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Residents and educators urge RSU 28 board to protect applicants and LGBTQ+ students after apparent application leak
Summary
Multiple residents told the board they were alarmed that the identity of a teaching applicant had surfaced and been used politically; the superintendent denied the district leaked the applicant's name and urged the board to assess the candidate on merit per Maine confidentiality rules.
Several members of the public used the meeting's public-comment period to press the board to defend applicant confidentiality and to treat teachers who support LGBTQ+ inclusion as district assets.
Annie Kirmire and Lucy Bower told the board the incident was part of broader targeting of marginalized groups and urged adherence to the Maine Human Rights Act and district confidentiality obligations. Lucy Bower specifically said she was "appalled that the identity of an applicant for a teaching position ... has been leaked" and urged the board to "act with integrity in accord with Maine law."
Superintendent Maria responded during agenda items: while acknowledging concern that a name had become public, she said the district did not leak the applicant's identity and explained there are many ways the public might learn an applicant's name, including the applicant telling others. Maria reiterated that personnel matters and applications are confidential under state law and asked the public to submit written comments to ensure the board had full documentation.
The exchange underscores two distinct points for the board: the need to follow confidentiality and legal obligations in personnel processes, and the community's sensitivity to perceived political targeting of personnel related to LGBTQ+ issues. The superintendent directed staff to collect written comments and ensure the board receives any submitted material.
