Community Forum #1 Recap: MSAD 33 and Madawaska PreK-12 School Project

On Tuesday, November 3, MSAD 33 and the Madawaska School Department held the first of three community forums on a proposed state-funded PreK-12 school serving Frenchville, St. Agatha, and Madawaska.  

Click here to view the slides from the presentation. 

About the Project

In 2025, the Maine Department of Education ranked MSAD 33's Dr. Levesque Elementary and Wisdom Middle High School second out of 95 applicants for state construction funding. If voters approve consolidating the two districts, Madawaska students will also be served by the new school.

Where Things Stand

The project is in the early stages of the state's 21-step process. Site selection is under way, and the list of possible sites is being narrowed to a dozen or fewer. Visioning workshops held this summer identified priorities such as career and technical education, strong arts and music facilities, a community hub for after-hours use, and distinct spaces for younger and older students.

What We Heard

Attendees asked for transparency, clear information on financing and the benefits of consolidation, and continued communication. They also suggested postsecondary partnerships, space for continuing education, and celebrating St. John Valley Acadian heritage, including honoring the history of our current schools.

Share Your Thoughts

Missed the forum? You can still answer both survey questions at Slido.com:

• Question 1: code 23766315 
• Question 2: code 9934312 

Upcoming Forums

Both forums begin at 6:00 p.m. and cover the same agenda:

• Forum #2: Monday, November 23, Wisdom Middle High School, St. Agatha
• Forum #3: Wednesday, December 9, Madawaska Middle High School, Madawaska

Three Communities, One School: Help Shape Our Future at Community Forum #1

MSAD 33 and Madawaska Schools invite families, students, staff, and neighbors to the first of three community forums on a proposed State-funded PreK-12 school.

Something big is taking shape in our corner of the St. John Valley. MSAD 33 and the Madawaska School Department have the opportunity to join together and build a new, State-funded PreK-12 school. A project like this comes along once in a generation, and we want it to reflect the people it will serve.

That is why we are hosting a series of community forums, beginning with Community Forum #1 on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the St. John Valley Technology Center.

Why your voice matters

Madawaska, Frenchville, and St. Agatha share a river, a heritage, and generations of family ties. A shared school is a chance to combine our strengths, expand opportunities for students, and design a building around how learning happens today. The best plans start with listening, and we want to hear from you before decisions are made.

What to expect

• Project overview: what is being proposed and why this opportunity matters now
• The process ahead: the steps from planning to a finished school, and where community input fits along the way
• Your priorities: an open conversation about what matters most to you in a future school

Whether you are a parent, a student, a teacher, a business owner, or a longtime resident whose children graduated years ago, your perspective belongs in this conversation. Come ready to think about questions like these: What learning spaces would make the biggest difference for students? What programs should a PreK-12 school offer? How can the building serve the wider community?

A note on location

Site selection is currently underway. Information about the future school location will not be part of this forum. We know this question is on many minds, and we will share updates as soon as information is available. Stay tuned.

Can't make it on November 3?

We will cover the same agenda at two more forums, so everyone has a chance to take part.

Forum	Date	Time	Location
Forum #2	Monday, November 23, 2026	6:00 PM	Wisdom Middle High School
Forum #3	Wednesday, December 9, 2026	6:00 PM	Madawaska Middle High School

Questions?

Please contact Benjamin Sirois, Superintendent, at bsirois@vuesc.org.

This school will belong to all of us. Let's plan it together. We hope to see you there!

Site Selection Sub-Committee Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The site selection sub-committee meets tomorrow evening, beginning at 6PM at Wisdom Middle/High School in St. Agatha.  Please see the agenda for tomorrow's meeting below. 

Click here or the image above to access the agenda. 

Reorganization Committee Meeting - Tonight - Tuesday, October 13, 2026

The reorganization committee, which is the committee tasked with identifying how a newly reorganized Regional School Unit 33 would look like if Madawaska were to join that district, will be meeting once again tonight, Tuesday, October 13, beginning at 6:00pm in the Wisdom Middle/High School Library. 

Please see the agenda below for additional information.

Click here or the image above to view the agenda. 

Replay of the October 6 School Construction Committee Meeting

For anyone who missed the October 6 school construction committee meeting and are interested in learning about where things stand, please use the link below to access the video recording.  We hope to record all meetings of the school construction committee, as well as the sub-committee meetings for site selection and educational programing moving forward. 

Click here or the image above to access the October 6 meeting recording.

MSAD33/Madawaska Schools - School Construction Committee Meeting Tonight - Tuesday, October 6, 2026

 The full school construction committee, a committee made up of various stakeholders from Frenchville, Madawaska, and St. Agatha, including community members and school personnel, will be meeting this evening.   The committee will get introduced to the Harriman team, the engineers/architects for this project.  The Harriman team will be providing the committee with an outlook for the months ahead. 

The meeting begins at 6:00pm at the Madawaska Middle/High School library and all residents of Frenchville, Madawaska, and St. Agatha are welcomed to attend. 

Site Selection Sub-Committee Meeting - Wednesday, September 23, 2026

The site selection sub-committee meets tomorrow night at SJVTC, beginning at 5:30 pm.  The meeting will move quickly into executive session, meaning the site discussion happens behind closed doors. This is required by Maine law and exists for a simple reason: If committee members openly discuss which sites they prefer or what they think land is worth, that information could put the community at a disadvantage when negotiating with a landowner.

Keeping those deliberations private protects the taxpayers' interests. Once a site is selected, the final decision will be made in open session with full public opportunity to weigh in.

We hope to keep the community updated throughout this process.

Click here or the image above for the agenda.

Reorganization Committee to Meet: Wednesday, September 16

 The reorganization committee, which is the committee tasked with identifying how a newly reorganized Regional School Unit 33 would look like if Madawaska were to join that district, will be meeting once again on Wednesday, September 16, beginning at 6:00pm in the Madawaska Middle High School Library. 

Please see the agenda below for additional information.

Click here or the image above. 

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First Meeting of the Site Selection Sub-Committee: Thursday, August 27

 The site selection sub-committee for the MSAD33 and Madawaska school construction program is set to meet at 6:00pm on Thursday, August 27 at the St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville.  This is a public meeting that any resident can attend.  

Please see the agenda below:

Click here or on the agenda above.

Reorganization Committee to Meet: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

The reorganization committee is examining what governance would look like if Madawaska were to join MSAD 33. The committee will meet on Wednesday, August 26, at 6:00 p.m. in the Wisdom Middle/High School library.

The agenda includes reviewing revisions to the reorganization plan prepared by legal counsel and scheduling an upcoming public meeting where residents can hear the plan and provide feedback.

This is a public meeting, and residents of Frenchville, Madawaska, and St. Agatha are encouraged to attend and be part of the process.

Site Requests for School Construction

Please share this with anyone in the region who might be willing to sell land, approximately 30 acres in size.  

 Click here the image above for a larger view of the Site Advertisement.

Exciting News: MSAD 33 and Madawaska Schools Select Harriman to Lead New PreK-12 Educational Facility

We are thrilled to share a major milestone in the journey toward a new, permanent home for our students in the St. John Valley.

MSAD 33 and Madawaska Schools have selected Harriman (a Maine-based architectural and engineering firm) to lead the design and planning of a new PreK-12 Educational Facility. This is a significant step forward, and one that reflects years of determination, community perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to our children's future.

Why Harriman?

Harriman stood out for many reasons, but perhaps most importantly: They are a Maine firm that truly understands our region. With team members located right here in Aroostook County (including in Caribou) Harriman brings not only statewide expertise but genuine local presence. They have already demonstrated their commitment to our community through prior projects in the area, including work at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the NMCC Dining Commons Renovation, and the Fish River Rural Health Madawaska Health Clinic.

Beyond their regional roots, Harriman brings an impressive depth of experience in PreK-12 school design, with more than 200 elementary schools, 60 middle schools, and 70 high schools in their portfolio, along with 80+ school assessments and studies. Their dedicated PreK–12 Education Studio integrates architects, engineers, educational planners, and interior designers under one roof, which means our project will benefit from a team that thinks about every stage of a child's school experience.

Harriman has also made a clear commitment to keeping our community informed every step of the way. They believe transparency isn't just a best practice, it's a foundation for trust. Throughout the planning and design process, Harriman will prioritize open communication, ensure stakeholders are never left guessing, and actively work to build consensus around key decisions. Families, educators, and community members can expect to be engaged early, updated often, and genuinely heard.

A School Built Around Our Community

One of the things that excites us most about Harriman is their deeply collaborative approach. They believe great schools grow from the communities they serve, and they mean it. Harriman is committed to a transparent, inclusive community engagement process that ensures students, families, educators, and St. John Valley residents all have a voice in shaping what this new facility looks like and what it stands for.

This isn't just a building project — it's an opportunity to reimagine what education can look like in our valley for generations to come. From early childhood spaces designed around how young children learn and grow, to high school environments that prepare students for life beyond graduation, the new facility will be thoughtfully designed for every learner.

Looking Ahead

The road to a new PreK-12 school has not been without its challenges, and we are deeply grateful for the patience and support of our community along the way. With Harriman now on board, we are ready to move forward with purpose and momentum.

In the coming weeks and months, you will have opportunities to participate in the planning process. Your input matters, and Harriman's team is ready to listen. Stay tuned for updates on community engagement sessions and next steps.

Together, we are building something extraordinary for the children of the St. John Valley.

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School Construction Update: Interview Subcommittee Formed

Following our first meeting on May 13, 2026, the school construction committee formed several subcommittees to keep the project moving forward.

One of these is the Interview Subcommittee, which is tasked with interviewing three Engineering and Architectural firms chosen by the full committee.

What you need to know:

• Who is on the committee: Community members from Frenchville, Madawaska, and St. Agatha, plus school representatives from MSAD33 and Madawaska Schools.

• When are the interviews: June 1, 2026.

• What happens next: The subcommittee plans to present a final recommendation to the full construction committee shortly after the interviews.
  

May 6 Community Information Night Video

 For those who missed the May 6 community information night, the recording of the meeting can be accessed by clicking the image below. 

Click here or the image above.

School Construction Committee Meets tonight - Wednesday, May 13, 2026

 Public Notice

The school construction committee for the proposed PreK-12 Regional School for Frenchville, Madawaska, and St. Agatha meets for it's first meeting tonight, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, beginning at 6:00pm at the St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville. 

This is a public meeting that any resident is welcome to attend.  

To view the agenda for the meeting, click here. 

Announcing Our School Construction Committee

We're excited to share a major step forward for the families and students of Madawaska, Frenchville, and St. Agatha: the formation of a joint School Construction Committee

that will guide the planning and design of a new school facility to serve all three communities.

This work is possible because MSAD33 has been placed on the Maine Department of Education's approved Major Capital School Construction list, a milestone years in the making. Recognizing the opportunity to do something bigger together, MSAD33 has invited the Madawaska School Department to join in a collaborative project. The state has confirmed that 100% of basic construction costs will be covered, with only "extras" funded locally. The building this committee helps shape will serve our students for the next 50 years.

What the Committee Does

The School Construction Committee is the governing body for this project. Its members will:

• Develop the guiding principles and educational vision for the new building

• Endorse recommendations from seven focused subcommittees (site selection, educational programming, design, finance, community engagement, technology, and furnishings)

• Vote on major project milestones, including site selection, schematic design, and selection of the engineering and architectural firm

• Serve as the community voice: Attending public forums, listening, and bringing input back to the table

• Monitor the overall budget and timeline throughout the project

Day-to-day construction management belongs to our professional engineering and architectural team. The committee's role is to make sure the project reflects the values and needs of our communities.

First Meeting

The committee will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the St. John Valley Technology Center, facilitated by construction consultant Rick Lyons. The agenda includes orientation to Maine's school construction process, the committee's scope and subcommittee structure, the project timeline, and review of responses to the engineering services RFQ.

Your Committee Members

We are deeply grateful to the following individuals who have said yes to this work on behalf of our students and communities:

Shared / VUESC

• Benjamin Sirois — Superintendent

• Lucie Tabor — Shared Business Manager

• Lise Pelletier — Special Education Director

MSAD33 (Frenchville & St. Agatha)

• Robby Nadeau — Building Administrator

• Brian Beaulieu — School Board Member

• Kyle Labbe — Community Member, Frenchville

• Robbie Chamberland — Community Member, St. Agatha

• Jenna St. Onge — Elementary Teacher

• Mike Berube — CTE Instructor

• Kevin Lavoie — CTE Director / Facilities Oversight

• Christine Hebert — Parent

Madawaska School Department

• Christian Arnold — Building Administrator

• Nick Guerrette — School Committee Member

• Richard Dionne — Community Member, Madawaska

• Colin Jandreau — Middle/High School Teacher

• Rhiannon Hartvigsen — Special Education Teacher

• Ashley Pelletier — Parent

• Paul Chasse — Facilities/Safety Director

Facilitator

• Rick Lyons — Construction Consultant

This is the second-in-a-generation effort for our communities, and it's one we intend to get right. We'll continue to share regular updates as the work moves forward, and we welcome your questions, your input, and your hopes for what this new school can be.

 

Join Us: Community Information Night on School Collaboration

We are excited to invite residents of Frenchville, St. Agatha, and Madawaska to a Community Information Night regarding the ongoing collaboration between MSAD 33 and the Madawaska School Department.

Over the past few months, there have been major developments in our efforts to form a Regional School Unit (RSU) and build a new, state-funded PreK-12 regional school. We want to ensure that our community members are fully informed and involved in this historic process.

Whether you have been following the updates closely or are just tuning in, this is the perfect opportunity to learn about where things currently stand.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Madawaska Middle/High School Cafeteria

What to Expect

During the meeting, representatives will provide a comprehensive update on:

• The current status of the state-funded PreK-12 school project.
• The progress of the joint Reorganization Committee and the steps toward forming a unified RSU.
• Updates on the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and architectural services.
• The expected timeline for next steps, including the upcoming referendums and committee formations.

Future Meetings

We are committed to making these updates accessible to everyone in our communities. Please note that future community meetings will rotate between Frenchville, St. Agatha, and Madawaska.

We strongly encourage parents, taxpayers, and community members to attend, get the facts, and hear firsthand about the future of education in the St. John Valley.

We hope to see you there!

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering Services

Notice to Architects and Engineers

Request for Qualifications

Maine School Administrative District No. 33 (RSU 33/MSAD 33), wishes to procure architectural/

engineering services for the preliminary analysis and planning through construction for a comprehensive PreK-12 Educational Facility in the St. John Valley in northern Maine.

The vision is to develop a project that would deliver enhanced educational opportunities to students on a regional scale. The project will result in a comprehensive PreK-12 for the communities of Frenchville, St. Agatha and Madawaska. This facility will also support industry training programs leading to recognized licensure and certification, and may include other related work in the region.

The scope of services to be provided includes, but is not limited to;

• Preliminary analysis of critical elements including infrastructure, regulations, demographics and other key components associated with the project
• Analysis of existing buildings and sites
• Site analysis leading to Site Selection and State Board of Education approval
• Support and integration of the Educational Visioning process
• Space allocation analysis and program development
• Development of Concept Design and budget leading to State Board of Education and referendum approval
• Preparation of construction documents and construction administration

The firm will work under the direction of the districts involved in the project and the Department of Education and will be required to coordinate with other consultants contracted by the Owner.

Interested firms should submit six paper copies and one electronic copy of a Letter of Interest with a Statement of Qualifications which includes the firm's:

1. qualifications to undertake this project;
2. list of projects that demonstrate the firm's capabilities;
3. list of recently completed work of similar type and size projects, with client contact information for each project;
4. experience with budgets and project cost control, with some results of the firm's activities;
5. profiles of key personnel who will be involved in the project;
6. statement of current workload and ability to absorb the project; and
7. list of business references other than those listed above, including contact information.

If the submitting firm plans to undertake the project with the assistance of additional engineering and design professionals, information should be provided as listed above on all firms and individuals.

The paper copies of the Letter of Interest and Statement of Qualifications should be sent to Benjamin Sirois, Executive Director, Valley Unified Regional Service Center, 84 Pleasant Street, Suite 1, Ft. Kent, ME 04743 to be received no later than 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 .  The electronic copy of the Letter of Interest and Statement of Qualifications should be sent as an attachment to an email addressed to bsirois@vuesc.org to meet the deadline noted above.

Firms interested in making a submittal are directed to not make personal contact with the Executive Director or other members of either MSAD33 or Madawaska Public Schools. Any contact may constitute grounds for disqualification of consideration.

Firms responding will be screened and interviewed on the basis of qualifications only. Project fees and specific design solutions for this project will not be discussed at the interview. Specific program information will not be available before the screening of qualification packages. The selection committee will rank all firms and negotiate terms with the highest ranked firm.

Madawaska votes to send Grades PreK-12

A collaborative meeting of the MSAD33 Board of Directors and the Madawaska School Committee was rescheduled for February 4, 2026.  This meeting was attended by Maine DOE Director of School Construction, Scott Brown who presented information about school construction and answered questions. 

After originally voting to only send grades 6-12 to the proposed regional school with MSAD33, the Madawaska School Committee revisited the vote later in the meeting, finally approving sending all students PreK-12 by a unanimous vote.   Both votes came after the Madawaska School committee was presented with results from a parent and public survey to gauge the public's preference on grade level combinations.   

Public comments from the Madawaska finance committee member and local business owner Vincent Frallicciardi, as well as MSAD33 board chairman Joshua Desjardins both urged the Madawaska School Committee to reconsider their vote, stating that this collaboration has to be "all or nothing".  

Madawaska Town Manager David Daigle was also available to answer questions that the Madawaska School committee members had about property valuation related to school closures.  

The school units will look to form a School Construction Committee in the upcoming weeks to oversee key next steps in this process.  The first step will be selecting an engineering firm.  An RFQ for engineering services has been posted at https://bit.ly/RSU33. 

Tonight's Meeting Postponed

 Due to the winter storm that hit Maine last night and this morning, the DOE construction team could not make the trip to Frenchville for tonight's meeting.  Intermittent internet outages also makes a Zoom meeting unreliable.  

We are therefore postponing tonight's meeting and looking to reschedule for next week.  Once that has been confirmed we will update the public. 

Sorry for the late notice.