POLAND — Regional School Unit 16 is looking for “highly motivated, collaborative and analytical individuals” to join its Futures Task Force.

According to a news release from the three-town school district, the goal of the task force “is to develop and present recommendations to the school board in September 2023 to achieve cost savings and address issues, while maintaining quality education for students.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for those passionate about education and want to contribute to making recommendations that impact the lives of students and communities,” the district said.

“Task Force members will collaborate with others to gather and analyze data on issues such as transportation, teacher shortage, class size inequities, and aging buildings,” the district said. They will also “conduct research and analysis on potential consolidation options, engage with stakeholders such as parents, teachers, and community members to understand their concerns, and develop and present reports outlining recommendations.”

The district plans public meetings where task force members will “gather input” and work with one another to develop a strategic plan.

The district said it is looking for volunteers “with experience working with school districts, education policy and community engagement. Members should have strong analytical and research skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team with a high level of attention to detail.”

Members of the task force will be announced May 12, the district said, and begin meeting soon after. The district expects the task force will meet twice a month.

RSU 16 includes Poland, Mechanic Falls and Minot.

Anyone interested in serving as a staff representative should contact D’Arcy Robinson or Holly Patenaude.

Those interested in being a community representative should contact their town manager or administrator.

Minot: Danielle Loring: admin@minotmaine.org, 345-3305

Mechanic Falls: Vic Hodgkins: vhodgkins@mechanicfalls.org, 345-2871

Poland: Matt Garside: mgarside@polandtownoffice.org, 998-4601