Committee approves new SRTC diversified-occupations program and amends FY2027 budget with $230,490 from city council

The Sanford School Committee voted Monday to approve the Sanford Regional Technical Center's proposal to add a Diversified Occupations program designed for students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans, along with two satellite career-exploratory sites at Marshwood High School and Trade Academy, pending final approval from the Maine Department of Education for the 2027–28 school year.

SRTC Director Matt Peterman described a model that includes a pre-vocational year to prepare identified students for hands-on CTE programs and cooperative work placements, and explained that funding and ed‑tech staffing levels follow the state's established codes tied to enrollment. "We're looking to increase access," Peterman said, explaining the program seeks to provide transition planning and work-based learning options for students who historically lacked access to these pathways.

Separately, the committee amended the FY2027 school budget after the city council approved one-time funding targeted at SAUs with high percentages of economically disadvantaged students. Superintendent explained Sanford is set to receive $230,490; the committee moved that the full amount be directed toward high-school capital expense, restoring the line to $345,490 and approving a school department budget of $74,060,772 for presentation to city council. The motion passed by voice vote; one committee member expressed disappointment the one-time funds were not used for tax relief.

Both the SRTC program additions and the budget amendment were recorded as committee approvals in the meeting minutes; the SRTC program remains subject to Maine DOE code approval before implementation.