RSU 23 board endorses proficiency-based diploma extension, selects Option 5

The RSU 23 School Board on Oct. 14 endorsed an application to extend implementation of a Proficiency-Based Diploma, voting unanimously to select Option 5, the district’s chosen path for a school administrative unit transitioning to proficiency-based diplomas.

Superintendent Lloyd Crocker reported the extension application is in progress and said the district is pursuing Option 5. Crocker noted that John Ingram has been coaching the effort and Meghan Ward has been assisting with implementation planning. Chair Gary Curtis urged that charter and “60/40” schools be held to the same standards as other public schools and said the board should inform legislators of that expectation.

Peter Flaherty moved to endorse the extension application with Option 5; Carol Marcotte seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve it. The motion formalizes the district’s plan to pursue the transition pathway designated for SAUs moving to proficiency-based diplomas.

At the same meeting the board also addressed state-mandated Teacher Educator Effectiveness requirements by approving a stakeholder group of teachers selected via association vote. Jerome Plante moved and Carol Marcotte seconded approval of the following teacher nominees: Old Orchard Beach High School — Melisa Mowery and Mark Knowles; LMS — William Corcoran and Barbara Roberg; Jameson — Sue Falvey and Sue Gallant. The motion passed unanimously.

The board did not set additional implementation dates in the meeting minutes; staff were recorded as continuing the application and stakeholder work. The board’s actions instruct staff to proceed with the extension application and to engage the approved teacher representatives in the educator-effectiveness stakeholder process.