan repayment amount available to a participant in the program is $25,000 per year for a maximum of 4 years. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

5. Loan repayment agreement; provisions. The authority shall enter into loan repayment agreements with participants in the program on terms and conditions acceptable to the authority, which at a minimum must require the participant and the participant's employer to certify annually, before any payment by the authority under the loan repayment agreement may be made, that the participant has been employed in a priority occupation position for the preceding 12-month period. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12990 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12990
20-A §12990. Immunity
Status: in_force

A reporting party or a witness who requests an investigation of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking may not be subject to a disciplinary proceeding or sanction or penalty for a violation of the institution's student conduct policy related to drug or alcohol use, trespassing or unauthorized entry of the institution's facilities that comes to the attention of the institution as part of that report or investigation of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking unless the institution determines that the report was not made in good faith or that the violation was egregious. An egregious violation must include, but not be limited to, taking an action that places the health and safety of another person at risk. This section may not be construed to limit the ability of an institution to establish an immunity policy for student conduct violations not mentioned in this section. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3609 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3609
20-A §3609. Hearings
Status: in_force

If the planning committee recommends the formation of an interstate school district, it shall hold at least one public hearing on its report and the proposed articles of agreement within the proposed interstate school district in Maine, and at least one public hearing thereon within the proposed interstate school district in New Hampshire. The planning committee shall give such notice thereof as it may determine to be reasonable, provided that such notice shall include at least one publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the proposed interstate school district not less than 15 days, not counting the date of publication and not counting the date of the hearing, before the date of the first hearing. Such hearings may be adjourned from time to time and from place to place. The planning committee may revise the proposed articles of agreement after the date of the hearings. It shall not be required to hold further hearings on the revised articles of agreement but may hold one or more further hearings after notice similar to that required for the first hearings if the planning committee in its sole discretion determines that the revisions are so substantial in nature as to require further presentation to the public before submission to the state boards of education. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9203 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 321 / Section 9203
20-A §9203. Penalty
Status: in_force

Any firm, association or corporation, operating or conducting a private correspondence school, except by authority of a valid certificate of approval as required by this chapter, is guilty of a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not more than $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12998 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 447 / Section 12998
20-A §12998. Awards
Status: in_force

1. Publication of priority occupations. The authority shall publicize, using a method determined by the authority and taking into consideration the recommendations of workforce experts, the priority occupations for the upcoming application cycle. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

2. Application cycle. The authority shall publicize the dates and deadlines of the application cycle using a method determined by the authority. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]

3. Award amounts. The authority shall maintain financial projections and establish the targeted number of annual awards to be made to applicants each year who meet the criteria described in section 12996, subsection 2 . In accordance with the priority occupations and point system established by the authority, an annual award may not: A. Exceed $25,000 annually; [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).] B. Exceed $100,000 in aggregate or 50% of a recipient's outstanding eligible student loan debt at the time of application to the program, whichever is less; or [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).] C. Be awarded to a recipient for more than 4 years total. [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 324, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10902-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10902-A
20-A §10902-A. Report by trustees
Status: in_force

The trustees, or their board representative, shall appear annually, in January, before the Joint Standing Committee on Education to report on efforts by the University of Maine System to comply with the state public policy on higher education established by section 10902 . That report shall include, but need not be limited to, the following: [PL 1985, c. 779, §49 (AMD).]

1. Planning. Efforts of the trustees to assure a cohesive system of planning for a delivery of higher educational opportunities; and [PL 1983, c. 799, §2 (NEW).]

2. Accounting. An accounting of the prior year's funding. [PL 1983, c. 799, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7207-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7207-C
20-A §7207-C. Mediations
Status: in_force

The following provisions apply to mediations. [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §10 (NEW).]

1. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules governing the procedures for conducting mediations. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §10 (NEW).]

2. Request for mediation. A parent, surrogate parent, guardian or school administrative unit may request the appointment of a mediator to conduct a mediation to resolve a dispute between the parent, surrogate parent or guardian and the school. [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §10 (NEW).]

3. Mediators; immunity. The State shall train impartial mediators. For the purposes of this section, while carrying out their official duties, mediators are considered state employees and are entitled to the immunity provided state employees under the Maine Tort Claims Act. [PL 1999, c. 424, Pt. A, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10714 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10714
20-A §10714. Application; retroactivity
Status: in_force

1. Application. Sections 10711 to 10713 apply to all educational institutions having degree-granting authority on or after the effective date of those sections, except that sections 10711 to 10713 do not apply to any educational institution if the action taken under those sections constitutes an impairment of contract that violates the United States Constitution, Article 1, Section 10, Clause 1. [PL 1991, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]

2. Retroactivity. Any transaction described in section 10711 or 10712 occurring on or after December 4, 1990, is subject to sections 10711 to 10713 . [PL 1991, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13303 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 504 / Section 13303
20-A §13303. Contract renewal
Status: in_force

1. Notice. A school board shall provide notice of the renewal or nonrenewal of a principal's employment contract as follows. A. Notwithstanding any contract provision to the contrary and no later than March 1st of the year the contract expires, the school board shall notify a principal who has been employed by the board for more than 2 years of its decision to renew the principal's contract for a period not to exceed 3 years or not to renew the principal's contract. Notice of a principal's nonrenewal of contract must be in writing. Upon written request, the school board shall provide a written statement of the reasons for nonrenewal to a principal. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] B. Notwithstanding any contract provision to the contrary and no later than April 1st of the year the contract expires, the school board shall notify a principal who has been employed by the board for 2 years or less of its decision to renew the principal's contract for a period not to exceed 3 years or not to renew the principal's contract. Notice of nonrenewal of a principal's contract must be in writing. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]

2. Failure to give notice. If the board fails to notify the principal in accordance with subsection 1 , the following provisions apply. A. A principal may request in writing within 15 days of the March 1st or April 1st notice deadline, as applicable, a meeting with the school board to discuss contract renewal issues. The board shall hold that meeting within 30 days of receipt of the principal's request. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] B. A school administrative unit shall pay a forfeiture to the principal. The amount of that forfeiture is equal to the sum of 1/260th of the principal's present annual salary rate multiplied by the number of days between the notification deadline and the date on which notification is made or a complaint is filed in accordance with this paragraph. A principal who believes notice has not been provided as required in subsection 1 may file a complaint with the commissioner. Following the filing of a complaint, the commissioner shall make a determination of whether the school board has failed to notify the principal as required by subsection 1 and of the amount of forfeiture due. If a complaint is not filed within 30 days after the termination of the principal's contract, the right to a forfeiture is no longer available. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]

3. Hearing. Within 15 days of receipt of notice of nonrenewal of a contract by a principal who has been employed for more than 2 years, the principal may request in writing a hearing with the school board on the decision not to renew the contract. The board shall hold the hearing within 30 days of receipt of the principal's request and either or both parties may be represented by counsel. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]

4. Meeting. Within 15 days of receipt of notice of nonrenewal of a contract by a principal who has been employed for 2 years or less, the principal may request in writing a meeting with the school board to discuss contract renewal issues. The board shall hold the meeting within 30 days of receipt of the principal's request and either or both parties may be represented by counsel. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2905 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2905
20-A §2905. Nonrenewal of basic approval
Status: in_force

The decision of the commissioner on nonrenewal of basic approval of any school applying for renewal shall be in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 and rules adopted by the State Board of Education under section 405, subsection 3, paragraph E . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8602-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8602-B
20-A §8602-B. Regions
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, a region may be reimbursed under section 8607‑A, subsection 2 if it offers adult career and technical education courses and may be reimbursed under section 8607‑A, subsection 9 if it offers adult workforce training and retraining courses. To be eligible for reimbursement for courses offered under section 8607‑A, subsection 2 or 9 , a region must perform intake and data management functions in the same manner as a school administrative unit as provided under section 8601‑A, subsection 1 . [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. C, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11007 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11007
20-A §11007. Gifts - Article VII
Status: in_force

The board for the purposes of this compact may receive grants, devises, gifts and bequests which the board may agree to accept and administer. The board shall administer property held in accordance with special trusts, grants and bequests, and shall also administer grants and devises of land and gifts or bequests of personal property made to the board for special uses, and shall execute said trusts, investing the proceeds thereof in notes or bonds secured by sufficient mortgages or other securities. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12532 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-B / Section 12532
20-A §12532. Future for Youth in Maine Loan Repayment Program
Status: in_force

1. Establishment; administration. There is established the Future for Youth in Maine Loan Repayment Program, referred to in this chapter as "the program." The program is established to recruit and retain college graduates in the State to start new technology-based businesses. The authority shall administer the program. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility requirements. Eligibility requirements must be established by rule of the authority in consultation with the Governor and, at a minimum, must include: A. That the applicant has received a bachelor's degree or graduate degree within 2 years of the date of application; [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).] B. That the applicant has outstanding education loans; and [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).] C. That the applicant is willing to accept and maintain employment in an eligible employment position. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]

3. Application. An application to the program must be made directly to the authority at a time and in a format to be determined by the authority. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]

4. Maximum loan repayment. The maximum loan repayment amount available to a participant in the program is $5,000 per year for a maximum of 4 years. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]

5. Loan repayment agreement; provisions. The authority shall enter into loan repayment agreements with participants in the program on terms and conditions acceptable to the authority, which at a minimum must require the participant and the participant's employer to certify annually, before any payment by the authority under the loan repayment agreement may be made, that the participant has been employed in an eligible employment position for the preceding 12-month period. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9508 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 323 / Section 9508
20-A §9508. Actions on behalf of students
Status: in_force

In addition to other powers or remedies under this chapter, the State may bring one or more actions in any state or federal court having jurisdiction on behalf of students harmed by fraud, misrepresentation, violation of this chapter or applicable rules, breach of contract or failure to pay refunds of tuition due from the school or its owners or employees. The Finance Authority of Maine has concurrent power to bring one or more actions in any state or federal court having jurisdiction on behalf of students harmed by failure to pay refunds of tuition due from the school or its owners or employees. [PL 1997, c. 771, §6 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4254 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 203 / Section 4254
20-A §4254. Funding
Status: in_force

1. Allowable costs. Allowable costs are the cost of implementing approved plans; these costs may be added to the school unit's subsidizable costs under chapter 606‑B . [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §17 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

2. First and 2nd years. [PL 1997, c. 534, §3 (RP).]

3. Third and subsequent years. [PL 1997, c. 534, §3 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12505 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12505
20-A §12505. Eligibility requirements
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility for loans for undergraduate education. An Educators for Maine loan recipient must be an undergraduate at an institution of higher education. [PL 2019, c. 303, §7 (AMD).]

2. Eligibility for graduate study or continuing education loans. [PL 2003, c. 427, §7 (RP).]

3. Eligibility for postbaccalaureate certification. A loan to a student pursuing postbaccalaureate certification may be given only to a resident of the State who has shown academic achievement, who has a baccalaureate degree, who is pursuing a course of study that will lead to certification as a teacher or school counselor, to licensure as a speech pathologist or to attainment of child care provider qualifications and who has met other eligibility criteria established by rule of the authority. [PL 2025, c. 58, §6 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15689-F — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15689-F
20-A §15689-F. Actions by department
Status: in_force

Within the annual appropriations, the department shall follow the procedures described in this section. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §61 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

1. State's obligation. If the State's continued obligation for any program provided by one of the appropriated amounts under section 15689‑E exceeds the appropriated amount, any unexpended balance from another of those appropriated amounts may be applied by the commissioner toward the obligation for that program. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §61 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

2. Cash flow. For the purpose of cash flow, the commissioner may pay the full state and local share of the payment amounts due on bond issues for school construction from that school administrative unit's state subsidy, excluding payments on non-state-funded projects. This subsection does not apply if a school administrative unit has less subsidy than the total principal and interest payment on bonds. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §61 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

3. Casino revenues. If the annual funding for public education for children in public preschool programs and for children in kindergarten and grades one to 12 is supported by casino revenues credited to the department pursuant to Title 8, section 1036 , the department shall journal expenditures from the General Purpose Aid for Local Schools, General Fund account to the K-12 Essential Programs and Services, Other Special Revenue Funds account to meet financial obligations and for purposes of cash flow. [PL 2013, c. 581, §11 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 19105 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 9 / Chapter 801 / Section 19105
20-A §19105. Commissioner's recommendation for annual learning technology plan; guidelines and funding level
Status: in_force

1. Annual plan recommendation. Prior to December 15th of each year, the commissioner, after consultation with the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services and after receiving the approval of the state board, shall recommend to the Governor and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget the funding level for implementing the annual learning technology plan. [PL 2013, c. 533, §17 (AMD).]

2. Budget development. The commissioner, with the assistance of the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services, shall prepare an annual budget for the implementation of the annual learning technology plan and exercise budgetary responsibility to carry out the plan. Annually, by January 1st, beginning on January 1, 2002, in addition to complying with the provisions of Title 5, sections 1665 and 1666 , the commissioner shall present the operating budget for the fund to the Governor and the Legislature for review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs. The commissioner may make expenditures only in accordance with an allocation approved by the Legislature, and any liability or obligation may not be incurred under this chapter beyond the amount allocated by the Legislature. [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).]

3. Guidelines. The recommended funding level for the annual learning technology plan must include the known obligations and estimates of the following: A. The level of expenditure for purchases of portable computing devices or the anticipated principal and interest costs for the year of allocation for leases and other appropriate financing arrangements, including leases under which the learning technology plan may apply the lease payments to the purchase of those devices; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW).] B. The level of expenditures for software and services such as technical support and education intranet services; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW).] C. Funds designated by the commissioner for professional development programs and services; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW).] D. Funds designated by the commissioner for the expenditures for the alternative equivalent value factor. For purposes of this paragraph, "alternative equivalent value factor" means the ratio of funding provided to school administrative units that choose to provide an alternative equivalent learning technology plan that meets the guiding principles described in section 19102, subsection 3 ; [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW).] E. Funds designated by the commissioner for the purchase of kindergarten to grade 12 educational materials, including library databases; and [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW).] F. Funds designated by the commissioner for the purpose of making adjustments to the cash flow of revenues generated from the fund. [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).]

4. Funding level. The Governor shall include in the Governor's biennial or supplemental budget submission, as applicable, an allocation from the fund necessary to implement the learning technology plan. [PL 2001, c. 358, Pt. II, §6 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12721 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12721
20-A §12721. Distribution of strategic plans
Status: in_force

Upon the development of any system-wide strategic planning document that has been approved by the board of trustees, the system shall distribute copies of that plan to each member of the Legislature. [PL 1991, c. 376, §44 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8451 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8451
20-A §8451. Career and technical education regions
Status: in_force

1. Legislative intent. It is the intent of the Legislature that each career and technical education region shall provide career and technical education in accordance with this chapter and shall function as an extension of the secondary schools and middle schools located within the region's boundaries. [PL 2017, c. 171, §8 (AMD).]

2. Boundaries. The career and technical education regions have boundaries as follows. A. [PL 1985, c. 744, §§2, 6 (RP).] B. Region 2. SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (2) Benedicta Township; (3) Orient; (4) Regional School Unit No. 29 doing business as School Administrative District No. 29 (Hammond, Houlton, Littleton and Monticello); (5) Regional School Unit No. 50 (Crystal, Dyer Brook, Hersey, Island Falls, Merrill, Moro Plantation, Mount Chase, Oakfield, Patten, Sherman, Smyrna and Stacyville); (6) Regional School Unit No. 70 doing business as School Administrative District No. 70 (Amity, Haynesville and Hodgdon) and Linneus, Ludlow and New Limerick; and (7) Regional School Unit No. 84 doing business as School Administrative District No. 14 (Danforth and Weston). [PL 2017, c. 403, Pt. A, §2 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 403, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] C. Region 3. NORTHERN PENOBSCOT COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (1) Carroll Plantation; (2) Drew Plantation; (3) East Millinocket; (4) Glenwood Plantation; (5) Lakeville; (6) Lambert Lake Township; (7) Lowell; (8) Macwahoc Plantation; (9) Medford; (10) Medway; (11) Millinocket; (12) Prentiss Township; (13) Reed Plantation; (14) Seboeis Plantation; (15) Vanceboro; (16) Woodville; (17) Regional School Unit No. 30 doing business as School Administrative District No. 30 (Lee, Springfield, Webster Plantation and Winn); (18) Regional School Unit No. 31 doing business as School Administrative District No. 31 (Burlington, Edinburg, Enfield, Howland, Maxfield and Passadumkeag); (19) Regional School Unit No. 67 (Chester, Lincoln and Mattawamkeag); and (20) East Range Community School District (Codyville Plantation and Topsfield). [PL 2011, c. 679, §17 (RPR).] D. Region 4. SOUTHERN PENOBSCOT COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (1) Bangor; (2) Brewer; (3) Dedham; (4) Grand Falls Township; (5) Greenbush; (6) Greenfield Township; (7) Hermon; (8) Indian Island, Penobscot Indian Reservation; (9) Milford; (10) Orrington; (11) Regional School Unit No. 22 doing business as School Administrative District No. 22 (Hampden, Newburgh and Winterport); (12) Regional School Unit No. 26 (Glenburn, Orono and Veazie); (13) Regional School Unit No. 34 (Alton, Bradley and Old Town); (14) Regional School Unit No. 63 doing business as School Administrative District No. 63 (Clifton, Eddington and Holden); (15) Regional School Unit No. 64 doing business as School Administrative District No. 64 (Bradford, Corinth, Hudson, Kenduskeag and Stetson); (16) Regional School Unit No. 87 doing business as School Administrative District No. 23 (Carmel and Levant); and (17) Airline Community School District (Amherst, Aurora, Great Pond and Osborn). [PL 2011, c. 679, §17 (RPR).] E. [PL 1985, c. 565, §1 (RP).] F. Region 7. WALDO COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (1) Regional School Unit No. 3 doing business as School Administrative District No. 3 (Brooks, Freedom, Jackson, Knox, Liberty, Monroe, Montville, Thorndike, Troy, Unity and Waldo); and (2) Regional School Unit No. 20 (Belfast, Belmont, Frankfort, Morrill, Northport, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs and Swanville). [PL 2011, c. 679, §17 (RPR).] G. Region 8. KNOX COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (1) Islesboro; (2) Monhegan Island Plantation; (3) Regional School Unit No. 7 doing business as School Administrative District No. 7 (North Haven); (4) Regional School Unit No. 8 doing business as School Administrative District No. 8 (Vinalhaven); (5) Regional School Unit No. 13 (Cushing, Owls Head, Rockland, St. George, South Thomaston and Thomaston); (6) Regional School Unit No. 40 doing business as School Administrative District No. 40 (Friendship, Union, Waldoboro, Warren and Washington); (7) Regional School Unit No. 65 doing business as School Administrative District No. 65 (Matinicus Isle Plantation); and (8) Five Town Community School District (Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport). [PL 2011, c. 679, §17 (RPR).] H. Region 9. NORTHERN OXFORD COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (1) Albany Township; (2) Gilead; (3) Mason Township; (4) Milton Township; (5) Riley Township; (6) Upton, as long as it sends its secondary students and middle school level students to schools operated by administrative units within the region; (7) The portion of Regional School Unit No. 10 comprising the municipalities in the former units of Hanover, Peru, School Administrative District No. 21 (Canton, Carthage and Dixfield) and School Administrative District No. 43 (Byron, Mexico, Roxbury and Rumford); and (8) Regional School Unit No. 44 doing business as School Administrative District No. 44 (Andover, Bethel, Greenwood, Newry and Woodstock). [PL 2017, c. 171, §9 (AMD).] I. Region 10. EASTERN CUMBERLAND-SAGADAHOC COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (1) Brunswick; (2) Regional School Unit No. 5 (Durham, Freeport and Pownal); and (3) Regional School Unit No. 75 doing business as School Administrative District No. 75 (Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell and Topsham). [PL 2011, c. 679, §17 (RPR).] J. Region 11. SOUTHERN OXFORD COUNTY. Units located in this region include: (1) The portion of Regional School Unit No. 10 comprising the municipalities in the former School Administrative Unit No. 39 (Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner); and (2) Regional School Unit No. 17 doing business as School Administrative District No. 17 (Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris). [PL 2011, c. 679, §17 (RPR).] [PL 2017, c. 171, §9 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 403, Pt. A, §2 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 403, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).]

3. Central Aroostook County. Central Aroostook County is also a region. A. Public secondary schools and middle schools located at: Ashland; Caribou; Easton; Fort Fairfield; Limestone; Mars Hill; Presque Isle; and Washburn are served by centers located in Presque Isle and Caribou. [PL 2017, c. 171, §10 (AMD).] B. Notwithstanding provisions of sections 8452 to 8459 , these centers are governed by the school boards of the units operating such centers, but have an advisory committee, as defined in section 8404 , responsible for coordinating career and technical education for the Central Aroostook County region. [RR 2003, c. 2, §60 (COR).] [PL 2017, c. 171, §10 (AMD).]

4. Validation. Each career and technical education region authorized and organized under Public Law 1973, chapter 605, is hereby validated, confirmed, approved and declared legal in all respects, notwithstanding any defect or irregularity which may have occurred in the organization of the region or in the selection of the cooperative board of that region. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5,8 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 716, §6 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 545, §5 (REV).]

5. Northern Aroostook County. Northern Aroostook County is also a region. A. Public secondary schools and middle schools located in the school administrative units of Madawaska, School Administrative District No. 10 (Allagash), School Administrative District No. 27 (Eagle Lake, Fort Kent, New Canada, St. Francis, St. John Plantation, Wallagrass and Winterville Plantation) and Regional School Unit No. 33 doing business as School Administrative District No. 33 (Frenchville and St. Agatha) are served by a center located in Frenchville (St. John Valley Technology Center), as long as the school boards of former School Administrative District No. 27 (Eagle Lake, Fort Kent, New Canada, St. Francis, St. John Plantation, Wallagrass and Winterville Plantation), former School Administrative District No. 33 (Frenchville and St. Agatha) and Madawaska enter into a cooperative agreement pursuant to section 8401 . Career and technical education students from Regional School Unit No. 88 doing business as School Administrative District No. 24 (Cyr Plantation, Hamlin and Van Buren) must be permitted to attend that center on a tuition basis to the extent that there are unused slots available in the career and technical education programs at the center. [PL 2017, c. 171, §11 (AMD).] B. Notwithstanding sections 8452 to 8459 , the centers under paragraph A are governed by the school boards of the units operating the centers but have an advisory committee, as defined in section 8404 , for the Northern Aroostook County region, except that, in the event that the school boards of School Administrative District No. 27, Regional School Unit No. 33 doing business as School Administrative District No. 33 and the Madawaska school administrative unit enter into a cooperative agreement pursuant to section 8401 , the Northern Aroostook County advisory committee must be made up of representatives of those 3 administrative units and the advisory committee has authority to review applications for employment and personnel records relating to the career and technical education director and teachers in the career and technical education programs of the center in order for the advisory committee to make employment recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools of Regional School Unit No. 33 doing business as School Administrative District No. 33. [PL 2011, c. 679, §18 (AMD).] C. [PL 2011, c. 679, §18 (RP).] D. [PL 2011, c. 679, §18 (RP).] E. [PL 2011, c. 679, §18 (RP).] F. Section 8301‑A, subsection 6 and sections 8452 to 8467 do not apply to the region established for Northern Aroostook County under this section. [PL 1991, c. 518, §17 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 171, §11 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4729 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4729
20-A §4729. Alternative education programs
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit may establish one or more alternative education programs that are in alignment with the system of learning results established in section 6209 as alternatives to the regular course of study, including options allowed in sections 5104‑A and 8605 , to meet the needs of at-risk students. [PL 2007, c. 667, §6 (AMD).]

1. Coordination. These programs shall operate as part of the elementary or secondary school program. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§5, 7 (NEW).]

2. Alternative schedules. Alternative education programs may allow students to attend school part-time. Alternative education programs may be scheduled apart from the regular school day. [PL 2007, c. 667, §6 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3253-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3253-A
20-A §3253-A. Secondary students
Status: in_force

1. Secondary students. Any eligible resident student who may be judged by the commissioner to be qualified may attend as a tuition student any public or private secondary school approved for tuition purposes under section 2951 to which that tuition student may gain entrance. [PL 2019, c. 398, §17 (AMD).]

2. Benefits. Tuition students shall be entitled to all privileges and benefits and shall be subject to the same rules as resident students of a receiving school administrative unit or other enrolled students of a receiving private school. [PL 1985, c. 490, §5 (NEW).]

3. Tuition. Notwithstanding section 5805, subsection 2 and section 5809 , the commissioner shall pay tuition for each tuition student in an amount equal to the official tuition rate approved pursuant to section 5805, subsection 1 for the receiving school for nonresident students enrolled in secondary schools or special education or career and technical education programs as long as the student maintains a satisfactory standard of deportment and scholarship. The commissioner shall pay tuition for each tuition student in an amount equal to the official tuition rate approved pursuant to section 7302 for the receiving school for nonresident students enrolled in special education programs, as long as the student maintains a satisfactory standard of deportment and scholarship. [PL 2007, c. 424, §2 (RPR).]

3-A. Targeted funds. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. XX, §1 (RP).]

4. Transportation or board. The costs of transportation or board for students under this section may be paid in full or in part by the commissioner except that the commissioner may not provide or reimburse parents for providing transportation of students over roads that have not been accepted by the county as public roads or do not meet Department of Transportation standards. Beginning with fiscal year 2009-10, the commissioner may not reimburse parents for the transportation of a student. [PL 2007, c. 541, Pt. C, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12718 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12718
20-A §12718. Annual report by trustees
Status: in_force

The board of trustees shall prepare an annual report by January 1st of each year, to be submitted to the Governor and joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and over appropriations and financial affairs. This report must include: [PL 1991, c. 376, §42 (AMD).]

1. Budget expenditures. Budget expenditures for the last complete fiscal year and projected expenditures for the fiscal year in which the report is submitted; [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]

2. Current enrollments. Current enrollments by program at each college; [PL 1989, c. 443, §54 (AMD).]

3. Description of new courses or curricula. A description of any new college courses or curricula; [PL 1989, c. 443, §54 (AMD).]

4. Description of activities. A description of activities undertaken to coordinate postsecondary career and technical training and education throughout the State with secondary career and technical education, adult career and technical education, employment training programs, other employment-related training and other institutions of higher learning; [PL 1991, c. 376, §42 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. D, §3 (REV).]

5. Analysis. [PL 1991, c. 376, §42 (RP).]

6. List. A list of needs, in order of priority, of the colleges; and [PL 1989, c. 443, §54 (AMD).]

7. Other information. Any other information deemed significant by the board of trustees. [PL 1985, c. 695, §11 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10701 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10701
20-A §10701. 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. Academic credit. "Academic credit" means credit hours or some equivalent measure which may be awarded and which are applicable toward a degree. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Degree. "Degree" means a document of achievement at the associate level or higher conferred by a postsecondary educational institution authorized to confer that degree in its home state. It includes educational, academic, literary and professional degrees. It also includes associate, baccalaureate, master's, first professional and doctoral degrees and certificates of advanced graduate studies. [PL 2009, c. 274, §10 (AMD).]

3. Educational institution. "Educational institution" means any person, partnership, board, association, institution or corporation other than the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy that offers academic, educational, literary or professional courses or programs. [PL 2007, c. 572, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6651 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6651
20-A §6651. Child care services
Status: in_force

School administrative units may develop school-based child care services. [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).]

Private secondary schools, approved by the department in section 2951 for tuition, and whose school enrollments include at least 60% publicly funded students as determined by the previous school year's October and April average enrollment as reflected in records on file in the department, may also develop school-based child care services. The sending school administrative unit shall not be liable for any costs except those costs that have been approved by the school board of the sending school administrative unit. [PL 1989, c. 414, §14 (NEW).]

1. Purpose. The purpose of the school-based child care services is to: A. Make it possible for student parents to continue attending or return to school; [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).] B. Provide parenting education and training in child development for teenage parents; and [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).] C. Aid teacher recruitment. [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).]

2. Program. School-based child care services shall: A. Be developmentally based; [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).] B. Be available on a priority basis first to children of students in the school administrative unit or private school and 2nd to children of teachers or other employees in the unit or private school; and [PL 1989, c. 414, §15 (AMD).] C. Include training in parenting and child development for the student parents of the children in the program. [PL 1987, c. 767, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 414, §15 (AMD).]

3. Subsidizable costs for school administrative units under the School Finance Act of 1985. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §20 (RP); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

4. Cost to teachers and other employees. A school administrative unit or private school may offer school-based child care services to teachers and other employees of the unit or private school in accordance with a policy established by the local school board that establishes the basis for participation. The school administrative unit or private school shall charge a fee for provision of such services. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. B, §10 (AMD).]

5. Costs to students. There shall be no cost to the student for enrolling a child in a child care service offered by a school administrative unit or private school if the student has an educational plan, approved by the school unit or private school, leading to academic progress and the attainment of reasonable educational goals. [PL 1989, c. 414, §16 (AMD).]

6. Subsidizable cost of operating programs in private secondary schools. [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. V, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3801 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 123 / Section 3801
20-A §3801. General provisions
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Municipality" means a city, town or organized plantation. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] B. "Education service center" means a multiservice agency established and operated exclusively for the purposes of developing, managing and providing services or programs to 2 or more members pursuant to section 3802, subsection 2 and may include associate members pursuant to section 3802, subsection 3 . An "education service center" is a political subdivision pursuant to section 3802, subsection 7 . [PL 2019, c. 219, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 219, §2 (AMD).]

2. Establishment. A school administrative unit as described in section 3802, subsection 2 may become a member of an education service center through an interlocal agreement pursuant to Title 30‑A, chapter 115 and the agreement may include associate members as described in section 3802, subsection 3 . [PL 2019, c. 219, §2 (AMD).]

3. Interlocal agreement. An interlocal agreement establishing an education service center must include the structure and governance of the education service center and its functions, programs and services. A. An interlocal agreement must include the specifications required pursuant to Title 30‑A, section 2203, subsection 2 and a description of: (1) The education service center board composition, election or appointment of officers, board member terms and method of voting; (2) An approval process for a new school administrative unit to join the education service center; (3) An approval process for an existing member to transfer to another education service center; (4) The process for determining the sharing of costs for and the assessments of or payments to the education service center; (5) The budget process that requires an education service center budget be adopted by a date established in order to meet local school administrative unit budget deadlines. The budget process must include a contingency plan for a budget failure and must be in the cost center summary budget format pursuant to section 1485 ; (6) The process for a balanced budget as required by section 3802, subsection 10 and the method of determining the return of any excess funds to the members of the education service center; and (7) The process for the disposition of indebtedness and property including by sale or lease, transferred to or from or administered by the education service center. [PL 2019, c. 219, §2 (AMD).] B. An interlocal agreement may include but is not limited to a description of the following: (1) The approval process for the formation of an education service center; (2) Any associate members, the process for including associate members and their roles in the education service center; (3) The process to authorize the education service center to borrow funds for school construction purposes including bonds and notes; (4) The process to approve the purchase or lease of buildings or land by the education service center; (5) The process by which an education service center may establish, maintain and expend funds from a reserve fund or contingency fund; (6) The process of hiring an executive director or contracting services for leadership for the education service center; and (7) A transition plan to move authorized programs and services from a member to the education service center. [PL 2019, c. 219, §2 (AMD).] An interlocal agreement cannot transfer a school administrative unit's responsibility for providing the opportunity of a free public education to each of its students or a free, appropriate education to each of its students with a disability as required by this Title or by federal law. [PL 2019, c. 219, §2 (AMD).]

4. Duties of education service center. An education service center's functions, programs and services may include but are not limited to the following: A. Accounting, payroll and financial management services and procurement; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] B. Transportation, transportation routing and vehicle maintenance; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] C. Reporting functions; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] D. Special education programs and administration; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] E. Gifted and talented programs and administration; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] F. Alternative education programs and administration; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] G. Substitute teachers and staff augmentation; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] H. Technology and technology support; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] I. Food service planning and purchasing; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] J. Energy management and facilities maintenance; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] K. [PL 2019, c. 70, §3 (RP).] L. Staff training and professional development; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] M. Shared educational programs or staff; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] N. Shared support service programs; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] O. Educational programs such as summer school, extended school year, tutoring, advanced placement and other programs that serve students and improve student achievement; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] P. Shared extracurricular or cocurricular programs; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] Q. Superintendent services. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 219, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4004 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 4004
20-A §4004. Fencing
Status: in_force

Schoolhouse lots and playgrounds that require fencing shall be fenced by the municipality or school administrative unit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11414 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11414
20-A §11414. Finance Authority of Maine; successor
Status: in_force

The Finance Authority of Maine is the successor to the Maine Educational Loan Authority. All properties, rights in land, buildings and equipment and any funds, moneys, revenues and receipts or assets of the Maine Educational Loan Authority, including funds previously appropriated by the State for the Maine Educational Loan Authority, belong to the Finance Authority of Maine as successor, subject to all liens and pledges thereon made by the Maine Educational Loan Authority. All liabilities of the Maine Educational Loan Authority are liabilities of the Finance Authority of Maine. All contracts and undertakings of the Maine Educational Loan Authority are contracts of the Finance Authority of Maine. Any resolution with respect to the making of loans or issuance of bonds by the Maine Educational Loan Authority and any other action taken by them with respect to assistance provided under this chapter must be a resolution of the Finance Authority of Maine or an action taken by the Finance Authority of Maine. All bond obligations of the Maine Educational Loan Authority and all contracts, agreements, obligations, certifications and undertakings of the Maine Educational Loan Authority are obligations, contracts, agreements, certifications and undertakings of the Finance Authority of Maine, except that nothing in this section may be construed to make any obligation of the Maine Educational Loan Authority that is not a general obligation of the Maine Educational Loan Authority a general obligation of the Finance Authority of Maine, and any limitations on these obligations of the Maine Educational Loan Authority, whether by contract or indenture, are limitations on the obligations of the Finance Authority of Maine as successor. Notwithstanding this section, the Finance Authority of Maine shall administer and carry out, as obligations of the Finance Authority of Maine, all obligations of the Maine Educational Loan Authority. [PL 2015, c. 170, §13 (RPR); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3641 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3641
20-A §3641. Temporary borrowing
Status: in_force

The interstate board may authorize the borrowing of money by the interstate district (1) in anticipation of payments of operating and capital expenses by the member districts to the interstate district and (2) in anticipation of the issue of bonds or notes of the interstate district which have been authorized for the purpose of financing capital projects. Such temporary borrowing shall be evidence by interest bearing or discounted notes of the interstate district. The amount of notes issued in any fiscal year in anticipation of expense payments shall not exceed the amount of such payments received by the interstate district in the preceding fiscal year. Notes issued under this section shall be payable within one year in the case of notes under clause (1) and 3 years in the case of notes under clause (2) from their respective dates, but the principal of and interest on notes issued for a shorter period may be renewed or paid from time to time by the issue of other notes, provided that the period from the date of an original note to the maturity of any note issued to renew or pay the same debt shall not exceed the maximum period permitted for the original loan. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3255 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3255
20-A §3255. Children on government reservations
Status: in_force

The commissioner may make special arrangements to provide elementary school privileges in cooperation with the Federal Government for children residing with a parent or legal guardian at a light station, fog warning station, lifesaving station or other place within a United States government reservation. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12504 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12504
20-A §12504. Allocation of funds
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish by rule the allocation of funds available under this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 427, §5 (AMD).]

Loans in an amount to be determined annually by the authority based on available funds, but in no event less than $3,000 per academic year for eligible undergraduate students and $2,000 per academic year for eligible students pursuing postbaccalaureate certification, may be made. Selected full-time undergraduate students may receive loans for a period not to exceed 8 semesters at the institution they attend. Selected full-time and part-time students pursuing postbaccalaureate certifications may receive loans for a period not to exceed 4 semesters or the equivalent thereof at the institution they attend. An individual who has received an Educators for Maine loan as an undergraduate may also receive a loan for students pursuing postbaccalaureate certification. Loans are for one academic year and are renewable if the recipient maintains a grade point average of at least 2.5 based on a 4.0 grade point system or the equivalent and submits a complete renewal application by the deadline annually. [PL 2019, c. 303, §6 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3662 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3662
20-A §3662. Studies
Status: in_force

Insofar as practicable, the studies required by the laws of both states shall be offered in an interstate school district. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12103 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424 / Section 12103
20-A §12103. Access to Medical Education Program
Status: in_force

1. Positions. The Access to Medical Education Program is established under this section. Under this program, the chief executive officer shall secure up to 21 positions annually for Maine students at schools of allopathic, osteopathic or veterinary medical education up to an aggregate of 84 positions. Five positions are for students of osteopathic medicine, 15 positions are for students of allopathic medicine and one position is for students of veterinary medicine. If there is an insufficient number of qualified applicants for positions in either allopathic or osteopathic medicine, the chief executive officer may increase or decrease the number of positions available in either discipline. The allopathic and osteopathic medicine positions are available only to eligible students commencing professional education on or after January 1, 1993 and on or before September 30, 2009. The veterinary medicine positions are available only to eligible students commencing professional education on or after January 1, 1999 and on or before September 30, 2010. Commencing January 1, 2010, the chief executive officer may not secure any new positions for students at schools of allopathic or osteopathic medicine and shall secure only the number of positions necessary to allow students already occupying such positions as of January 1, 2010 to complete their remaining medical education, up to 3 years, at the institution. Commencing January 1, 2011, the chief executive officer may not secure a new position for a student at a school of veterinary medicine and shall secure only the number of positions necessary to allow students occupying such positions as of January 1, 2011 to complete their remaining medical education, up to 3 years, at the institution. Commencing July 1, 2013, the chief executive officer may not secure any further positions at schools of allopathic or osteopathic medicine under this section. Commencing July 1, 2014, the chief executive officer may not secure any further positions at a school of veterinary medicine under this section. [PL 2009, c. 488, §2 (AMD).]

2. Application process. Students shall apply directly to an institution of allopathic, osteopathic or veterinary medical education with which the authority has a contract to secure positions. [PL 1997, c. 765, §1 (AMD).]

3. Requirements. Each student obtaining a position in an institution of allopathic or osteopathic medical education shall enter into an agreement with the authority by which the student agrees during the student's medical education to complete clinical education in rural areas and health professional shortage areas of this State as provided in the contract between the institutions of medical education and the authority. Each student obtaining a position in an institution of veterinary medical education shall enter into an agreement with the authority by which the student agrees during the student's medical education to complete clinical education in an area determined to have insufficient veterinary services as provided in the contract between the institutions of veterinary medicine and the authority. [PL 1997, c. 765, §1 (AMD).]

4. Repayment of tuition differential. A student receiving a position secured by the authority shall enter into an agreement with the authority promising to pay back to the authority any amounts expended by the authority that reduce the nonresident tuition to be paid by the student. Such an agreement must be on the same terms and conditions as the agreement required by section 12104 . [PL 1991, c. 830, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 832, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13104 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502-B / Section 13104
20-A §13104. Rulemaking
Status: in_force

The state board may adopt rules to implement this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. GG, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1505 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1505
20-A §1505. Bonds; notes; other
Status: in_force

All bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued for regional school unit purposes by a regional school unit for major capital expenses, bus purchases or current operating expenses, including tax or other revenue anticipation notes, are general obligations of the regional school unit. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1. Tax assessments. The municipal officers or regional school unit board shall require the sums that are necessary to meet in full the principal of and interest on the bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued pursuant to this section payable in each year to be assessed and collected in the manner provided by law for the assessment and collection of taxes. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Reduction. The sums to be assessed and collected under subsection 1 must be reduced by the amount of an allocation of funds appropriated by the Legislature to pay the principal and interest owed by the regional school unit in a given year as certified to the regional school unit by the commissioner. The commissioner shall certify the amount due to the regional school unit within 30 days of its appropriation by the Legislature. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

3. Collection. After assessment and reduction under subsection 2 , the remaining sum must be paid from ad valorem taxes, which may be levied without limit as to rate or amount upon all the taxable property within the regional school unit. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10016 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10016
20-A §10016. Private support organization
Status: in_force

1. Designation of private support organization. The President of the Maine Maritime Academy may designate a nonprofit organization as the private support organization for the Maine Maritime Academy. If designated by the Maine Maritime Academy, a private support organization must be formed in accordance with this subsection. A. The designated organization must be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State, and its sole purpose, as reflected in its bylaws, must be to organize and foster support for the Maine Maritime Academy and its programs. [PL 2023, c. 278, §1 (NEW).] B. The President of the Maine Maritime Academy, or the president's designee, shall serve as a member of the private support organization's board of directors. [PL 2023, c. 278, §1 (NEW).] C. The President of the Maine Maritime Academy shall negotiate an annual memorandum of understanding between the Maine Maritime Academy and the private support organization that outlines a plan of work identifying priority projects of mutual benefit and cooperation. The private support organization's board of directors may delegate aspects of the plan of work to the executive director or president of the private support organization. [PL 2023, c. 278, §1 (NEW).] D. The President of the Maine Maritime Academy may permit the appropriate use of fixed property, equipment and facilities of the Maine Maritime Academy by the private support organization. Such use must be directly in keeping with the purpose of the private support organization as set out in this section and must comply with all appropriate state policies and procedures. [PL 2023, c. 278, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 278, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13304 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 504 / Section 13304
20-A §13304. Dismissal
Status: in_force

In accordance with this section, a school board may dismiss a principal before the expiration of the contract term. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]

1. Requirements. The principal may be dismissed only: A. After consideration of a recommendation of the superintendent; [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] B. For cause; [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] C. After due notice and investigation; [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] D. After a hearing before the school board, if requested; and [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] E. By a majority vote of the school board. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).] [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]

2. Salary. Upon dismissal, the principal's salary ceases. [PL 1991, c. 556, §1 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 556, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6309 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6309
20-A §6309. Water bottle filling stations
Status: in_force

1. Water bottle filling stations. Beginning in fiscal year 2024-25, a newly constructed public school or existing public school undergoing substantial renovations must be equipped with a water bottle filling station pursuant to this section. For purposes of this section, "water bottle filling station" means a water dispenser accessible to all persons in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that dispenses potable drinking water directly into a bottle or other drinking container. For purposes of this section, "substantial renovations" means any renovation for which the cost exceeds 50% of the building's current value prior to renovation. [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]

2. Water bottle filling station criteria. A water bottle filling station: A. Must dispense clean, filtered, cooled drinking water; [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] B. Must be regularly cleaned to maintain sanitary conditions; [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] C. Must be maintained to ensure proper functioning, including replacing the filling station's filter as recommended by the manufacturer; [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] D. May be integrated into a drinking fountain, which is considered one water bottle filling station under subsection 3 ; and [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] E. May be touchless for sanitary reasons. [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]

3. Building inspection requirements. A state or municipal building inspection authority may not approve the plans or specifications for a new public school building or for any substantial renovations to an existing public school building unless the plans and specifications provide for: A. A minimum of one water bottle filling station for every 200 people projected to occupy the building upon completion of the proposed construction; [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] B. A minimum of one water bottle filling station for every floor or wing of the new construction; and [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] C. A minimum of one water bottle filling station located near a cafeteria, gymnasium, outdoor recreation space or other high-traffic area. [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]

4. Student water bottles. A public school shall allow a student to possess a water bottle in school that: A. Is refillable; [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] B. Is made of a material that is not easily breakable; [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] C. Has a lid or cover to prevent the bottle from spilling; and [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] D. Is to be filled and used exclusively for water. [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]

5. Disciplinary policy. A school board may enact a disciplinary policy regarding the misuse of a water bottle by a school student, employee or staff member. [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]

6. Rules. The state board shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules under Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 505 / Section 13401
20-A §13401. Equal pay
Status: in_force

In assigning salaries to teachers of public schools, discrimination may not be made between male and female teachers with the same training and experience employed in the same grade or performing the same kinds of duties. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6401-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6401-A
20-A §6401-A. School nurse consultant position
Status: in_force

1. Establishment. The position of school nurse consultant is established within the department. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. RRR, §1 (AMD).]

2. Qualifications. The school nurse consultant must be licensed as a registered professional nurse in the State and have a master's degree in nursing or a related field and experience in school health care or community nursing. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. DD, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12124 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 424-A / Section 12124
20-A §12124. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish rules necessary to implement this chapter. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall adopt rules to establish criteria for determining areas of insufficient veterinary services for livestock or emergency and critical care, definitions of "livestock" and "emergency and critical care," criteria for determining underserved geographic regions and a method for determining the percentage of a practice that is devoted to livestock or emergency and critical care. In establishing criteria for determining areas of insufficient veterinary services for emergency and critical care and criteria for determining underserved geographic regions, the commissioner shall give priority consideration to regions within Aroostook County, Oxford County, Penobscot County, Piscataquis County, Somerset County and Washington County. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 725, §11 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11618 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 419-A / Section 11618
20-A §11618. Nonlapsing fund
Status: in_force

Any unexpended funds appropriated by the Legislature to carry out the purposes of this program shall not lapse, but shall be carried forward for continued use in the program. [PL 1989, c. 559, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4804 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 209 / Section 4804
20-A §4804. Sunday holidays
Status: in_force

When a holiday or special observance falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be considered the holiday or day of special observance. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5204 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 213 / Section 5204
20-A §5204. Secondary students right to attend school in another administrative unit
Status: in_force

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

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

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

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

4. No secondary school. A school administrative unit that neither maintains a secondary school nor contracts for secondary school privileges pursuant to chapter 115 shall pay the tuition, in accordance with chapter 219 , at the public school or the approved private school of the parent's choice at which the student is accepted. [PL 2007, c. 668, §30 (AMD).]

5. Units with 10 or fewer students. Secondary students whose parents reside in a school administrative unit with a total April 1st resident student count of 10 or less may attend public school as tuition students in a nearby school administrative unit. The school board of the nearby school administrative unit shall accept the students if requested by the school board of the unit in which the students' parents reside. The school board where the students' parents reside shall pay tuition. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Insufficient courses; time limitations. If the secondary school does not offer 2 approved foreign language courses, then its students may attend another secondary school approved for tuition purposes to take the language courses provided that: A. The receiving school accepts tuition students; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] B. The students meet the qualifications for attending their own secondary school; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).] C. The students have notified their own school administrative unit by April 1st, before the start of each school year, that they wish to take the foreign language not being offered by their school administrative unit. Their school administrative unit shall notify them on or before July 15th of that year when the language course will be offered in the next school year. [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 6, 7 (AMD).] [PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§ 6, 7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5004 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5004
20-A §5004. Work permits
Status: in_force

Superintendents shall issue and revoke work permits for minor students as provided in Title 26, chapter 7 . [PL 1991, c. 655, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10712 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10712
20-A §10712. Termination of degree-granting authority
Status: in_force

The authority of an educational institution to confer degrees terminates upon determination by the state board that any of the following has occurred: [PL 1991, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]

1. Discontinuance of instruction. The substantial discontinuance of instruction by the educational institution; [PL 1991, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]

2. Sale of stock. The sale, exchange or other transfer of all or a substantial part of the voting stock of an educational institution; [PL 1991, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]

3. Sale or lease of assets. The sale, exchange, lease or other transfer of all or a substantial part of the assets of an educational institution; or [PL 1991, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]

4. Merger; consolidation; reorganization. The merger or consolidation of the educational institution with an external entity, or the reorganization of the educational institution, including, but not limited to, reorganization in bankruptcy. This subsection does not apply and authority to confer degrees is not terminated if degree programs are consolidated or reorganized within an educational institution and are at the same level as those authorized by the Legislature or the state board prior to the consolidation or reorganization. [PL 2009, c. 274, §13 (AMD).]

Upon termination of its degree-granting authority pursuant to this section, an educational institution may apply to the state board pursuant to section 10703 for a certificate of temporary approval to use the term "community college," "college" or "university" in its name. [PL 2007, c. 572, Pt. A, §14 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1487 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1487
20-A §1487. Failure to pass budget
Status: in_force

If a budget for the operation of a regional school unit is not approved prior to July 1st, the latest budget approved at a regional school unit budget meeting and submitted to the voters for validation at a referendum in accordance with section 1486 is automatically considered the budget for operational expenses for the ensuing year until a final budget is approved, except that, when the regional school unit board delays the regional school unit budget meeting, the operating budget must be approved within 30 days of the date the commissioner notifies the regional school unit board of the amount allocated to the regional school unit under section 15689-B , or the latest budget submitted by the regional school unit board becomes the operating budget for the next school year until a budget is approved at a regional school unit budget meeting and validated at a referendum. If the budget of a regional school unit is not approved and validated before July 1st and the officers of any affected municipality determine that the property taxes must be committed in a timely manner to the collector pursuant to Title 36, section 709 , the municipal assessor or assessors may commit the property taxes on the basis of the latest budget approved at a regional school unit budget meeting and submitted to the voters for validation at a referendum in accordance with section 1486 . [PL 2007, c. 668, §21 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7202 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7202
20-A §7202. Duties of school administrative units
Status: in_force

Each school administrative unit shall: [PL 2023, c. 449, §4 (AMD).]

1. Identification. Identify all children within its jurisdiction who require special education; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Records. Make and keep current records of children with disabilities within its jurisdiction, as required by rules established by the commissioner and institute procedures that guarantee the confidentiality of these records in accordance with state and federal law; [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).]

2-A. Assist advocates for developmentally disabled. Assist the advocacy agency designated under Title 5, section 19502 in conducting an investigation, pursuant to Title 5, section 19505, subsection 4 , by providing access to relevant case records, notifying parents or guardians of these investigations and requesting parental consent for access to case records by the agency. Parents or guardians may refuse to consent to the examination of these records; [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).]

3. Diagnosis and evaluation. Provide the evaluations and assessments required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code, Section 1400 et seq., as amended, to plan and implement a special education program for children with disabilities at least 3 years of age and under 22 years of age within its jurisdiction; [PL 2023, c. 450, §3 (AMD).]

4. Plan. Submit a plan for its special education programs to the commissioner for approval in accordance with rules established by the commissioner; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Special education. Provide special education for each eligible child with a disability within its jurisdiction; [RR 2017, c. 2, §4 (COR).]

5-A. Diploma requirements. Award a high school diploma to each child with a disability who successfully meets the content standards of the system of learning results, in addition to any other diploma requirements applicable to all secondary school students pursuant to section 4722 , as specified by the goals and objectives of the child's individualized education program; [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).]

6. Compliance. Provide the commissioner with the information the commissioner may require to determine compliance with this chapter; [PL 1983, c. 806, §63 (AMD).]

7. Notice of parent's right to be a member of the team. Notify in writing the parent, surrogate parent or guardian of the child with a disability of that person's right to be a member of the team and place a copy of the notice in the student's permanent records; [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).]

8. Facility construction, renovation and repair. Seek approval in advance from the commissioner for construction, renovation or repair, with or aided by public funds, of facilities intended for the education of children with disabilities, or give assurances that other facilities in the school administrative unit are adequate to meet the needs of those students; [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).]

9. Securing parental permission. For the agency conducting studies pursuant to Title 5, chapter 511 : A. Assist the agency in its studies; and [PL 1983, c. 327, §2 (NEW).] B. Facilitate access to relevant case records by: (1) Notifying parents or guardians of the study; and (2) Requesting parental consent for the agency to have access to case records; [PL 2011, c. 348, §4 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 363, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 348, §4 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 363, §1 (AMD).]

10. Department of Health and Human Services; authority to request convening of individualized education program team meeting. Notify in writing the individual designated by the Department of Health and Human Services that the Department of Health and Human Services has the authority to request the school administrative unit to convene an individualized education program team meeting and to attend and participate in any individualized education program team meetings concerning a child with a disability who is a state ward. The written notice must indicate the time and place of the individualized education program team meeting and a copy of the notice must be placed in the child's permanent record; [RR 2011, c. 1, §27 (COR).]

11. Transitional services for students with disabilities. Plan, coordinate and implement services for students with disabilities who are in transition from school to community in accordance with rules adopted by the department. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A ; and [RR 2011, c. 1, §28 (COR).] Revisor's Note: (Subsection 11 as enacted by PL 2011, c. 363, §3 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 20-A, SECTION 7202, SUBSECTION 12)

12. (REALLOCATED FROM T. 20-A, §7202, sub-§11) Attorney's presence at team meeting. Provide that the school administrative unit may not have an attorney present at an individualized education program team meeting unless the school administrative unit has provided the parents of a child with a disability at least 7 days' written notice prior to the individualized education program team meeting that the school administrative unit will have an attorney present at the individualized education program team meeting. If the parent of a child with a disability has an attorney present at the individualized education program team meeting, the school administrative unit may have an attorney present without providing prior written notice. [RR 2011, c. 1, §29 (RAL).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11802 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 421 / Section 11802
20-A §11802. Definitions
Status: in_force

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

1. Clinical education site. "Clinical education site" includes both clinical clerkship sites and preceptorship sites. A. "Clinical clerkship site" means an on-location teaching environment in conjunction with residency training. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. "Preceptorship site" means a training site ranging from a one-to-one training site between a physician and medical student to a training site in a health clinic or hospital without a residency program. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1-A. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1989, c. 698, §16 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

1-B. Chief executive officer. "Chief executive officer" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1989, c. 698, §16 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 698, §76 (AFF).]

2. Final determination of residency. "Final determination of residency" means the decision on residency made subject to rules of the department. Criteria for these rules shall include length of residence, secondary school attended, legal residence of parent, voting registration and place where taxes are paid. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Primary care. "Primary care" means the practice of general or family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. State capitation payment. "State capitation payment" means the amount agreed on between the State and the institution for the purchase of the student space. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. State contract student. A "state contract student" means a Maine resident who is enrolled in an educational program at an educational institution for which program the State: A. Has entered into a contractual arrangement with the institution; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Expends funds under this arrangement in return for a guarantee on the part of the institution that student positions will be made available to Maine residents. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Underserved area. "Underserved area" means an underserved geographic area, underserved specialty area, underserved population group or any combination of these in the State. [PL 1985, c. 455, §§2, 11 (RPR).]

7. Obligated national service. "Obligated national service" means: A. An Armed Forces service obligation incurred in return for financial assistance provided during undergraduate and graduate education; [PL 1985, c. 455, §§3, 11 (NEW).] B. An obligation incurred for internship or residency training in the Armed Forces of the United States; or [PL 1985, c. 455, §§3, 11 (NEW).] C. An obligation for compulsory national service required by Act of Congress. [PL 1985, c. 455, §§3, 11 (NEW).] [PL 1985, c. 455, §§3, 11 (NEW).]

8. Nonresident tuition. "Nonresident tuition" means tuition charged persons who do not hold residency in the State where the institution is located. If no distinction is made at the institution between the tuition charged resident and nonresident students, then nonresident tuition means the tuition charged all students. [PL 1985, c. 455, §§3, 11 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 603-A / Section 15401
20-A §15401. Administration of federal aid
Status: in_force

1. Authorization to administer funds. The department may administer all allotments of federal funds pertaining to schools, educational programs and institutions of higher education. The commissioner shall act for the department except where otherwise specified in the law. [PL 1985, c. 797, §55 (NEW).]

2. Award of subgrants. The department may award subgrants to school administrative units, private schools, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher learning or other persons for purposes related to education out of federal grant funds when those subgrants are permitted by the terms under which the federal funds are available. Those subgrants shall be made in conformity with applicable federal requirements and with appropriate state accounting requirements and in accordance with rules of the department. [PL 1985, c. 797, §55 (NEW).]

3. Rulemaking. The department may adopt rules to implement this section. [PL 1985, c. 797, §55 (NEW).]

4. Rural school administrative unit. For purposes of allocating federal funds under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, 20 United States Code, Chapter 70, Subchapter V, "rural school administrative unit" means a school administrative unit in which no single municipality within the school administrative unit has a population over 8,000 residents for purposes of federal funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act. [PL 2019, c. 398, §28 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3651 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3651
20-A §3651. Adoption
Status: in_force

Amendments to the articles of agreement may be adopted in the same manner provided for the adoption of the original articles of agreement, except that: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Planning committee functions. Unless the amendment calls for the addition of a new member district, the functions of the planning committee shall be carried out by the interstate district board of directors. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Voting. If the amendment proposes the addition of a new member district, the planning committee shall consist of all of the members of the interstate board and all of the members of the school board of the proposed new member district or districts. In such case the amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an interstate district meeting, at which an affirmative vote of 2/3 of those present and voting shall be required. The articles of agreement together with the proposed amendment shall be submitted to the voters of the proposed new member district at a meeting thereof, at which a simple majority of those present and voting shall be required. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. As one body. In all cases an amendment may be adopted on the part of an interstate district upon the affirmative vote of voters thereof at a meeting voting as one body. Except where the amendment proposes the admission of a new member district, a simple majority of those present and voting shall be required for adoption. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Application. No amendment to the articles of agreement may impair the rights of bond or note holders or the power of the interstate district to procure the means for their payment. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12501-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12501-A
20-A §12501-A. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

1. Academic achievement. "Academic achievement" means earning a grade point average of 3.0 or more, based on a 4.0 grade point system, or the equivalent, based upon the most recent cumulative grade point average. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

2. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

3. Chief executive officer. "Chief executive officer" means the chief executive officer of the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

4. Child care. "Child care" means a regular service of care and protection provided for compensation for any part of a day less than 24 hours to a child or children under 13 years of age whose parents work outside the home, attend an educational program or are otherwise unable to care for their children. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

5. Child care facility. "Child care facility" means a child care center or a family child care provider as defined in Title 22, section 8301‑A . [PL 2005, c. 530, §1 (AMD).]

6. Child care provider qualifications. "Child care provider qualifications" means a degree or certificate in child development or a related area as determined by rule of the authority. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

7. Cost of attendance. "Cost of attendance" has the same meaning as in 20 United States Code, Section 1087ll and the regulations, guidelines and procedures promulgated under that section except, for students attending less than half-time, cost of attendance is determined on the same basis as for students attending half-time. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

8. Duly enrolled. "Duly enrolled" means, for an undergraduate, enrolled full-time and, for a graduate student, enrolled at least part-time at an institution of higher education, as evidenced in a form satisfactory to the authority. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

9. Eligible individual. "Eligible individual" means a student who meets the eligibility requirements of section 12505 . [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

10. Graduating high school senior. "Graduating high school senior" means a student who is a resident of the State, who graduates from a secondary school or a home instruction program as described in section 5001‑A, subsection 3, paragraph A , subparagraph (4) and who is entering that student's first year in an institution of higher education at the beginning of the next academic year. [PL 2019, c. 303, §1 (AMD).]

11. Institution of higher education. "Institution of higher education" means an institution of higher education located within this State, another state or a foreign country that meets the requirements of and conforms to the definitions contained in the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 United States Code, Section 1001(a) and the regulations, guidelines and procedures promulgated by the Secretary of Education pursuant to these sections of the law. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

12. Return service. "Return service" means service in a public elementary or secondary school, publicly supported secondary school, special education facility as defined in section 7001, subsection 6 or private school in this State approved for tuition purposes for a full school year as a certified teacher or school counselor or a licensed speech pathologist, service as a Jobs for Maine's Graduates specialist with similar teacher certification or service for a 12-month period in a child care facility by an individual who has attained child care provider qualifications. [PL 2025, c. 58, §1 (AMD).]

12-A. School counselor. "School counselor" means a person who is employed as a school counselor in a school setting and who: A. Is certified as a school counselor by the department; or [PL 2025, c. 58, §2 (NEW).] B. Possesses a minimum of a master's degree in an approved program in guidance and counseling. [PL 2025, c. 58, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 58, §2 (NEW).]

13. Student pursuing postbaccalaureate certification. "Student pursuing postbaccalaureate certification" means a student who has earned a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent and is pursuing a program of study leading to certification as a teacher or school counselor or licensure as a speech pathologist or to the attainment of child care provider qualifications. [PL 2025, c. 58, §3 (AMD).]

14. Undergraduate. "Undergraduate" means an individual who has not been awarded any baccalaureate degree and who is currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an institution of higher education, including a graduating high school senior. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]

14-A. Underserved geographic areas. "Underserved geographic areas" means those geographic areas of the State where there is an insufficient supply of teachers, school counselors or speech pathologists as determined by the chief executive officer in consultation with the commissioner. [PL 2025, c. 58, §4 (AMD).]

15. Underserved subject areas. "Underserved subject areas" means those subjects or programs, required or authorized to be taught in the public schools, for which there is an insufficient supply of teachers or speech pathologists as determined by the chief executive officer in consultation with the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 427, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13015-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13015-A
20-A §13015-A. Peer support and mentoring system
Status: in_force

1. Purpose. The purpose of a peer support and mentoring system is to: A. Provide strong support services and mentoring programs that are sustained, intensive and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting effect on classroom instruction and develop good teaching and classroom management skills for teachers certified for less than 5 years and teachers with conditional certificates; [PL 2019, c. 518, §3 (NEW).] B. Provide assistance to and review for all individuals who are candidates for a higher level certificate or who are teaching under a waiver of the requirement to be certified under this chapter; and [PL 2019, c. 518, §3 (NEW).] C. Assist all teachers in becoming better teachers. [PL 2019, c. 518, §3 (NEW).] A peer support and mentoring system is separate from local practices and procedures regarding the supervision and evaluation of a teacher for retention by a school administrative unit. The system must include opportunities for all educators to share, learn and continually improve their practices as educators in collaboration with peers. Peer support and mentoring must be formative in nature and be for the sole purpose of ongoing professional growth for educators. [PL 2019, c. 518, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6553 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6553
20-A §6553. Prohibition of hazing
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Injurious hazing" means any action or situation, including harassing behavior, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any school personnel or a student enrolled in school or any activity expected of a student as a condition of joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers the student, regardless of the student's willingness to participate in the activity. [PL 2019, c. 372, §1 (AMD).] B. "Violator" means any person or any organization which engages in injurious hazing. [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 372, §1 (AMD).]

2. Adoption of policy. The school board shall adopt a policy which establishes that "injurious hazing," either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with the public school is prohibited. [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).]

3. Penalties. The school board shall establish penalties for violation of the rules established in subsection 2 . The penalties shall include, but not be limited to, provisions for: A. In the case of a person not associated with the public school, the ejection of the violator from school property; [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).] B. In the case of a student, administrator or staff violator, the individual's suspension, expulsion or other appropriate disciplinary action; and [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).] C. In the case of an organization affiliated with the public school which authorizes hazing, rescission of permission for that organization to operate on school property or receive any other benefit of affiliation with the public school. [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).] These penalties shall be in addition to any other civil or criminal penalty to which the violator or organization may be subject. [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).]

4. Administrative responsibility. The school board shall assign responsibility for administering the policy to the superintendent of schools and establish procedures for appealing the action or lack of action of the superintendent. [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).]

5. Dissemination. The school board shall clearly set forth the policy and penalties adopted and shall distribute copies of them to all students enrolled in the public school. [PL 1989, c. 531 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11808 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 421 / Section 11808
20-A §11808. Nonlapsing fund
Status: in_force

There is created under the jurisdiction of the authority a nonlapsing, interest-earning, revolving fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Any unexpended balance in the fund carries over for continued use under this chapter. The authority may receive, invest and expend, on behalf of the fund, money from gifts, grants, bequests and donations, in addition to money appropriated or allocated by the State. Loan repayments under this section or other repayments to the authority must be invested by the authority, as provided by law, with the earned income to be added to the fund. Money received by the authority on behalf of the fund, except interest income, must be used for the designated purpose; interest income may be used for the designated purpose or to pay student financial assistance administrative costs incurred by the authority as determined appropriate by the authority. [PL 1991, c. 612, §7 (RPR).]

The authority may allocate a portion of the annual loan repayments for the purpose of recruiting primary care physicians to designated underserved geographic areas of the State. Such portion may be used: [PL 1991, c. 612, §7 (NEW).]

1. Generation of funds. To generate additional matching funds for recruitment of physicians to designated underserved geographic areas; or [PL 1991, c. 612, §7 (NEW).]

2. Criteria established. In accordance with criteria established by the authority, to encourage primary care physicians to practice medicine in designated underserved areas. [PL 1991, c. 612, §7 (NEW).]