SAD 41 readying for expanded pre-K program
MILO — When classes resume later this month in SAD 41, the Marion C. Cook School in Lagrange will be the home of an expanded pre-kindergarten program for 3- to 5-year olds.
The district has received approval from the Maine Department of Education for the school, previously the site of the AOS 43 central office, to be part of a state pilot program for the pre-K program, Superintendent Darcie Fournier said during an Aug. 6 school board meeting at the Penquis Valley School. The initiative is fully funded by a state grant for the first two years.
State law requires all school districts to offer the expanded pre-K by September 2028 to serve young students with special needs who previously would have been enrolled in Child Development Services programs.
SAD 41 pre-K had been housed at the Milo Elementary School but the 60-year-old building does not have the capacity for more students or additional programs. Grants will cover needed building renovations to fit the young age group — such as lowering sinks to be fully reachable — and equipment in Lagrange, program and supply costs and additional staffing.
The expanded pre-K program will run all day and follow the same school calendar as the rest of the district.
Students will begin their day with breakfast at Milo Elementary and at 8 a.m. they will be bused to Marion C. Cook for the school day. Students will return to Milo Elementary at 2 p.m. for dismissal.
A pre-K open house is being planned.
More than 25 families have expressed interest in the program with 19 students registered, Milo Elementary Principal Tina Dumond said.
“For the Academy Program, we are moving students into buildings based on their grade level,” Fournier said about the special education program serving younger students.
Additionally, the school board appointed four soccer coaches for the upcoming season. Camron Bailey will lead the Penquis Valley High School boys and Erin Weston will coach the girls’ team.
For Penquis Valley Middle School the boys and girls coaches will be Dan Fleming and Chelsea Richards, respectively.
High school sports begin Monday, Aug. 18, and middle school sports start one week later.