The RSU 21 school board recently sent a letter to Maine lawmakers urging them to protect federal funding for schools. Contributed / RSU 21 screenshot

The RSU 21 School Board and Superintendent Dr. Terri Cooper are calling attention to the role of federal funding in supporting students’ academic and developmental needs.

At a meeting on March 4, the board approved a letter, written by board member Megan Michaud, to be sent to Maine lawmakers, including Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King.

The letter is a formal appeal to Maine’s congressional delegation, emphasizing the necessity of federal funding for Maine school districts.

“Federal funding is not just beneficial, it is fundamental to ensuring all students have access to the education and resources they need to succeed,” the letter reads.

According to Michaud, the purpose of the letter is to inform legislators and the public about how federal funding helps the district.

“It’s going to be really impactful,” board member Claudia Sayre said of the letter.

The district’s attempt to appeal to Maine lawmakers comes after RSU 21 recently upheld its stance to allow transgender athletes to compete in sports.

President Trump passed an executive order last month banning transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams, an order that both Maine Gov. Janet Mills and RSU 21 said they would not comply with.

Maine law and the Maine Principals’ Association allow transgender athletes to participate in sports on the teams aligning with the gender in which they identify.

These are the guidelines adhered to by RSU 21.

But President Trump has also threatened to withhold federal funding from states and school districts that do not comply with the executive order, potentially putting RSU 21 at risk for losing its funding.

“Without federal funding support, many children will struggle to meet even the most basic educational and developmental milestones,” the letter continues.

RSU 21 currently relies on $1,349,129 in federal funding to support its 2,380 students. These funds enable programs like special education services, school nutrition initiatives, and academic support.

According to the district, the funding has also led to significant improvements, such as a 65% increase in meal consumption after implementing free school meals.

Without federal funding, services like specialized instruction for students with disabilities, nutritional support, and professional development for teachers would struggle to stay afloat in the district.

The letter concludes by urging Maine lawmakers to “stand firm” in advocating for Maine children and public schools.

“We ask for your commitment in safeguarding these essential resources,” the letter reads.

The letter was signed by Cooper, RSU 21 School Board Chair Matthew Stratford, and was co-signed by the rest of the board.