Municipalities and school districts are quickly adjusting to a novel way of holding and conducting meetings, while COVID-19 shutters town offices, schools and offices. With meetings now restricted to 10 or fewer attendees, the need to use the internet is mandatory.

In doing so, they are adhering to Maine’s Freedom of Access law, which require notice of meetings, and the opportunity for the public to attend and participate. Facebook, Zoom, and LiveStream have become household fixtures and schools are using Zoom to reach their students for remote classes.

Some municipalities and districts are still televising on the local cable access television station. With those meetings, someone at the meeting must be have a phone available to take calls from the public.

This evening, the Region 8 School Board, which governs Midcoast School of Technology, will convene using Zoom.

This is how to watch and participate with the meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.:

You do not need a Zoom account to join. Most laptops, tablets and home computers will have no problem accessing the meeting through the link. The Zoom link might ask to install the Zoom App on your device and that's OK. A webcam is not required but you will need the sound up on you device to hear the meeting and a mic if you want to interact.  

You can also join with a smart phone by downloading and installing the Zoom App on your phone. You will need to the Meeting ID "998 704 139" to join.

***NOTE*** Committee Meeting participants can join and their scheduled meeting times.

Remember that if you are using video to join that it will be visible to everyone in the meeting, also if your mic is active your audio will also be heard by everyone.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/998704139

Meeting ID: 998 704 139

Join by Skype for Business
https://networkmaine.zoom.us/skype/998704139

If you need help with Zoom:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-    

RSU 13 (the district that governs Cushing, Owls Head, South Thomaston, Thomaston and Rockland schools) will hold a board workshop March 26, at 6:30 p.m., to discuss the school closure and meal program.  Board members will engage with each other, and the public via LiveStream, here: https://vimeo.com/400456496

Board members will also hear an update on the proposed 2020-2021 budget.

No action will be taken.