POLAND — Directors of Regional School Unit 16 on Monday night approved a 2025 trip to the Galapagos Islands for up 30 Poland Regional High School students.
Biology and marine biology teacher Patrick Martin requested the board’s consent for the trip to the famous group of volcanic islands 560 miles off the coast of Ecuador to study issues such as conservation, ecotourism and environmental science.
The tour will be done through Education First, an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs and cultural exchange.
The cost of the trip is about $4,500 and will be funded by scholarship grants and students taking on jobs.
Adult chaperones, one per six students, will also be required.
Stewart said about 20 students have shown interest in the planned adventure.
In his written report to the RSU 16 directors representing Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland, Director of Operations John Hawley said, “In the past year, we had four incidents of suspected propane leaks.”
The incidents occurred at Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls and Poland Community School, with three requiring fire department response.
Hawley said the school department has taken additional steps “to ensure that our schools are safe, including having the tanks inspected, the feed lines inspected, and additional propane detectors installed.”
Hazardous gas leak emergency response is also being reviewed for any needed modifications.
Hawley also noted a new generator is in store for Minot Consolidated school with the bidding done in two ways, one for a unit that would run the entire school and the second bid that has the generator only run essential services such as the kitchen’s refrigeration, freezer, heat and hot water.
Generators at Elm Street and Poland Community Schools do not run the entire school, whereas the generator at the high and middle school does power the entire building.
Funds for the new generator would come from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, established due to the needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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