SEARSPORT – Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) attended the second board meeting of the Maine Ocean School, (Maine School of Marine Science, Technology, Transportation and Engineering School) in Searsport on Monday July 25, 2016.
While the board is in the early stages of developing the school, they are on track to have the educational plan ready by February 2107, with some programs available in the fall of that year. Senator Thibodeau congratulated the board on making the school a reality and reflected on the importance of the school-not only to the future of Searsport and Stockton Springs, but also to Waldo County and the entire State of Maine. Town Manager James Gillway, who also serves in the Maine House of Representatives, sponsored the initial piece of legislation to bring the school to fruition. He thanked Senator Thibodeau for the critical role he played in shepherding the bill through the Legislature. Without his help, Gillway said, the school would not exist.
Also at the meeting, Charlene Knox Farris presented the board with a report about the extensive history of Searsport and why it makes sense for the school to be located here. Searsport has a long history of supporting seafarers and the marine industry since the early 1700s.
The institution will be a public magnet school designed to provide certain high-achieving high school students with a challenging educational experience. The school will be located in the Town of Searsport and will serve students from throughout Maine. Students from other states and countries may attend on a space-available basis. Board members include Eric Jergerson, Carla Scocchi, Gayle Zydlewski, Tom Marx, Major Rene Cloutier, Almond “Bud” Rivers, Captain Mike Flagan and Mike Rugers. (photo)
For more information on the school, please contact Jim Gillway at (207) 548-6372.