2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 20-A: EDUCATION › Part 2: SCHOOL ORGANIZATION › Chapter 117: PRIVATE SCHOOLS › Subchapter 1: BASIC SCHOOL APPROVAL › 20-A §2907. Nontraditional limited purpose school approval

§2907. Nontraditional limited purpose school approval
1.  Requirements.
A nonprofit institution, not otherwise approved under this subchapter, may operate as an approved nontraditional limited purpose school if it demonstrates a commitment to the educational process and to the State's youth by possessing the following:
A. An incorporated council, board of trustees, board of directors or other governing board composed of a cross section of the community served by the school;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
B. An established educational plan;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
C. A written curriculum with appropriate goals, objectives and instructional strategies;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
D. Specific instructional time commensurate with the educational activities planned;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
E. Facilities that comply with state health, safety and fire codes;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
F. An instructional staff certified by the Department of Education where appropriate and endorsement by professional boards in areas where the State does not have certification standards or professional standards agreed upon by the department and the respective institution;   [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. A, §47 (AMD).]
G. School health services that include a registered nurse in residence when students are in attendance or the appointment of a school or consulting physician;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
H. Established written emergency and safety procedures, including periodic fire drills whenever appropriate;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
I. The unique up-to-date equipment necessary to the services provided;   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
J. A demonstrated commitment to work cooperatively with state public schools in an effort to meet the specific aspiration needs of Maine students; and   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
K. Scholarship assistance to the State's youth.   [PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
The commissioner shall promulgate rules, pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, which shall incorporate the requirements set forth in this subsection.
[PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. A, §47 (AMD).]
2.  Approval.
The commissioner shall base approval of a school under this section on the school's ability to meet the requirements set forth in subsection 1 and on an annual on-site review by the department.
[PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
3.  Removal of basic approval.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner may remove approval from any nontraditional limited purpose school for failure to meet applicable approval requirements.
[PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
4.  Ineligible for state subsidy.
A school eligible for approval under this section shall not be eligible for state subsidy.
[PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
5.  Credit.
High school credit for programs completed at a school approved under this section may be granted to students by the school in which they are enrolled full time.
[PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
6.  Taxation.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner's approval of an institution as a nontraditional, limited purpose school shall not alter that institution's current status for the purpose of state or local taxation.
[PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1987, c. 250 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 700, §A47 (AMD).