RSU 10 details Mountain Valley Community School progress and federal Title allocations

District administrators told the RSU 10 School Board on June 16 that construction at the new Mountain Valley Community School is progressing and that federal Title funds will support literacy, math interventions and family engagement at two schoolwide Title I schools.

Matt Gilbert presented the district’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) plan and spring NWEA results, telling the board that the district expects roughly $1.7 million in combined Title funding for 2025–26, subject to final Title II allocations. Gilbert said the district already has notification of Title V ($23,000), Title IV (about $138,000) and Title I (about $1,387,000). He said Title II — the staff support line — had not been finalized when he prepared the packet and that the budget plan assumes an amount similar to last year.

The ESEA plan, Gilbert said, links funding to district goals set after the comprehensive needs assessments: a districtwide 5% improvement in math, a 5% improvement in reading and a reduction in chronic absenteeism (the district set a 7% target for the coming year). Gilbert told the board districtwide math and reading gains from spring assessments exceeded targets this year, while chronic absenteeism will likely fall short because of a spike in illnesses at some schools in March.

Gilbert described allocations under the draft plan: an estimated $450,000 for Hartford Sumner Elementary School to fund two coaches (literacy and math), two educational technicians, a half-time math interventionist, homeless supports, family engagement and professional development; and roughly $900,000 for Mountain Valley Community School to support three coaches (two literacy, one math), five Title I teachers focused on direct intervention, six ed techs, homeless supports, family engagement and professional development. Gilbert said those schoolwide Title I allocations convert to about $1,500 per pupil at Hartford Sumner and about $1,085 per pupil at Mountain Valley Community School for total Title funds; the Title I-specific per-pupil amounts would be approximately $862 (Hartford Sumner) and $965 (Mountain Valley Community School), reflecting relative economic and academic need.

Separately, the board heard a construction update for the Mountain Valley Community School. Gilbert and other staff described ongoing work on flooring, millwork, electrical and HVAC in multiple sections of the new building and said administrators and custodial staff will receive training on the building’s systems. The district expects school tours in late August when more of the site is finished. Gilbert said crews and subcontractors are coordinating to minimize in‑building hazards and allow broad tour access when ready.

Administrators also told the board the district received a $5,000 donation from Oxford County Federal Credit Union toward playground equipment and that staff are consulting a playground specialist to determine what existing equipment can be reused, what must be replaced, and the likely costs. The district also reported outreach to two private special‑purpose schools that have expressed interest in providing services locally — an initiative administrators said could reduce special‑education transportation costs and expand program options.

Gilbert said projected enrollment at Mountain Valley Community School for initial planning is about 829 students, not including pre-K, and that number is expected to grow as late registrations are processed. He also said Mountain Valley Community School and Hartford Sumner are designated schoolwide Title I schools, so any student can receive Title I services.

Board members asked for follow-up figures: final Title II numbers when available, updated chronic absenteeism and disciplinary referral counts once year-end reports are final, and a more specific timeline and cost estimate for playground work. Gilbert said the district will publish updated data when state reports are complete and will circulate detailed budget figures once Title II and final federal allocations are confirmed.

The discussion and the ESEA presentation were part of the board’s administrative reports and will inform budget and staffing decisions for 2025–26.