SAD 41 continues to utilize adult education cooperative resources

MILO — Residents of the region looking to improve their lives through various academic and career programs can do so through the Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative (PVAEC), while also having the opportunity to take college courses through Eastern Maine Community College and the University of Maine-Augusta in the same building as the cooperative’s main office at the Penquis Higher Education Center on Mayo Street in Dover-Foxcroft.

Those looking for something fun and interesting to do can take part in a number of the cooperative’s enrichment courses, which like the academics are offered in Dover-Foxcroft as well as other locations across an approximate 1,000-square mile region in Milo, Dexter, Guilford, Monson and Greenville.

The SAD 41 school board learned more about PVAEC programs during a presentation by PVAEC Director Thelma Regan during a Dec. 11 meeting at the Penquis Valley School. Next month the directors are set to vote on continuing district membership in the cooperative for another year.

Regan said she speaks to each of the four PVAEC member district directors — the others are SAD 4, SAD 46 and RSU 68 — at least once a year. She began with a pipe analogy with the line serving one’s education path.

“When drips come we go running,” Regan said, as students can face barriers along the way and the PVAEC is there to assist. “All the way through we help with college transitions and we are highly involved in workforce development.”

She said the cooperative works with colleges, employers and Eastern Maine Development Corporation, which has office space in the Penquis Higher Education Center. Regan serves on the Piscataqius County Economoic Development Council (PCEDC) Executive Committee, which is also housed on the Dover-Foxcroft campus.

Regan mentioned former PCEDC Executive Director Chris Winstead has departed to become director of workforce development at Eastern Maine Community College. “That will be a big blessing for us,” the PVAEC director said about the long-established relationships Winstead has with the region.. “I think a new path has been cleared.”

During the current academic year, 43 residents of SAD 41 communities are taking part in PVAEC adult education programs, Regan said. “Adult ed is still a good deal for you folks, you are still paying less than when PVAEC was organized 15 years ago,” she said as each of the four district shares is based on population.

The current program budget is nearly $411,500 and Regan said the increase has been very small year to year.

Regan said the cooperative works with area businesses on training programs. PVAEC has partnered with the Hibbard Skilled Nursing Center in Dover-Foxcroft to help address the CNA shortage in the region. The facility will cover the program costs for graduates if they sign on to work there for a year after graduation, so they receive guaranteed employment and certification at no net cost.

“I just submitted my letter of resignation for retirement on June 30,” Regan said, saying she is looking forward to spending more time with her 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren after being with the PVAEC since the organization began a decade and a half ago.

“I think it’s time for new energy and ideas,” she said, mentioning she will still be involved. Regan said the director position should be advertised starting in February.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity,” she said, mentioning she previously taught middle school. “I figured if I can help parents instead of just their kids, the ripple effect would be far greater than helping those eight-graders.”

“I just want to thank you for all the work you have done and you are just a dynamo and we are going to miss you,” Board Chair Roberta Trefts told Regan.