Mountain Valley Community School reallocates funding to improve instructional support and Title 1 services

RSU 10 in Maine has announced significant changes to its educational support structure during a recent meeting held on June 16, 2025. The district will allocate $900,000 to the Mountain Valley Community School, which will see a shift in staffing aimed at enhancing student support. This includes a reduction in instructional coaches but an increase in Title 1 teachers, focusing on direct support for students in mathematics and literacy.

The Mountain Valley Community School will now have three coaches—two for literacy and one for math—along with five teachers and six educational technicians. This restructuring aims to provide more targeted assistance to students, particularly those in grades K-5. The district's professional development budget has been set at $150,000, which will support training for teachers and initiatives to engage families.

Title 1 funding, which is allocated based on economic and academic needs, will see Mountain Valley Community School receiving $965 per pupil, reflecting its higher poverty and academic challenges. In contrast, Hartford Sumner Elementary School will receive $862 per pupil, ensuring equitable support across the district.

The meeting also addressed concerns about academic performance, particularly at Buckfield Junior Senior High School, where there have been declines in math growth targets. While this school will not receive Title 1 funds due to its lower poverty rate, it will benefit from professional development initiatives aimed at improving teaching practices.

Additionally, the district is preparing for an increase in student enrollment at Mountain Valley Community School, with an estimated 829 students expected, not including pre-kindergarten. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of staff resignations and retirements, including a notable 38-year tenure from a nutrition services employee.

These changes reflect RSU 10's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and addressing the diverse needs of its student population. The district will continue to monitor progress and adjust strategies as necessary, with updates expected before the end of summer.