Nonprofit asks Auburn schools to host in-district resource center; superintendent outlines budget, bond and graduation dates

At the May 6 Auburn School Committee meeting, Ron Potvin of the nonprofit Store Next Door urged the committee to consider housing a resource center inside Auburn schools so donated clothing, food and school supplies could be distributed directly to students.

Potvin, who identified himself as a former committee member and the nonprofit's chief operating officer, said the organization will close its Blake Street facility at the end of the summer and asked the district to discuss logistics for receiving and distributing existing inventory. "We're talking shoes. We're talking jackets, backpacks, etcetera... It's all free of charge," Potvin said, asking the committee and superintendent to explore options for colocating the service inside district buildings.

Superintendent Sue Doris provided three updates during her report: she said the city council approved the school budget by a 6–1 vote and approved the first reading of the Auburn Middle School bond, with a second council reading scheduled for May 18; she said the budget validation referendum will be held June 9. Doris also announced high school graduation will be Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. at EL Stadium, with Norway Savings Bank Arena as the rain location, and she recognized staff for Staff Appreciation Week.

The chair said Doris would follow up with Potvin after the meeting.

Why it matters: Potvin's proposal would move a stocked nonprofit resource center into district space, changing distribution logistics and involving district staff; the superintendent's budget and bond timeline sets immediate deadlines for district planning and public outreach ahead of the June referendum.