RSU 21 Community News 5-30-25

Message from the Superintendent

Dear RSU 21 Community,

It’s hard to believe we are about to enter the month of June, and with it, the final few weeks of the school year. Students, staff, and community members are all starting to think about those final few days and the upcoming summer months. We are all excited to enjoy another Maine summer.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the KHS Class of 2025 as they wrap up their senior projects ahead of graduation on June 8. The Top 10% of the graduating class was announced this week, and I want to extend a sincere “job well done” to those seniors! You can read more about them here.

As we move closer to the June 10 budget vote, I encourage all of you to take advantage of the information resources we have made available to you. While this budget does represent a tax increase, this challenge is widespread across Maine communities. The chart in this newsletter shows how RSU 21's tax impact compares to other school districts in York County, with our district performing better than many others in the region.

Let us all come together to support our students, staff, and community in the coming days, weeks, and at the polls.

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.

Much love,

Dr. Cooper

Sign up to receive the RSU 21 Community News!

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget - Key Information

Statement from Board Chair Matt Stratford

"This budget reflects a clear commitment to our students, our staff, and the future of RSU 21. It maintains the high-quality programs our community expects, invests in the people who make our schools strong, and keeps resources focused where they matter most. We're proud of the result and grateful to everyone who helped us get here. We look forward to continued support at the polls on June 10."

Tuesday, June 10

Budget validation referendum

Click here to read frequently asked questions about the budget

Click here to read questions from the community

Click here to review the FY26 Budget

Superintendent Search

The results of the NESDEC Community Survey have now been posted on the Superintendent Search Webpage.

More content:

Screening Committee - names and bios

Screening Committee Bios

Committee Bios (Alphabetical Order) Nate Bean has been a proud member of the staff of RSU 21 since the fall of 2003. Throughout his career, he has served the community in multiple capacities, including as a social studies teacher at the Middle School of the Kennebunks (MSK) and Kennebunk High Sc...

docs.google.com

RSU 21 Online Survey Results.pdf

drive.google.com

School Board Calendar

Monday, June 2

School Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 5

Facilities Committee | 8:15 a.m.

Policy Committee | 12:45 p.m.

Tuesday, June 10

Communications Committee | 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 12

Finance Committee | 8:30 a.m.

Monday, June 16

School Board Meeting | 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 18

Last day of school | HALF DAY for students

Friday, June 20

Human Resources Committee | 8:15 a.m.

*All school board and committee meetings above will take place at KES/A102 unless otherwise indicated.

Full Calendar

Click here for school board agendas

Committee Reports

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee is finalizing content updates for the district website and has worked closely with both the Finance and Superintendent Search Advisory Committees to share timely, transparent information with our community.

Our final meeting of the school year will be held on June 10, 2025, where we’ll review data from this year’s efforts, reflect on our goals, and collaborate with the full board to strengthen district-wide communications moving forward.

Leah Bares

Chair, Communications Committee

lbares@rsu21.net

Curriculum Committee

On May 27, our Curriculum Committee reviewed presentations prepared by the administration and delivered by both the K–5 Science Review Team and the SEL Review Team. Both teams have invested an extraordinary amount of time and energy into their review processes, and we commend them for their thoughtful, student-centered recommendations. Our district is truly so fortunate to have staff and educators who bring such deep commitment, curiosity, and care to their work. These reviews will meaningfully inform our next steps in curriculum development and instructional support across RSU 21.

Megan Michaud

Chair, Curriculum Committee

mmichaud@rsu21.net

Finance Committee

At the May 5 Budget Referendum held at KES, the public, alongside the School Board, approved all the 2025–26 warrant articles, moving our proposed school budget to a district-wide vote on Tuesday, June 10. This next step is vital, and we encourage all residents to participate and vote in favor of a budget that protects the integrity of our academic programming, ensures continued access to essential student support services, and helps us retain the talented educators and staff who make our schools exceptional. Our schools reflect the heart of our community, and your vote makes a meaningful difference.

The final Finance Committee meeting of the school year will be held on Thursday, June 12, from 8:30–9:30 a.m.

Britney Gerth

Chair, Finance Committee

bgerth@rsu21.net

Human Resources Committee

The HR committee held an in-depth discussion at the meeting about a proposed private Paid Family Medical Leave plan, and the board subsequently voted to adopt it on May 19, following a recommendation from the Committee. The plan offers cost savings for both the district and staff. The HR committee meeting also included open enrollment details, districtwide staffing updates, and news that the Board has reached comprehensive tentative agreements with both the Educational Technician Associated (ETA) and Custodial, Maintenance, and Grounds (CMGU) bargaining units.

The final HR Committee meeting of the school year is on Friday, June 18 at 8:15 a.m.

Matt Stratford

Chair, HR Committee

mstratford@rsu21.net

Policy Committee

At the May 19 School Board meeting, the Policy Committee advanced revised nondiscrimination policies to align with recent federal Title IX changes, alongside the approval of a new booster policy. Five athletic-related policies and one policy regarding the adoption of new student programs were also brought forward for a first read.

At our final meeting of the year on June 5, the committee will revisit these items and begin exploring updates to our Academic Honesty policy to address AI use. We welcome input from students, staff, and families on how best to incorporate AI provisions into this policy.

Claudia Sayre

Chair, Policy Committee

csayre@rsu21.net

Superintendent Search Advisory Committee

Since its formation on April 8, the Superintendent Search Advisory Committee has made significant progress in partnership with NESDEC to ensure a transparent and community-driven hiring process for our next Superintendent. Between April 28 and May 13, we gathered input through an online community survey, two in-person focus groups, one virtual session, and a student-specific survey. These engagements helped us identify the leadership qualities and priorities that our next Superintendent must bring to RSU 21. A diverse screening committee of 14 members is now preparing to interview candidates, with the goal of naming a new Superintendent by July 1. Learn more about the process here.

Megan Michaud

Chair, Superintendent Search Advisory Committee

mmichaud@rsu21.net

District News

Congratulations to the Top 10% of the Class of 2025! They are:

Max Andrews
Finneas Coldreck
Cenzie Cunningham
Delaney Hanson
Simone Houdlette
Camryn Houle
Emilia Ilyas (Valedictorian)
Talia Kellum
Willow Knowles
Eva MacDonald
Gracie Mitchell
Thomas Morin
Bronwyn Parkhurst
Avery Rossics
Summer Shea
Madelyn Smith
Caroline Tabor (Salutatorian)
Aubree Veilleux

Click HERE to read their bios

KHS students attend "I Belong Youth Summit"

On Thursday, several KHS students attended the "I Belong Youth Summit" at Central Maine Community College (CMMC) in Auburn.

The summit gives students hands-on experiences with different career opportunities as well as connects them to support services and agencies to support their transition to adulthood.

KHS student Trey Richardson learns about linework and changing line fuses from CMP.

KHS senior Hank Flynn learns how to trap stray animals with an animal control officer.

KHS student Zach Seale teaches students how to catch lobster. Seale is a lobsterman during the summer, fishing on his own boat out of Wells Harbor.

KHS student Josh Carter uses a new accessible voting machine to cast a vote for Transition Maine's mascot.

'I Belong' youth summit helps students of all abilities explore career paths

Students with disabilities explored hands-on career paths at the 'I Belong' Youth Summit, promoting independence and inclusion in Maine's workforce.

newscentermaine.com

KHS Athletics Information Meeting

The KHS Athletic Department will hold an information meeting for all incoming freshmen who are interested in fall sports and/or summer basketball.

The meeting will be on Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. in the KHS gym.

Questions? Call the Athletic Office at 207-985-1110.

Click here to read the newsletter

Happy Happenstance

Great minds think alike! Today, Jasmine Menzie, Megan Jackins, and Amelia Marquez all had the same idea for their outfits. And no, they didn't coordinate beforehand. Best of all, their shirts support a great cause! Click here to learn more.

If you have your own "Happy Happenstance," please email mshinberg@rsu21.net to include in future newsletters!

New videos!

We've been busy making lots of new video content this week! Check out three new videos below.

Recent Articles

Kennebunk High School announces top 10 percent of Class of 2025

Kennebunk High School is pleased to announce the top 10 percent of the Class of 2025.

rsu21.net

MSK students deliver over 100 backpacks to local Head Start program

The backpacks contained educational materials for preschoolers, including books, crayons, paper, paints, markers, pencils, and rulers. Some backpacks also included fleece blankets handcrafted by MSK seventh-grade students.

rsu21.net

KHS student among first to graduate from first-of-its-kind partnership program with York County Community College

Hank Flynn received post-secondary micro-credentials for completing the course, which opens doors to internships and employment opportunities with area businesses.

rsu21.net

From Super Bowl champ to children's author: Malcolm Mitchell inspires young readers at KCS

Malcolm Mitchell, a former New England Patriots wide receiver who won Super Bowl LI in 2017, has transformed his platform from professional athlete to literacy advocate.

rsu21.net

Mildred L. Day Best Buddies group wins nonprofit's Chapter of the Year Award for Maine

Mildred L. Day School's Best Buddies chapter has been named Elementary School Chapter of the Year by the nonprofit organization's Maine chapter, just eight months after its formation.

rsu21.net

RSU 21 Communications Video Library

You can now watch all videos produced by the RSU 21 Communications Department in the 2024-2025 school year by clicking here!

Recent videos:

Click here to read the 2025 Annual Report

Click here for the RSU 21 Careers Page

Community Announcements

Click here to register

Click here for more information

RSU 21 Athletics

Spring Schedules

Varsity Baseball

Varsity Softball

Varsity Boys Lacrosse

Varsity Girls Lacrosse

Varsity Boys Tennis

Varsity Girls Tennis

JV Baseball

JV Softball

JV Boys Lacrosse

JV Girls Lacrosse

Track and Field

Unified Bocce

Live Stream the games!

Click here for live streams

Shop KHS gear

Click here for the online store

GO RAMS!

Weekly Attendance

Helpful Links

District Contact Information

2024-2025 School Calendar

Job Postings

Community Resources

RSU 21 is a proud partner of Sandy Hook Promise

Click to Submit a Tip - Anonymous Reporting System

1-844-5-SAY-NOW

24/7 Hotline

Community Outreach Services - Serving Our Neighbors in Need

COS has been serving the people of our community since 1990. We'd like to give a huge "Thank you!" to those who have partnered with us over the years.

coskennebunks.org

CS3

Providing resources to children in need within the Kennebunks & Arundel. We are community strong, character strong and children strong

cs3kennebunks.com

Center For Grieving Children - Home

The Center for Grieving Children is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe space, loving peer support, outreach, and education to grieving children, teens, young adults, families and the community. With services in Portland, Sanford, and virtually, the Center provides services at no cost that are led by dedicated and highly trained staff and volunteers thanks to the generous support of our community.

cgcmaine.org

Caring Unlimited

Direct support and safety planning services for anyone experiencing domestic abuse and violence. Prevention education, training and professional consultation to move toward bringing an end to domestic violence.

caring-unlimited.org

Homepage

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

nami.org

Emergency Resource Documentation - Regional School Unit 21

rsu21.net

Maine Crisis Hotline

Click Here

Call or Text 988 or 1-888-568-1112

General Assistance Support

Kennebunk

Kris Fogg

207-604-1394

Arundel

Wendy Lank

207-985-4201 ext. 113

Kennebunkport

Alison Kenneway

207-967-4401

Kennebunk Chamber of Commerce

Laura Dolce

207-967-0857

Sign up to receive the RSU 21 Community News!

RSU 21 Community News 5-30-25

Statement from Board Chair Matt Stratford

Screening Committee Bios