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District highlights volunteers, career programs and 60 student extended learning opportunities
Summary
Co-director of community partnerships reported 271 new volunteer trainees, 481 background renewals, group ELOs that sent 60 students to employers, and partnerships ranging from the Locker Project to SMCC.
Gretchen McCloy, co-director of community partnerships for South Portland Public Schools, told the School Board on June 9 that the district expanded volunteer and career-connected programming this year and deepened partner relationships that support student enrichment and food security.
McCloy said 271 new volunteers completed the district’s one-time training this year and 481 volunteers completed annual background-check renewals. She described the Locker Project’s contribution of 55,000 pounds of food distributed to students and families through take-home bags, fresh produce events and emergency food boxes for families referred by counselors and social workers.
The district reported 60 students participated in extended learning opportunities (ELOs) — internships and career experiences that yield academic credit — and described a regional model in which students from South Portland and neighboring districts travel to local law firms, healthcare providers, trades programs and small businesses for cohort-based experiences. McCloy said the district piloted group ELO cohorts that reduce burden on host sites while increasing student access.
Partnership highlights McCloy cited included: the ACE (architecture, construction and engineering) program and Maine Construction Academy summer training; collaborations with SMCC for health sciences and hospitality pathways; 118 students taught to be water-safe since 2021 through a swim instruction initiative; and a JMG stipend program that provided $500 each to 50 students ($25,000 total) for career exploration this year.
McCloy also noted other community supports: Inn by the Sea hosting field trips, Portland Water District donating water bottles, the South Portland Police Department delivering Thanksgiving baskets, and long-standing local drives for winter coats and toys. She said some partnership roles will change next year after a co-director position is not being renewed as part of the FY26 budget, and the district will adapt by standing up an Education Foundation and seeking new structures for continuing the work.
Board members and student representatives praised ELOs as meaningful experiences. Student representative Alex Davison said ELOs had been transformative for some students, and other board members asked staff to continue growing cohort-style ELO programming.
