Why Valley Unified?

During the 3rd meeting of the Valley Unified Board of Directors, Executive Director, Ben Sirois, reminded those in attendance about why Valley Unified has been created and why we are working regionally to improve educational opportunities for our learners.  Click on the image below for the slides from that presentation.

Valley Unified to Receive FEDES III Grant

Valley Unified Regional Service Center has been notified by the Maine Department of Education that they are an award recipient for the third round of EMBRACE grants, also known as FEDES III.   A total of 17 regions applied for this round; however, in the end, only four were chosen.

Negotiations with the DOE are set to occur on February 1st, where DOE representatives will review the grant application goals with the Valley Unified Regional team.  Included in this grant are all engineering/architectural costs associated with site selection, school concept design, facilities study, comprehensive enrollment study, and educational visioning.  These are all costs that would have otherwise had to be funded locally and reimbursed during the construction phases of the Regional School project. 

Click on the DOE Media Release below for more information.

Second Meeting of Valley Unified Educational Facility Site Selection Committee - Agenda

The Valley Unified Educational Facility Site Selection Committee will hold its second meeting on Monday, January 14, beginning at 6 PM at the St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville.  To view the meeting agenda, click on the image below.

Interview with Valley Unified Executive Director - Ben Sirois

Thank you to Madawaska Middle/High School senior Brianne Thibeault and the WOWL crew for giving me the chance to answer some questions that are on the mind of our citizens. 


Questions asked and answered during this interview:

1. What is the difference between the schools we have now and what this regional high school would be?

2. Once the location of the new school is determined, then will towns need to vote to close their school and how will that work?

3. In your opinion, would it have made sense to have determined the location of the school before proceeding with site selection?

4. Why do you feel that the Valley Unified School is the best option for future generations.

5. How do you think sports programs or other programs like it will function? For example how will travel after practices and games be handled?  Right now students are relatively close to their schools and getting home after practice is easier.  What will happen for those students who are farther away?

6. Why do you think there are people in disagreement with regard to this school?  For example: The large full page ad appeared in the Valley Times last month questioning the need for a new school.

7. Do you have anything else to add?

Please remember, we are all in this together! 

Click on the image to view the interview.