The City of Bangor has taken a significant step towards enhancing student health by authorizing the city manager to execute partnership agreements with Bangor and Brewer school departments. This initiative, part of the prevention network grant, aims to provide school-based tobacco treatment services, ensuring that students have access to vital support in combating tobacco use.

During the Government Operations Committee meeting on September 3, 2025, the council discussed the implementation of this program, which will see tobacco treatment specialists embedded in Bangor High School and Brewer High School. This partnership is a continuation of efforts from the previous year, with the Maine CDC requiring formal agreements to outline the responsibilities of both the public health department and the schools involved.

The program is fully grant-funded, alleviating any financial burden on the schools. Each school will provide the necessary space for the specialists, who will spend one day a week at each location to offer treatment to students. The schools will also determine the process for how students access these services, while the public health department will handle record-keeping and reporting.

In addition to the tobacco treatment initiative, the committee addressed the upcoming evaluation process for council appointees, which is scheduled for October. This annual review allows councilors, particularly newly elected members, to provide constructive feedback on the performance of key city officials, including the city solicitor, assessor, clerk, and manager. The city manager will undergo a separate evaluation in line with her contract, ensuring that all appointees are assessed on a consistent schedule moving forward.

These discussions highlight Bangor's commitment to public health and effective governance, setting the stage for improved student well-being and accountability within city leadership.