Boothbay region "Future of our schools committee" members Ken Rayle, Rob Cronk, Dan Bryer, Robert Kahler and Russell Pinkham met Friday, June 13 to share updates on the work of subcommittees, according to phone interviews with Rayle, Pinkham and Bryer. The committee also agreed to bring the possibility of submitting an initial application to Maine Department of Education for a 9-16 school, "before each of the respective boards," Bryer said, which would include Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor selectboards, Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District (CSD) school board, Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD board of trustees and Wiscasset officials.   

The state's Integrated, Consolidated 9-16 Educational Facilities Program is described on the DoE website. It would allow SAUs (school administrative units) to apply for the "Regionalization of two or more high schools in combination with a Career and Technical Education school, the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System, and industry partnerships." If approved by DoE, the model project would receive state funding. The initial application can be seen on DoE's website which gives the deadline for submission as Oct. 31.

Pinkham said Town Manager Dan Bryer brought the possibility of a 9-16 school to the Boothbay selectboard last week and the committee received support to continue looking into it. "We agreed to go ahead with the initial application," Pinkham said. "It doesn't cost anything (to submit an application) and it doesn't hurt to at least apply."

Rayle, vice-chair of Boothbay Harbor's selectboard. told the Register the committee would also be seeking Boothbay Harbor selectboard approval June 23 to explore the 9-16 option. "When we submit the initial application, DoE will say if they support this. There is the possibility that this could be attractive because the facility could have vocational areas," he explained.

DoE's website further explains that under provisions of 20-A MRS §15905, an application process to "...identify an Integrated, Consolidated 9-16 Facility pilot project" was initiated. "The intent... is to create a new regional high school integrated with a career and technical school, the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and that supports industry training programs."

Although vocational training is now offered at Morse High School in Bath, Rayle said a 9-16 school in the Boothbay area could offer other subjects important to Maine and the area such as aquaculture, marine trades, boat building, and courses in hospitality and lodging. 'We have boat builders here and we don't need to duplicate what's offered in Bath," he said. 

In addition to area boat builders, the Boothbay peninsula is also home to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Bigelow Laboratories and within 20 minutes of Bath Iron Works as well as within the state's oyster aquaculture region, with 80% of all Maine oysters harvested from the Damariscotta River, according to the Maine Oyster Trail's website. The state's 9-16 program encourages partnerships with local industries.

"This could be enormous for the region," Rayle said.

Pinkham agreed. "I think it would be awesome if it happens."

Boothbay resident Desiree Scorcia has also been interested in the prospect of a 9-16 school, and attended a June 2 DoE zoom meeting June 2 to learn more about the program. Scorcia has been working with committee member Cronk, according to Bryer. "Everyone I've talked to feels like 'Why not try?'" Scorcia told the Register.

Overall, Pinkham felt the June 13 meeting went well and said all subcommittees reported out. He said the tuition option group will still do the legwork and look at transportation and other costs but the option wasn't likely because, "There is no place to go." He also reported that the consolidation subcommittee had meetings with Wiscasset and Dresden twice.

Rayle, a member of the status quo subcommittee, agreed the meeting went well, and Kahler provided estimated numbers for the amount that would be needed to keep up with repairs for existing facilities.

Overall, Rayle summarized by saying "There's no easy answer and no answer that's free. We are still going forward and we encourage everyone to come to the next meeting and get involved." That meeting is Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. at the Boothbay Town Office.