School District Prepares for Wabanaki Curriculum Expansion with New Resources and Courses

The RSU 22 Budget Meeting held on April 3, 2025, focused on various educational initiatives and budgetary considerations for the upcoming school year. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the implementation of the Wabanaki studies curriculum, highlighting the district's commitment to multicultural education. Participants inquired about the budget allocations for consultants and speakers related to this curriculum for the years 2025 and 2026. It was noted that while no new consultants had been contracted this school year, resources such as multicultural books had been purchased through a Title IV grant.

The conversation then shifted to the Moose modules, which are online educational resources developed by Maine educators. These modules include video segments and lesson plans across various subjects, providing free resources for teachers. The district also benefits from the involvement of local community members, such as Chris Socklexis, who contributes his expertise without charge.

A significant point of discussion was the need for budget flexibility to compensate local elders or experts who may require payment for their time and knowledge when engaging with students. The budget manager acknowledged the challenge of incorporating such expenses into the existing budget framework but expressed a willingness to explore options.

The meeting also addressed the introduction of four new courses at the high school level, including an Advanced Placement (AP) World History course, which has already garnered significant student interest. The budget will cover textbooks and materials for these courses, as well as supplies for new art classes in jewelry making and printmaking. Additionally, a new drone program was discussed, which includes both introductory and advanced courses, with plans to support students seeking FAA certification.

Concerns were raised about the lack of foreign language offerings at the middle school level, with discussions on potential solutions, including remote teaching options. The district is actively seeking ways to address this gap, although challenges remain in hiring qualified language teachers.

The meeting concluded with a review of federal Title funding, emphasizing the importance of these resources for maintaining educational services. The budget manager indicated a need to prepare for potential funding cuts and suggested setting aside reserves to mitigate the impact on the district's programs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational offerings while navigating budgetary constraints and the need for innovative solutions to meet student needs. Further discussions and planning are expected as the budget season progresses.