The LePage administration's attempt to streamline secondary school education has taken a step forward.
The Education Department has picked three proposals from seven as finalists for possible funding of an education facility that will combine high schools, career technical education and local business.
"This is a model that people have been asking for for a number of years," says Maine Education Commissioner Robert Hasson. "And, as we imagine this process, we're focused on improving student achievement through different entities within a geographical area that work together."
Hasson says the idea is about more than just consolidating rural high schools. It will also involve adding community technical education to the mix.
Two of the three proposals came from Aroostook County schools, the third from Piscataquis County. All will now have six months to refine their proposals. The state will award one or more of the proposals technical assistance and some funding for any new construction required.