By Kendra Caruso | May 13, 2021
BELFAST — Free COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held for Regional School Unit 71 students at Troy Howard Middle School and Belfast Area High School, Superintendent Mary Alice McLean announced at a May 10 board meeting. The board also voted to create an ad hoc committee to make recommendations regarding the district’s option to buy three former Bank of America buildings and consolidate the district’s K-2 grades into one school.
Parents can have their children 12 to 15 years old vaccinated at Belfast Area High School’s vaccine clinic May 17 and 18. Pfizer vaccines will be administered by Seaport Community Health Center staff. Seaport staff will returnJune 7 and 8 to give the second shot. Consent forms should be dropped off at the high school or scanned and sent to the school nurse at ewesson@rsu71.org.
MaineHealth and Waldo County General Hospital will give the Pfizer vaccine to eligible Troy Howard students whose parents want them to be vaccinated. The second shot will be given June 7. Parents must submit consent forms to the school in person or electronically by May 14 to Mrs. Mailloux.
Parents may accompany their minor children while they receive the shot. Students in remote learning can also receive the vaccine, and printed consent forms can be picked up at the main office.
In other business, board members approved an ad hoc committee to make recommendations to the board about the district's potentially buying three former Bank of America buildings, which are not currently owned by Bank of America, to consolidate the district’s K-2 students into one school.
McLean first discussed the option with board members at their April 26 meeting, but the deal is not ready to be put before residents for a vote, McLean said at that meeting. The move would close at least two schools in the district and allow it to have only one bus run. It would not reduce the district’s staff size, but would reduce overall operating costs over time.
Community members interested in serving on the volunteer-based committee can fill out an online application found at rsu71.org. Applications are due by 8 a.m. Friday, May 21. Board members will select committee members. Those chosen to be on the committee will be notified by May 26.