Schools and Education - Centralmaine.com

Farmington-area school phone policy seeks bell-to-bell ban

by Rebecca Richard May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

RSU 9 directors reviewed a proposed districtwide ‘no phones in schools’ policy that aligns with new state law requirements.

Business, Maine, News, Schools and Education

Maine’s public universities on verge of closing $1.39M deal for first systemwide AI tool

by Kristian Moravec The Maine Monitor May 19, 2026May 19, 2026

A 2-year contract to use the OpenAI artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT Edu is likely to start July 1.

Maine, Maine Crime, News, Schools and Education

8 former Long Creek detainees allege ‘unimaginable abuse’

by Riley Board May 18, 2026May 18, 2026

A 234-page lawsuit, filed Friday, recounts the experiences of former residents who were held at the youth detention center in the 1990s and allege they were physically and sexually abused by staff.

Community, News, Schools and Education

Skowhegan-area school cost-sharing change would shift taxes among towns

by Jake Freudberg May 18, 2026May 24, 2026

The cost-sharing formula change would factor in each town’s pupil count when determining how some local education costs are split among the towns.

Community, News, Schools and Education

Gardiner-area school district considering moving elementary students to balance class sizes

by Keith Edwards May 15, 2026May 14, 2026

A proposed policy change would allow the superintendent to transfer students, even against their parents’ wishes, among elementary schools in Gardiner, West Gardiner and Pittston.

Maine, News, Politics, Schools and Education

Maine will hold its first-ever citizens’ assembly on education next month. What is it?

by Riley Board May 15, 2026May 17, 2026

University of Southern Maine researcher Jennifer Chace says the initiative will bring together delegates from across the state to define forward-looking priorities for pre K-12 education in Maine.

Community, News, Schools and Education

Farmington middle school sees jump in sports participation

by Rebecca Richard May 14, 2026May 15, 2026

More than 30% of Mt. Blue Middle School students are participating in spring sports this year as the school expands athletic and student engagement opportunities.

Community, Schools and Education

Augusta school board changes public comment policy after free speech ruling

by Ethan Horton May 14, 2026May 14, 2026

Nicholas Blanchard, the conservative activist who sued over the policy, attended Wednesday’s meeting to protest the board’s new version, saying it was ‘still unconstitutional.’