Odyssey of the Mind coordinator: Biddeford to host state tournament April 27; program has doubled in two years

Vicky Salo, a Biddeford High School teacher and the district’s Odyssey of the Mind coordinator, told the school committee March 27 that the program has more than doubled in two years and that the district will host the state tournament April 27 at BIS and BMS.

"Over the past 2 years, the number of teams in Biddeford more than doubled from 4 teams just 2 years ago to 9 this year," Salo said. She said Biddeford is bringing 87 teams to the community and estimated about 1,200 people will attend across the two buildings during the event.

Salo described the program’s benefits—teamwork, public speaking and budgeting for student‑led projects—and thanked the superintendent and board for financial support for registration, some supplies and housing for teams that advance to world finals. She noted the expense of attending world finals ("it costs about 1,800 a person"), and said the district has helped cover some costs so teams can participate.

Committee members congratulated Salo on program growth and encouraged board attendance at the April event. No formal action was required; the presentation was informational.

Next steps: Committee members and staff encouraged public notice and board attendance at the tournament on April 27.