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RSU 26 educators propose 'Watershed Academy' pilot to reshape ninth-grade experience
Summary
District presenters outlined a draft plan to make ninth grade more place-based and project-driven, proposing alternating-day blocks with up to 25% off-site learning at the Caribou Bog Outdoor Learning Center and a summer proof-of-concept camp supported by a $53,000 grant.
District staff presented a draft proposal to redesign ninth grade around place-based, interdisciplinary learning, describing the idea as a potential pilot rather than a final plan.
"Ninth grade is a watershed moment," said the lead presenter (speaker 10), who framed the proposal as an attempt to rebuild students' connection to learning by embedding science, English and social studies into project-based work and by using local natural resources as learning sites. The presentation outlined an alternating-day block schedule that would let roughly half of ninth graders spend part of their day off-site at the Caribou Bog Outdoor Learning Center for hands-on, interdisciplinary projects.
Jeff Owen, introduced in the meeting as a science teacher and chair of the science department at OHS, said the model would emphasize skills and inquiry over discrete content. He described plans for students to spend roughly 25% of their time off-site on alternating days and said afternoons could hold mathematics, language, technology and arts courses that remain on the high‑school schedule.
Presenters said the district has a summer grant opportunity of about $53,000 to run a five‑day pilot camp to test the concept and noted that external funding would be needed to launch a full academic-year program. "We imagine this schedule taking up the first two blocks of each day plus advisory," the presenter said, describing flexibility to focus projects on science or skill development according to curricular needs.
Board members raised scheduling and access questions. One board member asked whether the model would narrow students' choices; presenters responded that the project-based approach is intended to create multiple internal pathways and said acceleration would be possible within the academy through differentiated, mentor-supported projects. Members also pressed on logistics: transportation, supports for students with disabilities and how the model would interact with existing AP options such as AP Human Geography.
The superintendent and other staff cautioned that many details remain unresolved. The presenters said planning work continues over the summer, that they expect to report back to the board in September about the summer pilot, and that a phased approach would be used to address scheduling, staffing and community partnership needs.
The board did not take a vote on the proposal; the presentation was framed as an informational preview to gather feedback and guide next steps.
