Region 8 - Innovate to Educate

THE NEXT STAGE BEGINS

"it's essential that we as a community recognize and support the need for a new facility."

- Horch Roofing

For More Plans, Studies and Financial Documents please visit the Resources Section

Region 8 was established by the Legislature on December 6, 1973. Regional Career and Technical schools were created to offer “vocational” courses to high school students in a cost effective method. On January 22, 1975, the Region 8 board voted to purchase the Knox Industrial Facility – the current location of Mid-Coast School of Technology. The voters then passed a bond in May, 1975 for $1.4 million to purchase and renovate the boat-building facility. No major renovations have occurred since the school was opened to students in September, 1977. A recent facilities study, commissioned by the Region 8 Board, has emphasized the urgent need to replace our existing building.

Why we are asking for your support:

A recent facilities study revealed our building is in urgent need of replacement.

Our school was built in 1968 as a boat-building facility and was meant to last 20-25 years.

Electrical, technology, and plumbing systems are all failing.

Existing infrastructure do not meet current building codes.

Noise levels, air quality and lighting all fail to support student learning.

Classrooms and labs are over-crowded and not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Our operational costs are rising as we put “band-aids” on our building.

The “Cost of Doing Nothing” is significant.

Why CTE is Essential:

CTE programs offer national and industry certifications.

CTE is a required educational component in Maine.

CTE prepares students for jobs, military training and postsecondary education.

CTE keeps students engaged in education.

CTE is an applied learning style that is proven to have the best retention rate.

What we intend to do:

The Region 8 Board has voted to pursue a new facility on the current location.

Voters in our region must give their approval for us to borrow the funds.

We will ask voters permission in November, 2016 to build a new facility.

The estimated cost for a new building is between $23 and $25 million.

Additional Renderings can be found in the Resources Section under "Building Project"

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a region?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) regions were established by the Legislature in the 1970’s. A region functions as an extension of the local high schools located within the region.

Who is in charge?

A region is overseen by a Cooperative Board that creates a budget and annual assessment to local school districts or municipalities.

What is CTE?

Career and Technical Education is the new term for “vocational.” CTE programs prepare our students for careers in current and emerging occupations.

Where is Region 8?

Region 8 is located in Rockland and serves 19 communities stretching from Waldoboro to Lincolnville and includes several island communities as well.

What programs are available through Region 8?

Auto Collision Repair
Auto Technology
Design / Technology
Fire Fighting & EMT
Health Occupations

Hospitality
Introduction to Applied Technology
Machine Tool
Marine Technology
Small Engine Repair & Diesel Technology

Pre-Engineering
Residential Construction
Welding / Fabrication

How many students attend Region 8?

Our current enrollment is 314 on site at Mid-Coast School of Technology. We serve an additional 139 students at our local high schools (Cooperative Education) and 43 students in programs on the islands of Islesboro, North Haven and Vinalhaven.