Policy Manual

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Policy BB

In recognition that “a general diffusion of the advantages of education [is] essential to the preservation of rights and liberties of the people,” the Constitution of the State of Maine declares that the Legislature has the duty to require communities to provide for the support and maintenance of public schools in order to further this objective.  Maine law establishes a State Department of Education to supervise a coordinated system of public education, a Commissioner to enforce regulatory requirements and to provide technical assistance and educational leadership, and a State Board of Education to act as a body with certain policymaking, administrative and advisory functions, but places the responsibility for control and management of public schools with locally elected School Committees, School Boards or Boards of Directors.  

Thus, the South Portland School Board derives its legal authority from the State’s Constitution, State statutes, regulations of the State Board of Education, Federal laws and regulations, and the Council-Manager Charter of South Portland (hereinafter referred to as the “South Portland Charter” or “Charter”).

 The School Board shall consist of seven members, one from each of the five voting districts and two members at large, elected in a city-wide election.

 The term of office shall be three years.

 Members must be qualified electors (voters) of the City of South Portland and residents of the districts from which they are elected and remain inhabitants of the City during their term of office.

Legal Reference:  20-A MRSA §§ 1001, 1251 et seq.

                                 20-A MRSA §§ 1451; 1471 (RSU)

 Cross Reference:  BDB - Board Officers

 Adopted:  February 24, 2025

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