MSAD #51 District Newsletter - March 31, 2025

From the Superintendent

Headshot of a middle-aged man with a beard, wearing a suit.

Since this statement from the Board was sent out last week regarding a Title IX investigation(s) of MSAD #51, some questions have been raised that you may also be wondering about. Hopefully my responses below will provide more information and context as to the current status of the investigation(s) and potential next steps.

1. What is happening next with the Title IX investigations launched by the federal government?
There are two simultaneous investigations being conducted by the US Department of Education (USDOE) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) that name the Maine Department of Education (MDOE), Maine Principals' Association (MPA), and MSAD #51 as being in violation of current federal Title IX policies. The USDHHS set a 10-day deadline for compliance with the new Title IX regulations, which does not recognize gender identity, to which no resolution was reached by the deadline. The case has now been referred to the US Attorney General's Office for review. The USDOE is continuing their own investigation and has sent MSAD #51 a list of questions requiring a response within two weeks. Additionally, USDOE announced last week that it is investigating 57 Maine school districts for policies that allegedly fail to notify parents when their children are expressing a different gender identity at school. MSAD #51 has not been named in this investigation, as district policy and administrative guidelines require notification and involvement of parents in this process.

2. Why isn't the district following federal law? Doesn't federal law supersede state law?
As stated in my message to the school community on February 21, the MDOE continues to maintain that the Maine Human Rights Act must be followed by all Maine school districts, and the MPA has likewise continued applying this law to student athletics. Our district's legal counsel agrees with this conclusion, citing a lack of clarity around whether "gender identity" is included in the definition of "sex" as a protection at the federal level, despite the Trump Administration's executive order stating otherwise. The US Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) recognized gender identity as a protected right, further complicating the legal argument that is in play between the state and federal governments. As I wrote previously, this is well outside of the district's sphere of control and will need to be resolved by the courts. Our obligation is to follow Maine law at this time.

3. How much money does MSAD 51 receive in federal funds and what would happen if we lost these funds?
MSAD #51 currently receives just over $900,000 annually in federal assistance for Title IA (reading/math), Local Entitlement (special education), and food subsidy for student meals. The impact of all this is unknown and is dependent upon the outcome of the legal process. It is likely that if federal funding was eliminated, it would occur for all school districts in Maine, not just ours. The federal government is more interested in Maine as a whole than they are with our district alone, given that we have been instructed to follow Maine law like all other districts. If federal funds were withheld down the road, the Board would have to decide whether to use emergency funds, eliminate some or all staff positions, or a combination of these options. 


Regards,
Jeff Porter

Three people pose for a photo indoors, with the middle person holding a certificate.
Congratulations to Christopher Gilbert on being the National Merit Scholarship Finalist!

A fenced-off construction site with a parking lot and trees in the background.
The maintenance building project is underway!

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MSAD #51 Board of Directors Information

All meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School.  For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign).

April 3 - Regular Meeting

Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo)

Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos

One Campus Project Information

For comprehensive information regarding the School Building Project, please visit the project page at: https://www.msad51.org/ apps/pages/building_project

A red, hanging sign with an exclamation point and text about a Mechanical Sub-Committee Update.

The new school building will be utilizing VRF Air-Air Heat Pumps as the primary heating source, with natural gas serving as supplementary heat and hot water. This cutting-edge system integrates multi-zone Variable Air Volume (VAV) controls, ensuring precise temperature management in each classroom. Additionally, advanced energy recovery wheels reclaim over 70% of heat and moisture, enhancing efficiency beyond standard energy code requirements. 

The success of this system is made possible by a well designed building envelope, which exceeds minimum insulation requirements by over 50%, ensuring optimal energy efficiency. The Cumberland Sustainability Committee has thoroughly reviewed the project and commended it for aligning with goals for our communities.

While prioritizing sustainability, the district remains committed to using reliable, proven technology to push towards a fossil fuel-free school while maintaining year-round comfort and efficiency for students and staff.

Don't Forget to Save the Date!

Flyer announcing a June 12th groundbreaking ceremony for MSAD #51.

Community Notices

Community Notices are not affiliated with MSAD #51.  Please contact the organization directly with any questions.  Here is a full listing of Community Notices.

Greely's Got Talent 2025

Parents Night Out! Slime Party
 

Useful Links

Employment Opportunities

MSAD #51 Website

Strategic Plan

District Calendar

GHS Athletics Schedule

Greely Center for the Arts Events

 

If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Melissa Porter for approval. The deadline each week is Wednesday. Any requests received after Wednesday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website.

Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event.

Maine School Administrative District #51
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
Contact Us   |   207.829.4800