Proposed School Reorganization Would Spread Existing and Future School Debt Across All Member Towns. The latest RSU plan would combine operational and capital debt into one regional budget if voters approve it this fall.

Bar Harbor Council Recommends Against School Reorganization.

The Town Council unanimously recommended rejecting a plan to create a single regional school unit, setting up a region-wide November vote. Carrie Jones Sep 02, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Bar Harbor Historical Society. BAR HARBOR—The Bar Harbor Town Council members unanimously voted against recommending the school reorganization plan to voters, September 1. That means when Bar Harbor voters head to … Continue reading Bar Harbor Council Recommends Against School Reorganization.

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One Last Welcome Back at Conners Emerson.

Conners Emerson teachers and staff returned Monday to a red-carpet welcome from students and parents, beginning the final school year in Bar Harbor’s old elementary school buildings. Carrie Jones Sep 01, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Geddy’s. BAR HARBOR—Students in the Mount Desert Island region begin school today, heading onto buses, bikes, and person vehicles to start a brand new school year. … Continue reading One Last Welcome Back at Conners Emerson.

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Split Bar Harbor School Committee Votes to Recommend School Reorganization Plan.

Mount Desert Selectboard Hopes For More Answers About Its Role in Process. Carrie Jones Aug 04, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Bank. BAR HARBOR—This Monday, a split school committee voted in favor of recommending the school reorganization plan to the Bar Harbor voters while that same night, the Mount Desert Selectboard and its town officials hope to find more clarity … Continue reading Split Bar Harbor School Committee Votes to Recommend School Reorganization Plan.

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As Her Oldest Daughter Went From Kindergarten to Graduation. Susan Reiff Allen Never Left the Table.

A Tireless Advocate for Kids Steps Away After 15 Years. Carrie Jones Jun 12, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Restaurant Barn. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—For 15 years, Susan Reiff Allen has served the students and school staff of the Mount Desert Island region. She’s done more than that, though. As the longest serving board member, Allen has given time in many leadership capacities including … Continue reading As Her Oldest Daughter Went From Kindergarten to Graduation. Susan Reiff Allen Never Left the Table.

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MDI Junior Finishes Fourth in Nation at SkillsUSA Championships.

From a Backup Plan to the National Finals, Emery Bench and HCTC Shine in Atlanta. Carrie Jones Jun 11, 2026 SOUTHWEST HARBOR, ELLSWORTH, AND ATLANTA—When Emery Bench returned home from Atlanta after competing at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, he was proud of his fourth-place national finish, but he admitted there was something he had missed during the week away. “My cats,” Bench … Continue reading MDI Junior Finishes Fourth in Nation at SkillsUSA Championships.

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Despite Strong Rankings, Some Bar Harbor Parents Raise Concerns About School’s Science Education

Four families told the School Committee they worry science instruction becomes limited after fifth grade and encourage expanded opportunities for middle school students. Carrie Jones Jun 04, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Paradis Ace Hardware. BAR HARBOR—How the Conners Emerson School brings STEAM and science learning to its students after fifth grade is a concern for some Bar Harbor parents, School Committee … Continue reading Despite Strong Rankings, Some Bar Harbor Parents Raise Concerns About School’s Science Education

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Statewide assembly to discuss Maine education priorities, inform future policymakers

USM and the Maine Education Policy Research Institute are seeking four volunteers from each county for the June event. The deadline to sign up is May 10. May 09, 2026 By Charley DiAdamo/Maine Monitor MAINE—Organizers are seeking volunteers for the first‑of‑its‑kind Maine Citizens’ Assembly on Education Priorities, a new statewide effort to gather public input on learning opportunities and the future of the state’s schools. The event, … Continue reading Statewide assembly to discuss Maine education priorities, inform future policymakers

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A Summer of Planning Ahead for Safety at New Conners Emerson School.

School Leaders Hope Safety Planning Conversations Continue to Move Forward. Carrie Jones May 07, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen. BAR HARBOR—As the Conners Emerson School prepares for a brand-new school building next year, Principal Dr. Heather Weir Webster thinks it’s a perfect time to think and plan about school safety. That thought, she told School Board members, … Continue reading A Summer of Planning Ahead for Safety at New Conners Emerson School.

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Was Real at MDI High School Call Linked to Nationwide Hoaxes Triggers Lockdown and Raises Communication Questions

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“I Thought That Today I Might Die.” The Lockdown Was a Hoax, but For Many the Fear Was Real at MDI High School

Call Linked to Nationwide Hoaxes Triggers Lockdown and Raises Communication Questions Carrie Jones Apr 04, 2026 BAR HARBOR—Though Friday’s lockdown of the Mount Desert Island High School turned out to be a hoax, for many of the students and faculty, the staff and the parents, it still had emotional and psychological impacts. The school is not alone. According to Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Chief David … Continue reading “I Thought That Today I Might Die.” The Lockdown Was a Hoax, but For Many the Fear Was Real at MDI High School

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MDI High School Budget Vote April 1: What Residents Need to Know.

Public Meeting Will Decide $19.6M MDI High School Budget. Shaun Farrar Mar 31, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Bank. MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION—Local school budgets make up a large portion of the town budgets for all four towns on Mount Desert Island. Every year, these budgets are proposed and then scrutinized by warrant committees and select boards/councils before being approved … Continue reading MDI High School Budget Vote April 1: What Residents Need to Know.

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