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Board approves new elementary STEM special to add weekly science/engineering instruction if enrollment allows
Summary
The RSU 06/MSAD 06 board voted unanimously to add an Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math special, funded through staff attrition if kindergarten enrollment does not increase; three positions were identified from attrition and the program carries no new net cost to the budget if enrollments remain stable.
The RSU 06/MSAD 06 Board of Directors approved a new elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) special to provide a dedicated weekly period for science and engineering instruction at the elementary level.
The motion to adopt the program was made by Director Kreutz and seconded on the floor; the board voted 10‑0 to approve the plan. The curriculum committee had unanimously recommended the change after reviewing district science assessment results and the difficulty elementary classroom teachers face finding dedicated instructional time for science concepts.
Nut graf: The program will add a fifth “special” to the elementary rotation (in addition to library, art, music and physical education) to create more focused science and engineering learning time. District leaders said the program will be staffed with three positions identified through attrition so there is no new net cost to the FY‑26 budget if kindergarten enrollment does not rise enough to require those positions for classrooms.
Superintendent Clay Gleason told the board the proposal is a “0 cost” plan provided current enrollment projections hold. Board members were told the staffing plan depends on kindergarten numbers; if kindergarten enrollment increases significantly the district may not be able to reassign positions from attrition and implementation could be delayed.
The curriculum committee packet included program design details and sample content across grades; proponents said the special focuses on building foundational scientific thinking — measuring, observing, designing and explaining — skills middle and high school teachers say many incoming students lack. Ms. Casey, a principal who helped design the proposal, attended the meeting to answer technical questions.
Ending: With the board’s approval, administrators said they will post and fill the positions as attrition is confirmed and will notify the board if enrollment changes affect the staffing plan.
