[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6238507,"mediaKeyId","3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6","parentId",3351442,"title","Board advances driver drug‑testing and bus‑conduct procedures; principals handle misconduct after investigation","audioSeconds",711,"startMs",1299000,"endMs",2010000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6&start=1299&end=2010","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6/thumbnail_1299000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6238507/Maine/Board-advances-driver-drugtesting-and-busconduct-procedures-principals-handle-misconduct-after-investigation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238507-9feb338be94e439dce881fae772d4974/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156238&Signature=Gt-mUgPV1tMc-zW-P-61p4MOn6OrGaw3-wvx4TkQMtQQMajBJDv3SAfs6GZv-aRtfDC8gIi~Y2IwbQFstqgn4-o-2DVHHqgcUxPF3PqHONro0ZAVg3CiG6WbM83ksgRGe6sVpbUiXf7UH4HIe-5YeKH5P9PMd0CsiKNzEvoEu~LBV8HoNXRcNyeIsBJ4heUc9mAvIithjR1U2J3lbe4dzwUw05CLh0L44OGMczdZopMeIemDBYO9zJ2kvRS83d9GRMfecCaWxx7etS1LPlNcejK-JmQ44SfnDBm~a9Z9Yle7xjBdHVfmxhAcFxT8FMf40t9SEzxiUMO84qTeP0h0cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","RSU 40/MSAD 40","date","2025-05-17T00:46:43.037Z","article","The RSU 40 school board approved first readings of policies and procedures related to drug and alcohol testing for school bus and van drivers and of student conduct on district vehicles. Transportation staff described how misconduct reports are handled and emphasized that disciplinary action follows investigation and due process.

Key action: The board moved to continue policy ETA/DAA (drug and alcohol testing of school bus and van drivers) and approved related procedures (EEA/EAAR for non‑random testing) for first reading. The board also approved policy JICC and procedure JICC‑R (student conduct on district vehicles) for first reading.

How misconduct is resolved: In response to questions from board members, transportation staff explained the process: a bus driver completes a behavior slip when an incident occurs; the transportation office receives the report; staff investigate by interviewing students and reviewing bus video; and school principals make disciplinary determinations. A staff speaker said, \"We have to then do the investigation, question kids, look at bus tape. Yep. And then we take the trip.\" (quoted from meeting transcript)

Why it matters: The policies set standards for driver fitness testing and for student behavior on school transportation. Board members and staff said the changes aim to provide consistent handling of incidents and to address driver concerns about inconsistent outcomes from bus slips.

Board action and follow up: The motions to continue and approve the policies and procedures for first reading were moved, seconded and carried. Board members asked staff to ensure the procedures clearly define responsibilities for drivers, transportation staff and principals and to communicate the process to parents and drivers.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting 5/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved first readings of policies on drug and alcohol testing for school bus and van drivers and on student conduct on district vehicles; transportation staff clarified that principals impose discipline after investigation and due process, not bus drivers.","taxTitle","RSU 40/MSAD 40, School Districts, Maine","taxId",68150,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238512,"Board reopens meeting‑location debate; motion to rescind April action withdrawn and topic to return to agenda",623,4400000,5023000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6&start=4400&end=5023","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6/thumbnail_4400000.jpg","/articles/6238512/Maine/Board-reopens-meetinglocation-debate-motion-to-rescind-April-action-withdrawn-and-topic-to-return-to-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238512-1ae6cdf293c460f71e41928a04a3bae9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156238&Signature=Wn2HCzpSkTSmjwXbLzoxrqCUbj1wB4jdqWfcDyIldXn5vkKNAnlVpzlpfHSr-Qs9qNjOh~2QfRPHOisww~roMihlw3Rf27TS6XFfJcrHawTwios8DFNeiiRlc3tXhCNnbpQ6KTHLkPulrW9zQaIuX3pQKx2k0RkDxZ4dlBhofA6SXUAvhps7JAlcdOaYuvNIK4QtGnp~8ptIWMoq4tgUagOfFwfX3NA-IEsNgJokE4W4gGtL6QP15fOUJFKH3N174HML4Xb5TnpnYhp1AU~ng8U1Qv99s7~sQSYQ8PXb17v1Xv3BKCQ8ZZvt1GZaW9DRQjr5FjpZapOxB53gYEK~Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A motion to rescind the board’s earlier April 3 action on meeting locations was raised at the RSU 40 school board meeting and prompted an extended discussion among members and several public letters. The motion was later withdrawn and the board agreed to continue the discussion at a later meeting.

Why it matters: The location and format of board meetings affects public access, participation by residents across the district’s communities, custodial and staff workload, and the ability for members and the public to participate remotely.

What happened: A board member moved to rescind the April 3 motion that had set future meeting locations; the motion drew comments from members who argued both for a single central meeting site (to reduce travel and protect school staff from repeated room reconfiguration) and for rotating meetings around district schools (to encourage public attendance and let residents see school facilities).

Key concerns raised: Board members who supported a central site said frequent room reconfiguration imposes significant burdens on custodial staff and can degrade audio/video quality for remote viewers. Members who favored rotating locations said in‑person attendance and community support for school budgets increase when meetings are held in different schools.

Outcome: The rescind motion was withdrawn or rescinded during the meeting and no formal change to meeting locations was adopted at that time. Several members said they would place the topic on a future agenda so the board can develop a plan with broader input, potentially including custodial staff and technology staff.

Next steps: Board members asked staff to include the item on a future meeting agenda and suggested inviting administrators and facilities staff to present options for a technology solution or a schedule that balances public access and operational constraints.

","A board member moved to rescind the April 3 decision that changed where board meetings are held; after extended discussion about fairness, custodial burdens and remote access, the rescind motion was withdrawn and no immediate change was made. Board members agreed to revisit the question at a future meeting with broader input.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238517,"Board advances selection-of-instructional-materials policy after members press for time limits and stricter review",225,1415000,1640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6&start=1415&end=1640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6/thumbnail_1415000.jpg","/articles/6238517/Maine/Board-advances-selection-of-instructional-materials-policy-after-members-press-for-time-limits-and-stricter-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238517-6627325584f1b8849a166f46b8a5a4f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156238&Signature=bjPDYqL7CX16L3JAYU3~JSomyjnMQPp43cboTHz40d9y2qerTHe18hss~8XH0jfu1t8fAUYouv3fYpM9YKTUOTrXpPCfRJ8x4lT1eNWNohay1jSpcDOMycT2fWDB5hk3YWzXz6JxAARDikdIoBx-e08u5q5wVYFMT4RnPdD8CQnJqdEyaaoWQYTjdvVAfG8hNhTpiVpVh3cGsxZvtInyIdSdm3C8Px2hha3wDuyYHp4K8G0JWdkgMYy4aFl--GWzoIWssxtIyma9lF1uxASJKXR~5-yctJ8q72VSn5wDCFpxvH43KhuiZ-SuxrbLjgWDMnyGozecWDkuVVkgFj-vOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The RSU 40/MSAD 40 school board advanced a policy on the selection of instructional materials on first reading, but several members pressed for revisions to add time limits for administrative response and to clarify how materials are reviewed before purchase.

Why it matters: The policy governs how instructional materials are selected, how challenges are handled, and how recommended changes are reported to the superintendent. Board members said clarity and timelines would reduce backlogs and repeated citizen challenges.

Discussion highlights: Board member Randy said the district should include a set time frame for administrators to complete written reports to the superintendent after a challenge—proposals mentioned 10 days, 30 days or six weeks. Randy said he had raised the point previously and wanted it on the record that the absence of a time limit allows matters to linger.

Other members questioned a draft provision requiring that individuals who order materials “personally review” them before they go into circulation. One board member said librarians have told the board that full personal reading is not feasible for every order and that the current practice relies on a mix of review methods, including reading reviews and excerpts.

Board action: A motion to approve policy IJJ, selection of educational materials (first reading), and related exhibits was moved and seconded. The meeting record shows two board members—Melvin and Reed—voted no; the motion passed on first reading.

Details and next steps: Board members asked the policy committee to revisit the draft to consider adding explicit time limits for administrative action and to clarify the expectation about what constitutes a “personal review.” The district will bring the policy back for a subsequent reading after any committee edits.

","On first reading the board approved a policy on selection of educational materials and related procedures, while several members urged adding explicit time limits for administrative review and raised concerns about a requirement that materials be \"personally reviewed.\" Two board members voted no.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238522,"RSU 40 board approves private PFML insurance; district cites lower three‑year cost",142,2077000,2219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6&start=2077&end=2219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3351442-a32adba19ac5b485160ae90ddeaf8ef6/thumbnail_2077000.jpg","/articles/6238522/Maine/RSU-40-board-approves-private-PFML-insurance-district-cites-lower-threeyear-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238522-2291018144994f61c381ae300b5507f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156238&Signature=OU-bN2-BBdoKj12at5~txfHfyWk20qv7Ne-lAkQnpn4y91LIPk3aCah6nqt~hlxkiacHG3sRdXtZuFpPAA0E6uklZQ3c5fzzL8ewM98FwuYcMekDszzouzArbV1jTCT59EMU84IC~-Q4Xl6FbA7TwE9ko6MqkVKzMAkU4qcDP7jW8qHnPX2uftcHwbka0z60Kwq9hSLnapNW3MvHzBxuVadBfjHKtn91HTFAmSNr-WDfhEP50LdmPcQTGVwe8onxj9qOzMJE5S-NXvPwjw8H0cuqLv9ptVBdrjXWWc-Vxk5SYyLdp-XokNjLHYvJ-4e5CdsKQ3NYtWhHKnke~ogA3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The RSU 40/MSAD 40 school board voted to approve use of a private insurance option for the state’s new paid family and medical leave program (PFML), with presenters saying the private plan would lower expected costs over a three‑year period.

Board packet materials and discussion at the meeting identified Guardian as the private insurer under consideration. A finance‑committee presenter said the district expects the PFML requirement to cost “between us and our employees around $650,000,” and that the private option would reduce that combined cost to approximately $409,000 over three years.

Why it matters: The district must participate in PFML. Choosing a private carrier requires a three‑year commitment and affects both employer and employee payroll deductions. District staff and board members framed the decision as a way to lower immediate costs and to use an insurer with experience administering benefit programs.

What the board heard: The presenter said the private option would defer the district’s immediate payment obligation for about 13 months and described administrative differences between the state program and private carriers. Board members asked whether employees would still share the premium costs; the presenter responded that employees would continue to pay roughly half the premium but that the district’s share would be lower under the private plan. The presenter said benefit access will open after a contribution period that begins January 1, 2025, and accumulates through May 2026 under the state timetable.

Board action: A motion to approve the private PFML insurance option was moved, seconded and carried. The meeting record shows the vote as announced at the meeting (transcript notes: “All in favor? Opposed? Abstentions? 8 20 1 to 0”). The board’s packet materials and comments state the district and employees would pay into the private plan via payroll processing rather than sending contributions directly to the state while the private contract is active.

Details and caveats: District staff said rates would be locked for the contract period and that the board would reassess when the contract ends. The presenter said there has been discussion at the state level about potential future changes to the program but no definitive action was reported at the meeting. The presenter also said the private option was expected to save the district money relative to the current estimate, characterizing the savings as occurring over the three‑year commitment period.

What’s next: The board’s approval commits the district to the private option for the contract term; staff said implementation details (payroll deduction timing and employee notification) will follow.

","The RSU 40 school board voted to adopt a private paid family and medical leave (PFML) insurance option, which presenters said would reduce the district’s projected three‑year cost from about $650,000 to about $409,000 and requires a three‑year commitment to the private carrier.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board advances driver drug‑testing and bus‑conduct procedures; principals handle misconduct after investigation

Board reopens meeting‑location debate; motion to rescind April action withdrawn and topic to return to agenda

Board advances selection-of-instructional-materials policy after members press for time limits and stricter review

RSU 40 board approves private PFML insurance; district cites lower three‑year cost