DISTRICT UPDATE
March 4, 2026
STUDENT HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PILOT
In the months since receiving a $275,000 award through the Maine Housing Student Homelessness Prevention Pilot, our districts have been deeply engaged in a regional effort to address housing instability affecting students and families in Biddeford, Saco, and surrounding communities. Serving as the lead applicant and consortium coordinator, the Biddeford School Department partnered with Saco, Old Orchard Beach, RSU 57, and Sanford to respond to increasing housing challenges across southern Maine. Although our original goal was to serve 60 families, we are currently supporting 84 households—representing 331 individuals and 160 enrolled students. Housing Navigators Jennifer Davie and Heather VanGieson of York County Community Action Corporation have been working directly with families through consistent 30-day check-ins, listening closely, and connecting them with local resources that strengthen long-term stability.
This pilot is intentionally focused on prevention and skill-building, not just short-term assistance. Families are participating in virtual connection meetings to build social capital, attending in-person budgeting sessions with New Ventures Maine, and being linked to early childhood programs, adult education opportunities, energy assistance through HEAP, Whole Family Coaching, and free tax preparation services. Stable housing is foundational to student success, and when students feel secure at home, they are better able to focus, engage, and thrive in school.
While the program is currently at capacity, we remain committed to early intervention and to helping families across our communities access existing supports whenever housing stability is at risk. If your family is struggling with basic needs—or if you are aware of a family who may be—we encourage you to connect with your school’s Resiliency Coordinator. They can help guide families toward available resources and provide confidential support.
I also want to recognize the incredible work of our Welcome Center staff, who are often the first point of contact for families navigating challenging circumstances. Their compassion and responsiveness make a meaningful difference. We are equally grateful to the Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) and the Aid for Saco Kids (ASK) Foundation for their continued generosity and partnership in supporting students and families in need across our communities.
SCHOOL BUDGET
Planning for the 2026-2027 school year budget is well underway, and we are navigating challenges as we strive to maintain quality programming amid shifts in state and federal education funding. As home valuations rise, state subsidies decrease, impacting resources available for student programs. Balancing financial realities with our commitment to enriching student experiences requires thoughtful decision-making. As we plan next year’s school budget, a projection of our enrollment will allow us to plan more effectively. Parents can help through early registration of any child who will be entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, or moving into our community this Fall (see below). We also encourage community members to stay informed by attending upcoming School Committee meetings and/or City Council/Selectmen meetings [Biddeford | Dayton] to participate in the budget process before the June vote.
As parents and students (grades 5-11) map out their academic courses, unified arts, and school athletic and organized club selections for next year, we encourage families to spend some time learning about the numerous opportunities available within our schools. Please contact your child’s Guidance Counselor and/or review the options available at your school.
Warm regards,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
With four snow days already used across Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton Schools, we have one traditional snow day remaining before any additional closures would require us to shift to remote learning in order to avoid extending the school year beyond June 18th (June 19th is a holiday and presents significant logistical challenges).
In Biddeford, March 25th will now be converted to a regular student day. If more than one additional snow day is needed, elementary students will then utilize pre-prepared “blizzard bag” assignment packets, while middle and high school students will complete structured asynchronous (online) learning. Attendance will be tracked through assignment completion, and families will receive advance communication if this plan is activated. Additional details, including district-specific calendar adjustments, are available in the full memo below.
March 8: Daylight Savings Time - Spring Ahead One Hour
March 10: Dayton School Committee (6:30pm @ DCS)
March 11: Early Release Day, BPS Family Fun Night (4:30-6pm @ BPS), BIS Family Engagement Night/STEAM Fair (5-6:30pm @ BIS), and Biddeford School Committee (5pm @ BHS Little Theater)
March 10: BHS Winter Sports Banquet (6pm @ Steve White Gym)
March 13: Dayton’s Glow Dance (6pm @ DCS)
March 15-22: Biddeford–Saco Restaurant Week
March 18: BMS Academic Showcase (5-6:30pm @ BMS)
March 19-21: BHS Drama in Mean Girls High School Version (PG-13 - see below for more information)
March 22: Marching Arts Home Show (1pm @ BHS Tiger Gym)
March 25: Biddeford Only - Regular School Day (See Snow Day Contingency Plan); Dayton Only - Early Release Day; and Biddeford School Committee (7pm @ BHS Little Theater)
March 27: BHS Multicultural Fair (students only)
BPS Family Night
March 11, 4:30-6 PM
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BIS Family Night
March 11, 5-6:30 PM
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Glow Dance
March 13, 6-7:30 PM
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PBIS Family Night
March 25, 6-7 PM
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Culinary Team - 2nd Place
Hospitality Team - 3rd Place
Each year, schools across the country celebrate Read Across America, a nationwide initiative that promotes the joy and importance of reading. The celebration brings guest readers into classrooms to share stories and inspire a lifelong love of books. Recently, Assistant Superintendent Chris Indorf and The Biddeford Gazette Editor Randy Seaver visited Biddeford Primary School to read aloud to students, joining educators and community members in highlighting the power of literacy. Reading to young children builds vocabulary, strengthens listening and comprehension skills, and sparks imagination—all essential foundations for academic success. Just as importantly, it helps children see reading as a meaningful and enjoyable part of everyday life.
Free Food Distribution
Open to All
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Free Clothing Closet
Open to All
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Check out all the upcoming events in Biddeford! The Yodel community calendar compiles activities from across the City of Biddeford to help you find family fun, live music, art events, outdoor adventures, and more! Anyone can download the Yodel app, and any organization can set up a Yodel login to add their event.
Yodel is brought to you by your friends at the City of Biddeford, Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce, Biddeford Schools, and Heart of Biddeford.
Throughout the school year, we will strive to maintain clear and open lines of communication. Our school websites, newsletters, mobile app, and social media will keep you informed about important dates, achievements, menus, and exciting happenings within our school community.
Newsletters: Superintendent Newsletters will be sent the first Wednesday of each month and Principal Newsletters will be sent the third Wednesday of each month via email. They will also be posted on the website, social media, and mobile app.
ReachMyTeach: This two-way communication platform makes it easy to connect families through the languages they speak and the devices they use every day. This platform allows families to communicate directly with classroom teachers effortlessly through text, email, or WhatsApp, on-demand video interpreters, and scheduled conferences. There is no need to download an app and families can learn more by clicking here.
Website & Mobile App: Our website platform syncs directly to a mobile app! The mobile app will feature important news, a live feed for updates, daily menu, and more. Parents also have the option to choose the district and specific schools to stay updated and receive notifications directly to their phone: Biddeford (website | iPhone Download | Android Download) and Dayton (website | iPhone Download | Android Download).
Social Media: We encourage parents and guardians to follow the District's social media page, as well as their child's school Facebook page: Biddeford & Dayton.
Emergency Text Alerts: District-related text alerts are sent from the number 98900, and while families are legally allowed to opt out of receiving these messages, doing so means you will no longer receive emergency updates via text—only by email. If you’ve previously opted out and would like to start receiving text alerts again, simply text START to 98900. Please note that it can take up to 48 business hours for the change to take effect.