Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves 'Mattering Cabins' project to place small community cabins at schools
Summary
Gardner Area Thrives presented 'Mattering Cabins' to boost youth belonging; the school board approved placing cabins at the high school and middle school, citing federal funding and community partnerships to support installation and upkeep.
The RSU 11/MSAD 11 school board unanimously approved a request from Gardner Area Thrives to place "Mattering Cabins" at district schools after a presentation on April 2.
Patricia Buckwelter, who said Gardner Area Thrives is housed under the public health district Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, asked the board to approve two small cabin structures to host positive messages and free resources for students. Buckwelter cited district MYAS data, noting that middle-school students reported a sense of 'mattering' at about 50% in 2025 and the high school reported about 46% in 2023.
"These small but powerful structures are designed to spark kindness, affirm worth, and strengthen the relationships that help young people thrive," Buckwelter said, describing stickers, painted rocks and resource materials that will be placed inside the cabins and noting that the coalition purchased at least two cabins already.
Board member Janelle McKennon seconded the motion to approve placement at the middle and high school sites. The presenter said the Kennebec Cabin Company will build the first cabin and the coalition will work with the library, Rotary, the Elks and other community organizations to stock and maintain them.
The presenter told the board the project is federally funded and that additional cabins may be placed at the downtown library and the American Legion building. Facilities Director Gabe Dawson will coordinate siting if the board's approval proceeds.
Next steps: The board's approval gives the coalition permission to proceed with placement and coordination with district facilities staff; the presenter said coalition members will work out specific locations and logistics with Gabe Dawson and community partners.
