ROCKLAND — Over the past year, John C. McDonald, superintendent of RSU 13, reviewed the structure and function of the school system that comprises Cushing, Rockland, Owls Head, South Thomaston and Thomaston.  In recent years, enrollment has declined, St. George withdrew from the district, and state funding decreased. With that in mind, the challenge set upon McDonald by the school board was to find ways to maximize efficient use of resources through reorganization of existing facilities and possible building closures. The result is McDonald’s proposal, “The Schools of Our Future,” which he presented to the public during a school board meeting Thursday, Oct. 1.

The main points are as follows:

Oceanside High School

At the top of the list is a high school located in Rockland at the Oceanside East building, which would be renovated and where a projected 510 students in grades nine through 12 would be educated.

To better prepare students for school and beyond, the proposal calls for a Freshman Academy to ease the transition from middle school to high school and provide increased academic success throughout school in a team-oriented fashion.

The proposal calls for such programs as low-cost and no-cost college credits while still in high school; a Fishermen’s Academy for students interested in marine-related careers; a STEM Academy (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics): a Liberal Arts Academy; a Restorative Justice program to develop a culture of community, responsibility, and accountability for students and staff; and internships and mentorships with local businesses and organizations.

Middle School

The proposal suggests incorporating one middle school for grades six through eight. The Oceanside West facility would be renovated for this school.

Curriculum will be more in line with Maine and RSU 13 standards, which group students by K-5, 6-8, and 9 -12. McDonald said that a regional middle school would provide consistency of instruction, allow for collaboration amongst teaching staff, and promote a sense of community.

The Restorative Justice approach is recommended here as well.

Elementary schools

The proposal includes returning grade five to the elementary schools. Teachers have voiced the opinion that fifth graders are academically, socially, and emotionally still at the elementary level as opposed to the middle school level.

World language instruction will return to the elementary schools.

Responsive Classroom, a research-based approach to education, would be adopted by all pre-K to grade five schools.

Three more pre-K classrooms would be added over the next three years to the three already in existence.

Owls Head Central School would be remodeled and expanded to receive a projected 206 elementary students.

South Elementary Central School would be renovated to receive a projected 363 student body, along with office space for the superintendent, business office, special education and adult education.

Cushing Community School would be renovated to receive a census of about 87. There is not enough classroom space to conduct pre-K there.

Thomaston Grammar School would be renovated to receive an estimated 210 census.

Closures

Under this proposal, Gilford Butler School, Lura Libby School, and McLain Office Building would close.

Energy saving project

The district has brought in Siemens Energy to conduct an analysis of the district facilities, and identify cost-saving and learning-conducive measures. They looked at lighting, heating, ventilation, and the buildings themselves.

Finances and efficiencies

Peter Orne, business manager for RSU 13, said the proposed consolidation would create savings from minimizing lost heat, water, and electricity due to poor window structure, etc.

Time and gas mileage accumulated by teachers traveling between schools will be eliminated by most.

Timeline for proposal implementation

Oct. 15: Board of Directors Workshop to discuss proposal

Oct. 19-30: Community/ School forums

Nov. 5: Board action on adoption of proposals

November: Formation of school transition teams for planning

Fall 2016: Implementation of school transitions, depending upon construction schedule of the Owls Head School

Summer and Fall 2017: Implementation of office transitions