Current Status
The board has unanimously approved a district-wide expansion of the community school model, beginning with the high school. This decision follows a successful implementation at South Portland Middle School that showed improved student outcomes.
Overview
- On February 9, 2026, the board unanimously voted to expand the community school model district-wide, starting with the high school, to better integrate academic, health, and social services for students.
- On October 15, 2024, the leadership of the South Portland Middle School Community School presented their successful model and proposed its expansion across the district with a sustainable funding plan.
Perspectives
Board
- Voted unanimously to expand the community school model district-wide after seeing positive results at the middle school.
Administration
- Presented on the success of the SPMS model, highlighting improved attendance, engagement, and academic outcomes.
- Proposed a district-wide expansion to integrate academics, health services, and family engagement for all students.
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| February 9, 2026 | for South Portland Schools to become a Community School district | Passed |
Meeting History
February 9, 2026
February 9, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Community School Model Expansion
Following a presentation on the success of the community school model at SPMS, which demonstrated improved attendance, engagement, and academic outcomes, the board unanimously voted to expand the strategy district-wide. The expansion will begin with the high school and is intended to better integrate academic, health, and social services for students.
October 15, 2024
October 15, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Community School Presentation
The principal and director of the South Portland Middle School Community School presented on their successful model, which is one of only four in Maine. They detailed how the model integrates academics, health services, and family engagement to improve student outcomes like attendance, and proposed expanding the model district-wide with a sustainable funding structure.