[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6084112,"mediaKeyId","2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a","parentId",2922550,"title","Parents and community groups ask Lewiston schools to expand reentry and after-school options; committee agrees to explore partnerships","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",575000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a&start=575&end=575","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a/thumbnail_575000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6084112/Maine/Parents-and-community-groups-ask-Lewiston-schools-to-expand-reentry-and-after-school-options-committee-agrees-to-explore-partnerships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084112-cd029505cb4306b5175f8309c96df2ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968786&Signature=Jx690ekbCxm63~WTBqSzKMq89h53u4SRDExipmQPjZuBDyfxKk44YdfRuuAyowU~EyVZUd95LTiMoEXlgpXzAQ5Qf7pJM62x05amOY5x-iMnNYQiapzT8XhkwcIUeY3M4dJxMwSzzcl5L34zchEYcRKojUi84ShuOXuVNs3KY~H~KGrJTbksgfjwepWqCnKgUw6vvkbffOJfVMdX-Hg9KbEyFJwbagpwGF9auTlAfE-3b4V1RKX3C1NQxalLb-nYRK3H0VuxZSgUxQ01U-YORkKCo9NbC6kAcNeI53oksbia5ymyiSFF-3S3z-NAXc2Nay6sbJaufOY2pHh73VYbZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lewiston Public Schools","date","2025-04-08T11:47:32Z","article","Several public commenters and staff presentations on April 7 urged Lewiston Public Schools to expand options for students who are suspended, expelled or need reentry supports, and to consider partnerships with community organizations for after-school enrichment.

In public comment, a resident identified as the founding executive director of IFCA Community Services said the nonprofit has capacity to serve students who are expelled or awaiting placement and asked the district to consider IFCA as a partner. \"We have the capability and the ability to help them... We have the qualifications to help them,\" the speaker said, offering to present more details at a future meeting.

Nut graf: The committee heard multiple calls for options beyond the district's existing Rooted program and for clearer pathways to partner with outside organizations. Committee members asked staff to follow up by convening relevant staff or subcommittees to evaluate feasibility and to invite IFCA and other community partners for informational presentations.

During committee business members also highlighted FoodCorps programming (school gardens, tasting and nutrition education), Maine Audubon nature-curriculum opportunities and LRTC partnerships. Member requests at the end of the meeting asked staff to explore partnerships with IFCA and to consider pathway/curriculum committee review before a formal vote. Councilor Scott Harriman suggested staff or a subcommittee meet with IFCA to determine feasibility before scheduling a public presentation.

Ending: Committee members agreed to add outreach and partnership exploration to future agendas and to ask appropriate staff or committees to meet with interested organizations; no formal partnership was approved on April 7.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lewiston Public Schools School Committee Meeting 4/7/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters and meeting agenda items highlighted demand for alternative programs for expelled students and suggested partnerships with community organizations, including IFCA Community Services, FoodCorps and Maine Audubon. Committee members asked staff or subcommittees to meet with interested groups and explore feasibility.","taxTitle","Lewiston Public Schools, School Districts, Maine","taxId",38543,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084116,"Lewiston school committee approves several field trips, budget closeout and policy changes; one policy passed with single dissent",3867,1286000,5153000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a&start=1286&end=5153","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a/thumbnail_1286000.jpg","/articles/6084116/Maine/Lewiston-school-committee-approves-several-field-trips-budget-closeout-and-policy-changes-one-policy-passed-with-single-dissent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084116-34fed6fe1124008d2a19a88340b304d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968786&Signature=i5Sg0AHp~TukfDQWhN5JXmC7~wTf4j-kEGCzAJ9AsoN5yaXgVl31~21~f~mROi98jaAfx6XnB8k3p0OX0Huj2YLdKqXL4rlT6LewswKCwujXEfPZX3IH45ak8yxRU2sxEqtXqy0LqDuxCLb6708zYlur-VDTuMrfrUaTjMMcM3U3pf4iurjJGgycTufAoUKAV~G1yNO-KBrd9jUSChATxkrCLTs7AZGfdJnNeFlc7GwJDvQpyuDohchl3-XZslWVFC87p0y0MvdyCoZW1flrRCzO05qWqmvOJSRvylGn5jyY4pZbTBV09Kzxwu6RV9dK4BGrft-YsMXcXok4EDdy3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lewiston Public Schools School Committee voted on multiple agenda items April 7. Key approvals included several student field trips, the fiscal year 2024 cost center detail and multiple policy readings; committee members also voted to waive a second reading for the public-comment preamble and then approved that preamble with one recorded dissent.

Votes at a glance:
- Geiger Elementary field trip to the Boston Museum of Science (May 16): motion to approve made by Member Pert; seconded by Craig Charpentier; committee vote recorded as unanimous.
- Senior class trip to Apex Entertainment and Solomon Pond Mall, Marlborough, Mass.: motion to approve by Member Boden; seconded by Phoenix McLaughlin; approved unanimously.
- LRTC SkillsUSA national conference, Atlanta (June 23–28): motion to approve made during SkillsUSA presentation (mover identified in the record as Member Boden); committee voted unanimous to approve.
- LRTC Food, Bridal and Tourism program overnight trip to Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), Portland: motion to approve made by Member Hurd; seconded (record shows a second); approved unanimously.
- FY24 cost center detail (closeout/audit item): motion to approve by Member Hurd; seconded; approved unanimously.
- Second read of policies a–d (as listed on the agenda): motion to approve carried unanimously.
- First read of policies a–h and associated materials: motion carried and committee advanced items for further consideration; committee also voted to waive a second reading for the public-comment preamble and then to approve the preamble. The approval of the public-comment preamble passed with one member recorded as opposed; the transcript does not identify the dissent by name.

Nut graf: Most operational and programmatic motions were approved by unanimous voice vote; where the transcript recorded only a voice consensus, no roll-call tallies were provided in the minutes. Several approvals authorize staff to complete logistics and fundraising associated with student travel and to post required documentation publicly.

The committee also voted to approve the SkillsUSA and other field trips with standard district conditions — chaperones, travel logistics and adherence to student conduct rules — and directed staff to continue fundraising and post final trip information. The FY24 cost center detail was approved as part of routine audit and close-out procedures.

Ending: Where written records or roll-call tallies were not given in the transcript, motions are recorded here with mover/second where the meeting record named them; otherwise the outcome is listed as approved by unanimous voice vote as reported during the meeting.","The committee recorded votes on multiple agenda items including field trips (Geiger, senior class, LRTC SkillsUSA, LRTC hospitality), the FY24 cost center detail and policy readings; most motions passed unanimously; one vote to approve the public comment preamble recorded one dissent.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084121,"Lewiston schools apply for roughly $502,600 in 20 First Century funds for four sites; district warns of sustainability requirements",923,3129000,4052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a&start=3129&end=4052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a/thumbnail_3129000.jpg","/articles/6084121/Maine/Lewiston-schools-apply-for-roughly-502600-in-20-First-Century-funds-for-four-sites-district-warns-of-sustainability-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084121-c7b77a60ea584b85792253dcd52a8c93/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968786&Signature=bxoKQoKgT~rrUG5kMASJl-4c4xQr~xjRWXX8hMiUdd6LNC7l7Gj83QSg2WKROy11I4wvqy~oIm03sSoBAl~eI8Zk2NeJOBe~zg2zWC6rnEwtDi~aRWfM18SEKNnIQlqS4LD8hX2WDvf7jp2lJKlrxN6w5KXGs5ByEMql8tjinZvcQzAkjmyRkvR-UJisotAczNxUfhF665JMETbIDJPJF5yJj7zN4-JbzONHeQLQ2nY0JA~xrtEuesashYxRCaKwt7zn6-pOPQtYYOXyf0DuVwe2h7uIOL4Hw5ppORRPsw21RvdillmOBL7tc89MELKCDGN4JcNgnn-xfLoR7TiaYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lewiston Public Schools on April 7 told the school committee it has submitted applications for four 20 First Century after-school and summer program sites totaling $502,600, and staff explained the grant's multi-year cycle and local sustainability requirements.

\"We are applying right now for 4 4 20 first century sites... The applications being submitted at this time total $502,600,\" District Federal Programs Coordinator Jenny Darigan said in a presentation alongside Gretchen Pleasant, the district's 20 First Century program director.

Nut graf: The 20 First Century program (a federal funding stream administered by states) is competitive; awardees enter four-year cycles with an expectation that local partners pay an increasing share of transportation and operational costs. The district said its planning assumes a required 35% local share of student transportation and a 3% decrease in annual state funding each year of the cycle.

Pleasant outlined program operations: after-school programming four days per week, two hours daily during the school year (no Wednesdays) and six-week summer programming offering four hours daily, with students receiving meals during program hours. She said Lewiston staff-run programs emphasize STEM, literacy, health and youth leadership, and that partners include Bates College volunteers, Fork Farms (hydroponic units) and 4-H.

Staff warned that the grant's sustainability model requires local contributions and that the district's ability to maintain summer programming depends on braiding multiple funding sources, including Title I reallocation funds and previous COVID-recovery funds. \"If we receive the 20 First Century funds and we don't receive the Title I funds, we won't have a summer program, which means we're not going to meet our obligation for the 20 First Century grant,\" Pleasant told the committee.

Ending: The district said award notices are expected in June; if awarded, the period would cover July-to-June programming for the 2025–26 school year, and district leaders will return with implementation details and budget implications.","District staff reported the Lewiston Public Schools submitted applications for four 20 First Century (after-school/summer) sites totaling $502,600 and explained the grant's sustainability model, including a required local contribution for transportation and a 3% year-over-year state funding reduction over a four-year cycle.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084126,"Lewiston schools report $170,000 housing navigator grant; 15 families referred, two housed so far",1160,2598000,3758000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a&start=2598&end=3758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a/thumbnail_2598000.jpg","/articles/6084126/Maine/Lewiston-schools-report-170000-housing-navigator-grant-15-families-referred-two-housed-so-far","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084126-717ded832aab3593f13081a60c5a37b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968786&Signature=gebI9-0aTV5tXmMEUlNamk5C-0zmzFF1Iv5vQz9QgZ1GFzlLXrwy5sGnYCfrB~RjhP-PHTZhIGU3mZ-dAv0JaA9lk528htRXUU3bXQ~goFaWRcLFf~Uph663fwzM4Swon0vvZssMPnAd5dsTLemYUsrpiF~7EJbIlO8a1RQhVPYHXJaxHPm-u7DpLqo8NNvWf7L0P71dMGpqHRXvd2nAXHQWmOJV9Sx3F7QYe6HOLAACnKXflN3Zj~9J3a4ib1f5v80cbjMstgfTOzX2bEddB2u5~STmGzEzv1DF75dFn0oBio2tDc9KtbokcGuPkyHAlsBdlqL0VvoEXGR3H4o8HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lewiston Public Schools officials told the school committee on April 7 they have contracted with Community Concepts to operate a school-based housing navigator funded through an award from Maine Housing, and that the district has referred 15 families (34 students) to the program; two families have already secured housing.

\"The current amount received is about a hundred and $70,000,\" District Federal Programs Coordinator Jenny Darigan said, describing the award as a competitive allocation distributed by Maine Housing to school districts. She said the funds pay the housing specialist's salary and provide discretionary dollars for application fees, security deposits and utility payments. \"Those are our 3 main ... expenses you'd see on this grant,\" Darigan said.

Nut graf: The navigator model is intended to help McKinney-Vento–identified students and families who lack a fixed, regular nighttime residence to secure stable housing; the district said the contract term runs from Feb. 10 through Feb. 9 of the following year and that the state may provide additional funding later.

Natasha Turcotte, the district's student and family engagement coordinator and McKinney-Vento liaison, said the navigator began receiving referrals and that 15 families are engaged in the process. \"We have already started getting a lot of applications already before we contracted with her so a lot of families are already ... moving forward. And so there is a lot of work that was already done and now she's just taking the lead,\" Turcotte said. She added that at the time of the presentation 11 families were \"on their way\" toward securing housing.

The presenters told committee members the grant runs for a year and that the state legislature may approve a two-year extension; if the state does not extend the funding, district staff said they could continue to refer families to Community Concepts through that organization's other programs. Darigan said the district had 440 active identified students who might be eligible for homelessness services and that the navigator's caseload target is about 20 families.

Ending: Committee members asked about sustainability and whether unaccompanied youth were eligible; staff said the navigator's work is focused on referred families identified under McKinney-Vento standards, and staff will continue to coordinate with existing community partners and other case-management services in the city.","District staff told the committee the school-based housing navigator position, funded through Maine Housing, has started work with Community Concepts and already taken referrals. The one-year award covers a navigator salary and discretionary funds for deposits and fees.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084131,"Lewiston Regional Tech students approved to compete at SkillsUSA nationals; committee OKs trip amid $30,000 fundraising plan",1101,1514000,2615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a&start=1514&end=2615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2922550-07a033640db18faeab18ca47178bc01a/thumbnail_1514000.jpg","/articles/6084131/Maine/Lewiston-Regional-Tech-students-approved-to-compete-at-SkillsUSA-nationals-committee-OKs-trip-amid-30000-fundraising-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084131-883f3d0b620addb10a59113ad92fd170/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968786&Signature=XiORiEDPhRWhTM2PJ2q4ptOADY3d6-ZFtTrYo1321uUEdpGKvYAZJLCMyi5ye3s6X6HE-k8KjmPgsUhfwtjtR~WQ9~5e1TmQDs3VOz63nDagfYr80uOA5XkuY6yHm65tjHwm48G9q3GHUuij7bMDbo62-PGTl3kiSpUPtRdSl8X~o4PBgGLrxempC97zlOKQPGTnO5DhAdpw1SjBtSVCruau8y1yic-IewKM1vd7Vv9okL87oNXzWmrc4f~xYM~L9Xx0jSA5B7Mvcj73BKtnb1JvkhOpUv~tUILtRfrDDLWhfYaxk8~2T7KMUSPToBZaljXySkyKIPO49ei69XeQTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lewiston Public Schools on April 7 approved a request for 13 Lewiston Regional Technical Center students to travel to the SkillsUSA national conference in Atlanta, with staff and advisers describing recent state-level success and a fundraising plan to cover about $30,000 in estimated costs.

Assistant Director Matt West said the delegation includes 13 students — nine of them in first-year LRTC programs and four returning competitors — who won at the state level and qualified for nationals. \"We have 5 students up here who represent SkillsUSA\" West said as the committee honored the students and their advisers. \"Our cost per student is about $2,300 per student... So our trip total is looking at about $30,000 for the 13 students.\"

The committee voted unanimously to approve the trip. Members praised the students and advisers during the presentation, which included a short video and a detailed spreadsheet of competition results shown to the committee.

Nut graf: The approved travel covers June 23–28 competition dates and is the culmination of an academic-year-long SkillsUSA program; LRTC staff urged the committee to allow the group to fundraise to cover registration, lodging and travel costs that the district cannot absorb.

In the presentation, West described the breadth of the program and the work required to advance through local and state competitions. He noted the delegation will compete against top teams nationally and emphasized the program's nontechnical benefits: \"He now can ... speak to everybody across the country,\" West said of one returning student who gained confidence after earlier national experience.

Advisers Paul Kennedy and Jess Dewan were among those recognized by the district for their work shepherding students through local, state and national competition schedules. Student competitors named in the presentation included Indica Parker (networking), Huda Aden (state officer), Heather Musau (EMT), Sadie Kelsey (cosmetology) and Jenna Karen (job skills demonstration A, cosmetology).

School staff outlined fundraising efforts already under way: concert raffle tickets, a bottle drive, a car show planned for July, and local restaurant partnerships that helped raise thousands in prior years. West said the delegation’s fundraising strategy also includes asking advisory board members, family and friends for donations. He estimated the per-student cost covers registrations, hotels and related travel expenses.

Ending: With the committee's approval, LRTC will proceed with final travel logistics while continuing fundraising. Staff said they would post trip details publicly and follow usual district procedures for student travel and chaperone assignments.","The school committee approved a trip for 13 Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC) students to attend the SkillsUSA national conference in Atlanta. LRTC staff described competition successes, a roughly $2,300 per-student cost and a $30,000 trip total, and outlined fundraising plans.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parents and community groups ask Lewiston schools to expand reentry and after-school options; committee agrees to explore partnerships

Lewiston school committee approves several field trips, budget closeout and policy changes; one policy passed with single dissent

Lewiston schools apply for roughly $502,600 in 20 First Century funds for four sites; district warns of sustainability requirements

Lewiston schools report $170,000 housing navigator grant; 15 families referred, two housed so far

Lewiston Regional Tech students approved to compete at SkillsUSA nationals; committee OKs trip amid $30,000 fundraising plan