Resolve, To Ensure Support for a Model of Consolidated and Integrated Secondary and Postsecondary Education

Sec. 1. Model of consolidated and integrated secondary and postsecondary education. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall recommend to the State Board of Education an innovative model of consolidated and integrated secondary and postsecondary education that includes facilities for:

1. A regional high school;

2. A fully integrated career and technical high school;

3. A higher education center that will provide courses and degrees from both the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System; and

4. Centers of excellence that will provide industry-specific training; and be it further

Sec. 2. Criteria. Resolved: That the model selected pursuant to section 1 must:

1. Promote the development of a "one campus" design, where all facilities are located on one site, providing a streamlined and integrated learning experience for students of all ages;

2. Integrate and consolidate administrative responsibilities on the campus wherever possible, thereby reducing costs for overhead and shared functions;

3. Be located in a region with high schools experiencing declining enrollment whose consolidation would benefit future generations of students and provide reduced costs to the communities involved;

4. Have an advisory body that is integrated with the local economy, including the community involvement of students, citizens, business leaders, teachers, parents and organizations to promote both employment opportunities for students and citizens and a skilled workforce optimal for economic development; and

5. Serve as an example for other school districts and areas of the State; and be it further

Sec. 3. Deadline for selection of model. Resolved: That the State Board of Education shall select a model by October 1, 2008; and be it further

Sec. 4. Funding for construction. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall ensure that future construction funding for the comprehensive high school and career and technical high school portions of the model is included in the next full round of new school construction funding in this State.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Education to recommend to the State Board of Education an innovative model of consolidated and integrated secondary and postsecondary education that includes facilities for:

1. A regional high school;

2. A fully integrated career and technical high school;

3. A higher education center that will provide courses and degrees from both the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System; and

4. Centers of excellence that will provide industry-specific training.

It directs the State Board of Education to select a model by October 1, 2008 and directs the Department of Education to ensure that construction funding for the comprehensive high school and career and technical high school portions of the model is included in the next full round of new school construction funding.