Back to School: Every Maine school district's reopening plan, organized by county
Governor Janet Mills admin. issued the color-coding system for Maine schools to reopen after the coronavirus pandemic. Every Maine school reopening plan by county.
It’s been a question and topic of concern for thousands of Maine families for months: What will school look like this fall with COVID-19, coronavirus precautions? Is it safe to send my kids back to school? While Governor Janet Mills' administration has provided recommendations and insight to help answer those questions, many still have concerns.
The Mills administration has designated all of Maine’s 16 counties as “green,” suggesting they have a relatively low risk of COVID-19 spread and that schools may consider in-person instruction as long as they’re able to implement the required health and safety measure.
The Health Advisory System categorizations are defined as follows:
- RED: Categorization as “red” suggests that the county has a high risk of COVID-19 spread and that in-person instruction is not advisable.
- YELLOW: Categorization as “yellow” suggests that that the county has an elevated risk of COVID-19 spread and that schools may consider additional precautions and/or hybrid instructional models as a way to reduce the number of people in schools and classrooms at any one time.
- GREEN: Categorization as “green” suggests that the county has a relatively low risk of COVID-19 spread and that schools may consider in-person instruction, as long as they are able to implement the required health and safety measures. Schools in a “green” county may need to use hybrid instruction models if there is insufficient capacity or other factors (facilities, staffing, geography/transportation, etc.) that may prevent full implementation of the health and safety requirements.
RELATED: All Maine counties remain green in Mills administration's updated return-to-school designations
Despite being given the green light to reopen to in-person instruction, nearly all of Maine’s more than 150 school districts have opted for a hybrid model, which is designated as “yellow” in the State’s definition.
Here’s how each school district is planning to reopen, by county. Given the lengthy list of districts—we will update this story daily to work towards including all 16 counties.
We will continuously update this information as we go, but if we missed a district, and you have a link to the information, please let us know by texting 207-828-6622. Use the hashtag #backtoschool so we can easily find the text. The information we are publishing is publicly available info on the school district website.
Androscoggin County
A hybrid model with options for a 4-day or 2-day schedule, or a full remote learning option. Parents must indicate their choice of schedule—4-day, 2-day, or fully remote. If no indication was given before Friday at 5 p.m., students will be placed on the 4-day schedule unless told otherwise.
Parents can choose to remote or hybrid learning for their kids.
This is one of the only districts in Maine that is giving the option to have full in-person learning this fall. Twenty percent of parents in a recent survey said they plan to continue with remote learning or homeschooling options.
Three options of a hybrid model—a final decision will be made based on parent surveys. Based on the most recent survey, the district has chosen a model that has two groups of students in-person for the same two days each week: Cohort A on Monday and Tuesday, Cohort B on Thursday and Friday with Wednesday being a remote check-in day with teachers to allow for cleaning. Some parents are opting for a full remote option.
Hybrid model with students broken up into four cohorts. Detailed information will be sent to parents on Aug. 26.
Hybrid model with K-12 students having 2 days in-person and 3 days remote. Students will be divided into two cohorts to alternate in-person days: Cohort A is in-person Mondays and Tuesdays; Cohort B is in-person Thursdays and Fridays.
Aroostook County
MSAD 1 district will open in GREEN mode with restrictions.
Opening in GREEN mode. K-6 start September 10 and 7-12 start August 27
MSAD 20 will open in YELLOW with a hybrid plan. The district will have two cohorts that are Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday with Wednesday as a cleaning day.
The district will return to school on August 19th in YELLOW, hybrid mode. That will go through to the harvest break when the district will reassess.
The district will open in GREEN with cohort days scheduled. School will begin August 19
RSU-29 will open the year in GREEN but with many precautions. Remote learning is available as well.
The district will open school on September 8 in GREEN mode, but with some restrictions.
The district will open the year in GREEN but with many precautions. Remote learning is available as well.
Central Aroostook already returned to school under GREEN mode
Planning to open August 19 under GREEN protocol.
The district plans to open GREEN on August 28.
MSAD-70 will start in GREEN mode September 3 for K-8 and September 4 for 9-12.
Southern Aroostook will open in GREEN but will offer parents many other options is desired.
Cumberland County
The Brunswick school board voted to reopen the school year on September 14th, providing a full-virtual option for all grades as well as an in-person hybrid model for all students. The board is also looking for parents to fill out a survey so they can determine how many students will choose the in-person hybrid. That survey can be found here.
The school district has sent delayed final decision pending responses to letters to Cape parents that will help determine what the first semester will look like. Parental responses are due August 17th. You can find the form here.
The Falmouth draft plan has moved to YELLOW zone. All schools will adopt a cohort schedule that allows adherence to all Maine DOE and CDC guidelines. Parents who wish remote learning will be able to do so but will have to maintain that form for the entire first semester. Here is a link to the full draft plan.
The Gorham school board voted Tuesday, Aug. 18 that high school students will be going to school with only four classes each semester and will be using four rooms at the municipal center. As of the vote Monday the 10th, all other grades will open under Yellow rating. That will allow for a hybrid setup. See all of Gorham's plans here.
As of August 14th, MSAD 15 has opted to open under YELLOW conditions. YELLOW means school hours will be adjusted, cohorts will be put in place for all students. Click here for a detailed plan.
MSAD-51 directors voted to open their year in YELLOW, which means hybrid learning for the district. K-12 will start on September 8.
The current proposal is to open under GREEN conditions. The school board will vote Monday August 17 to approve the plan.
The Portland School Board will vote Monday, August 17 on school open color zone.
RSU-5 officials voted to start school on September 8. The plan calls for the district to open in the YELLOW hybrid model. The district is also offering a plan that allows K-7 students to come to school five days a week if parents need that service.
Scarborough plan has yet to be determined, but district officials will hold informational forums the week of August 17. First, at 4 pm Wednesday, August 19, K-5 forum will take place. The Middle school forum will take place following the K-5 forum.
South Portland will open the year September 8 in YELLOW. All hybrid cohorts have been assigned and distributed.
Westbrook schools will open under YELLOW hybrid learning conditions. Details should be released week of August 17.
Windham/Raymond school officials voted to open in YELLOW with a couple of options. Parents can choose a hybrid, which would mean two days of in-person learning and the rest remote learning. Parents can also choose a 100% home-learning option.
The tentative plan is for Yarmouth schools to re-open September 8 in YELLOW hybrid learning assignments. Plans should be finalized the week of August 17.
Franklin County
This district will open in a GREEN and YELLOW hybrid model
K-12 students start school Sept. 8, Pre-K students start Sept. 10. Starting the school year with a hybrid model and offering a fully remote option. In the hybrid model option, students are broken up into two cohorts.
A plan hasn't been approved yet, but school officials are meeting Wednesday, Aug. 19 to discuss.
The district will open in YELLOW hybrid for both K-5 and 6-12
Hancock County
AOS91 will start the year RED, 100% remote learning from September 8 through September 25. The district will re-evaluate on September 21st at the latest. Superintendent Dr. Mark Gousse told WDEA that the outer island schools may be ready to have full in-person learning well before the September 25 deadline.
Opening with GREEN conditions but two cohort models.
The union will open in either GREEN or YELLOW with safety precautions in place.
RSU24 will open the school year September 8 in YELLOW conditions. Here is the latest release from the superintendent.
The district plans to return to school on September 8 in YELLOW conditions. Check site for updates.
Kennebec County
The Augusta School Board will vote Wednesday, August 19 to approve a proposal to open schools in YELLOW, hybrid learning mode.
Winslow will open the year in GREEN mode with cohort days scheduled. There is a board meeting Wednesday, August 19, so plans should be finalized.
RSU 2 will open the year in YELLOW, hybrid mode. The district will use Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday modes with Wednesday as a school cleaning day.
Waterville will return to school in a YELLOW, hybrid learning scenario. Cohorts have been set up at this time. The school committee will hold a public forum on August 24 to release full details. The meeting can be viewed here.
RSU-18 will open in GREEN mode, but will offer parents a hybrid model if they choose.
MSAD 49 will start the school year September 8 in YELLOW, hybrid learning mode. Students will be assigned specific cohort days to limit the number of people in buildings at one time. This phase will last until September 24. According to the superintendent, the district will assess the situation at a September 17 meeting.
RSU 38 schools will open for in-person GREEN learning on September 8. However, there will be some hybrid learning. Pre-K will attend 2 days a week from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Each group of students will attend either Monday, Tuesday, OR Thursday, Friday. Students in Grade 9 through 12 will be attending in-person 2 days a week and will be working remotely 2 days a week. Wednesday will be an independent day for all K-12 students.
MSAD 11 schools will open in YELLOW hybrid mode on September 8. Cohorts will be assigned. The district will offer all remote to families that wish to remain remote. Here is the link to the superintendent message on August 11
MSAD 58 voted last week to open the school year September 8 in YELLOW hybrid mode with Wednesdays as an instructional day. K-4 will be allowed to go in-school 4 days a week. Here is the link for the last school board meeting.
FC schools will open under GREEN mode with adjustments.
AOS98 schools will open in YELLOW hybrid mode, but also offer families full virtual learning options.
Vassalboro schools will reopen September 2 in YELLOW mode. Cohorts will be assigned by Monday, August 17.
To be determined. YELLOW reopen has been proposed.
Knox County
The Five Towns District will open up in GREEN mode with hybrid offerings. A combo of in-class learning with remote learning will be available and used for most grades. Here is the latest approved plan.
RSU 40 will start the school year in GREEN with some hybrid options.
The district will open in GREEN for K-5 with added precautions and YELLOW hybrid for 6-12. 6-13 will have cohorts schedules
Lincoln County
AOS 93/Central Lincoln County School System
The five schools part of the AOS 93 district each has its own reopening plan.
- Bristol Consolidated School: Will be operating under the GREEN plan with full, in-person instruction.
- Jefferson Village School: School Committee has voted to reopen for full, five-days-a-week in-person instruction with safety measures in place. Remote learning options for families that are not able to/not comfortable with in-person instruction are being explored.
- Nobleboro Central School: Full, in-person instruction.
- Great Salt Bay Community School: First day of school is on Sept. 8; return to school model has not been decided.
- South Bristol School: GREEN--moving forward with two options: Complete return to school in person while abiding by all guidelines highlighted in the reopening plan; Off-site virtual learning curriculum with a remote instructor. There will be a grace period for a couple of weeks for families to decide on which option they want to commit to for the first trimester (End of November - Beginning of December).
In-person/hybrid learning with remote options available. Hybrid approach will be used to begin the school year, with a goal of 100% in-person instruction as soon as it's feasible.
Beginning school on Sept. 1 under their GREEN plan, which is in-person instruction. A fully remote option will be available for those interested.
Oxford County
In-person instruction with a remote option available
The district will vote to approve a final plan on August 17. SAD 17 Superintendent Rick Colpitts told the Sun Journal, Oxford Hills High School will have an in-person cohort plan of two or three-day rotations. All other MSAD 17 schools will have in-person teaching if parents choose. Here is a link to the MSAD 17 coronavirus page.
Parents can choose if their kids will attend in-person or be fully remote. Students Pre-K-8 have three options that prioritize in-person opportunities. Grades 9-12 have two hybrid options and a fully remote option.
Parents could choose in-person or remote learning for their kids. Choices will remain in place until the end of December, but parents who initially chose in-person can opt to move remote if they choose.
For elementary level students, parents can choose between in-person instruction or fully remote; for middle and high school students, parents can choose between a hybrid model or fully remote.
Will open for in-person instruction on Sept. 9 with two groups of students. Details will be sent to parents in the coming weeks.
Penobscot County Mostly hybrid models with some modifications.
A choice of either 5 days a week in person, a hybrid model where students go to school for 2 days and attend remote classes for 3 days, or an entirely remote option. Each school is releasing its own plans on www.bangorschools.net
Brewer
A hybrid model where students work in the classroom 2 days a week and remotely for 3 days. Wednesday is also a flex day where no one is in the school buildings. Parents can also choose to have their students attend all remote learning.
According to Medway Middle School, it was determined at a school board meeting on August 24 that students will not begin the 2020-2021 school year until September 14. At that time students will begin in a fully remote mode.
If Penobscot County is in the GREEN Zone, as defined by the Maine DOE and CDC, MSAD-22 will use a hybrid plan. 50% to 60% of students will be in the buildings sometimes. The district will use two cohorts of Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday with a flex day on Wednesdays. Families do have the ability to choose 100% remote learning if desired. For the descriptions of plans for each color, you can see the details on the MSAD-22 School Board Presentation.
Will be opening with all students and staff for in-person instruction.
In-school classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with remote learning and deep cleaning on Wednesdays. This plan is not posted online anywhere, but School Board Chair Priscilla Hanscom Clark told NEWS CENTER Maine this is their plan.
MSAD-46
Students K-5 can attend in-person school five days a week. Students 6-12 will have a hybrid model, attending in-person classes two days a week and remote classes three days a week.
All schools will participate in a hybrid model.
MSAD-64
‘Hybrid/blended model’ where Pre-K – 5 will attend school five days a week and 6-12 will attend in-person class two days a week and remote learning three days a week.
K-6 will attend four days a week of in-person learning. 7-12 will attend two days of in-person learning a week.
Students have a choice of five days in-person learning or five days of remote learning.
RSU-87
The district is expecting a hybrid model but is still waiting for parents to complete surveys.
Piscataquis County
Will be voting on its re-opening plan on August 19.
N/A
All students attend classes 4 days in person and 1 person remotely.
Students in grades PreK-5 in the building every day except for Wednesday afternoon, which will be an early release. Students in grades 6-8 will have a hybrid schedule.
Sagadahoc County The two school districts both are using modified hybrid options.
For the first week only, 50% of students in grades Pre-K-12 will go to school Tuesday and Thursday, and the other 50% on Wednesday and Friday. No remote learning option on the first week. After the first week, grades 6-12 will begin a hybrid model where 50% of students will attend either on Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. PreK-5 will follow this same model, without remote learning, until September 25. Beginning on September 28, the plan is for PreK-5 to shift to in-person instruction five days per week. The Board of Directors will finalize this plan at a special meeting on August 18.
Students have two options:
- Students will attend in-person teaching and learning to the fullest extent possible, and parents will know that there is a high degree of likelihood that the schools will transition between plans A, B, and C.
- Parents will commit their children to plan D for the first trimester/semester. Plan D is online only.
Somerset County
RSU 74's first day of school is pushed back to Sept. 8 after a student tested positive for COVID-19, Superintendent Mike Tracy said Sept. 1.
MSAD 13 will open the year September 2 in GREEN plan but with cohorts for students.
MSAD 49 will start the school year September 8 in YELLOW, hybrid learning mode. Students will be assigned specific cohort days to limit the number of people in buildings at one time. This phase will last until September 24. According to the superintendent, the district will assess the situation at a September 17 meeting.
The district will open September 3 in GREEN mode with cohorts schedules for students. The district is asking parents to answer some survey questions ASAP.
MSAD-54 will open in a soft start GREEN/YELLOW mode with cohorts scheduled for students
MSAD-59 will return under GREEN with cohorts scheduled for students
The district will open in YELLOW hybrid with cohort schedules for students. Families should receive cohort information by August 19.
MSAD 12 has decided to open the year in GREEN mode with stringent safety precautions in place
Waldo County
RSU 71 will have a tiered open. K-8 will open under GREEN conditions and 9-12 will be under YELLOW, with cohort schedules. The first day of school will Wednesday, September 2.
The department is starting is YELLOW hybrid mode. Parents have until August 20 to decide if students will attend in person or remote learning.
The district will open in a GREEN/YELLOW hybrid mode.
The district will decide final plans on August 20 special school board meeting. Here is a video link to that meeting.
Washington County
The school district has listed options but has not yet voted on the reopening plan. The district did vote to postpone the start of school until September 28.
Students in this district can take their pick of regular in person, hybrid learning, or all remote learning.
York County
Acton (N/A)
Modified Hybrid option 2—Pre-K-8 students in school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 9-12 will return hybrid, with Cohort A on Monday and Tuesday and Cohort B on Thursday and Friday. All students will have a Flex Day on Wednesday
Chronological 4-phased plan, with each school having various approaches.
A hybrid model with a remote learning option for grades K-5, 6-12.
A hybrid plan to start with hopes to transition to full in-person instruction.
Plans to reopen with full-time access to physical schools while offering a remote option for families who choose it. The school year will be divided into segments of school days, after which each family can revisit their personal choice of in-person or remote school options based on the changing conditions and the risk mitigation strategy employed by the district.
A hybrid model with fully remote options available.
Will begin the year with Plan B of a Hybrid model—no more than 50% return to school with additional measures in place. Students may opt for distance learning for the quarter/trimester.
Begin with a hybrid plan that will continue through December 2020. Remote learning options for families who choose not to send their children to school.
Saco schools will adopt a GREEN but hybrid approach when schools open September 8. Final decisions should be made week of August 17th.
No official plan yet—the school board will meet Aug. 17 to discuss options laid out in the draft of the district’s reopening plan.
Weighing two hybrid options, not yet finalized.
A hybrid model with a homeschooling option for all.
This story will be updated daily. Stay tuned here for additional counties to be added.