The Maine Green Schools Network is established within the department to support environmental education and initiatives within public schools and school administrative units as described in section 9933. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
1. Administration. The department shall administer the network. In administering the network, the department may collaborate with the following entities:
A. A nonprofit organization in this State that supports environmental awareness, accountability and action through fostering youth leadership, supporting educators, prioritizing research and evaluation, shifting culture and advancing transformational policy; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
B. Other state agencies; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
C. Tribal governments; and [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
D. Nonprofit organizations that support environmental, outdoor and climate learning programs, traditional ecological knowledge, local procurement and other experiential learning initiatives in public schools and school administrative units. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
2. Network composition. The department may, subject to availability of funds, invite the following individuals to participate in the network:
A. The director of green schools within the department; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
B. The climate education specialist within the department; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
C. The Wabanaki studies specialist within the department; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
D. One educator with experience teaching in a public elementary or secondary school in the State; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
E. One school administrator employed at a school administrative unit in the State; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
F. A member of the public; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
G. A representative from a climate education nonprofit organization; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
H. A representative from a career and technical school; [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
I. A representative from the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future with expertise in youth engagement or climate education; and [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
J. A representative from the Department of Environmental Protection. [PL 2025, c. 422, §1 (NEW).]
The department may invite additional individuals or organizations to participate in the network.