The $20 million project, which has qualified for state funding, is at the beginning of a 21-step process.

Maine Virtual Academy plans to contract with K12 Inc. of Herndon, Virginia, the nation’s largest online education company, for academic services.

For purely selfish reasons, Unity hopes Gorham rejects Heather Perry. The vote is expected Feb. 11.

Favorable interest rates will allow the Waterville school to spend on programs and capital improvements without using its $750 million endowment.

The school’s associate degree program will shift to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Glenn Cummings, interim president at UMaine Augusta, a provost-vice president at a college in New Jersey, and a dean at West Virginia University are the finalists.

Trustees also divest some coal investments, and have identified finalists for the position of USM president.

Derek Langhauser will replace John Fitzsimmons, who was president for 24 years and resigned last week under pressure.

The new center serves children with autism and other developmental delays and disabilities.