Superintendent outlines internships, ESSA allocation shifts, state cell‑phone ban and building updates

Superintendent Ray used his report to highlight student opportunities, funding signals and preparatory work ahead of new building openings.

Ray recounted attending an internship signing for a Thornton Academy student placed with Pratt & Whitney through the center of technology machining program and praised hands‑on career pathways. He urged the community to save the date for the district's main fundraiser, Aid for Saco Kids, on June 18 at Schooner Mini Golf.

On federal funding, Ray reviewed FY27 preliminary ESSA allocations and said the district is seeing small shifts overall, with Title I supporting interventionists at Fairfield and CK Burns, Title II used for professional development and classroom reduction, Title III for multilingual learner services, and Title IV for innovative programming. He cautioned that preliminary allocations have in the past been delayed or changed and recommended planning services conservatively because final figures remain uncertain.

Ray also told trustees the state passed a supplemental budget provision that imposes a bell‑to‑bell cell‑phone ban; the administration will present a policy for board consideration before Aug. 1 to assure compliance. He noted the operational and communication adjustments that will be required for families and staff.

On facilities, the superintendent reported visible site progress — a newly built stairwell and forthcoming steel walls — and said sample furniture at CK Burns is being evaluated by teachers so the district can refine choices before vendor commitments. He said principals Leblanc and Noble are leading hiring for building leadership, with building assignments to be shared with staff by the close of the school year, and that a drone video of site progress is posted to the district’s YouTube page.

Why it matters: ESSA allocations drive district programs for students in need and professional development; the state cell‑phone provision requires policy changes that affect classroom procedures; building readiness and staffing decisions shape program continuity when new facilities open.

Next steps: Administration will bring a cell‑phone policy to the board before Aug. 1; final ESSA allocations will be monitored and applications developed in coordination with schools.