RSU 25 unveils proposed FY27 ESA allocations; public comment period opens

District staff presented the proposed FY27 Elementary and Secondary Act (ESA) grant allocations to the RSU 25 school board on June 16 and opened the required public comment period.

A presenter (identified in the meeting as Christina) said the district's preliminary allocations were posted and that the required public comment period begins June 16 and closes July 2. "This will be posted on our district website," the presenter said, and invited members of the public to email or call the central office for more information.

The presenter told the board that preliminary FY27 allocations were up by $12,494.96 across the four federal titles compared with FY26. Administration proposed two allowable transfers into Title I to increase services directly serving students: a proposed transfer of $28,000 from Title IV into Title I, and a proposed transfer of $15,000 from Title II into Title I. The proposal noted Title I funds may be used only at K–8 schools designated as Title I (JW Miles Lane and Bucksport Middle School in the district) and described planned uses including math and ELA interventionists, behavioral interventions, staff training and materials.

The presenter explained that because transferring funds would raise Title I above $500,000, the district must set aside 1% of the Title I allocation for family engagement work, and that Title II (professional development) would still retain sufficient funds for planned PD after the proposed transfers. Specific project allocations listed included district Title I allocation dollars for JW Miles Lane, Miles Lane, and Bucksport Middle School for interventions and staffing.

The board did not take a final vote on allocations at the meeting; the public comment window will close July 2 and staff will begin application development after that date.