RSU 18 board adopts FY27 calendar, directs RFQ for performance contracting and approves policy package with one item pulled

At a regularly scheduled meeting, the RSU 18 School Board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed FY27 calendar and to direct administration to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for performance contracting services. The board also approved a set of second‑reading policy changes required by state law while agreeing to pull one policy for a legal‑reference correction.

Chair (speaker 9) called the favor vote on the calendar after discussion about calendar alignment with the Mid Maine Technical Center and staffing needs. The director (speaker 3) explained the calendar was drafted to remain within the five‑dissimilar‑day statutory limit between the tech-center calendar and district calendars, to mirror the tech-center where possible, and to include a full week off at Thanksgiving. The board discussed teacher workshop timing, reducing one‑ and two‑day weeks to avoid absenteeism, and the district’s approach to snow days (the draft does not pre‑allocate snow days; they would be tacked on at the end of the year or handled via a virtual‑learning option). Chris moved to approve the calendar; Matt seconded. The vote was unanimous.

On facilities, the board directed staff to issue an RFQ to hire a firm to evaluate and design energy and facility improvement projects (indoor air quality, heating, air conditioning, HVAC upgrades and similar work). The director noted the RFQ process creates a five‑year pool of qualified firms to design and scope projects without committing the district to construction; firms can also help secure grants and work with Efficiency Maine. Mike moved to issue the RFQ and establish an interview committee; Sarah seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

During the policy second readings, board members reviewed a group of mandated updates. One policy relating to executive sessions contained an incorrect statutory citation; the board agreed to pull that policy and bring it back with corrected legal references. Chris moved to accept the remaining policies as presented; Mike Mack seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board also heard a brief personnel announcement: the director introduced Sean Forkey, the district’s new director of nutrition, who will start at the end of the month and work with existing staff. Forkey comes from Spectrum Generations and was the committee’s unanimous choice to fill the role.

What happens next: administration will publish the adopted calendar, issue the RFQ and report back with candidates and a proposed interview committee membership, and return the pulled policy with the corrected legal citation for a future vote.