In general, Maine students attend school in the school administrative unit (SAU) in which they live. However, a parent/guardian may submit a request to their local superintendent for their child to attend school in a different SAU. The superintendents of both the resident and receiving SAUs will review the transfer request, and if both agree the transfer is in the student's best interest, the agreement is approved.

This online resource from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) includes more information regarding the student transfer process, residency, state subsidy, and potential appeals.

Maine DOE:

If a student transfer request is denied, the parent/legal guardian of a student requesting transfer may request that the Commissioner of Education review the transfer. The Maine DOE includes substantial information on its website about this process and what is required. Parents should also consider the the implications of the Maine Principals' Association's policy regarding student transfers, which can be found on page 31 at this link.

In accordance with Maine DOE procedures, the parent/legal guardian should fill out the appeal form linked on the Maine DOE website:

As part of this process, the parent/guardian should upload the Transfer Request Form that they previously submitted to the Superintendent, along with all supporting documentation. The parent/guardian should also upload the Superintendent Transfer Determination Form completed by the superintendents, and a separate letter to the Education Commissioner addressing the issues the denying superintendent(s) raised in their determination.

Once the form has been received, the DOE will review the form for completion and send an email to the parent/legal guardian and superintendents. If receipt of information is not confirmed within 7 business days, the parent/legal guardian should call the Maine DOE at 207-215-5427.

The Commissioner shall review the superintendents’ determinations and communicate with the superintendents and with the parent/legal guardian of the student prior to making a decision. The Commissioner may approve or disapprove the transfer and shall provide to the parent/legal guardian of the student and to the superintendents a written decision describing the basis of the Commissioner’s determination.

State Board of Education

If dissatisfied with the Commissioner’s decision, a parent/legal guardian of a student requesting transfer or either superintendent may, within 15 calendar days of the Commissioner’s decision, request that the State Board of Education review the transfer. The State Board shall send a letter to the parents/legal guardians, superintendents, and the Commissioner that the request for review has been filed and inform them when the Board will meet and review the appeal. The State Board shall make a decision within 45 calendar days of receiving the request.

• The State Board cannot accept new information that was not previously presented to the superintendents or the Commissioner

• At the meeting to review the appeal, parent(s)/guardian(s) and superintendents will be permitted to offer statements to the Board during the executive session.

• Once the State Board begins deliberations, only State Board members will be present. In public session, State Board members will take a vote whether to approve or disapprove the superintendents’ determination.

The State Board shall provide to the parent of the student, the superintendents and the Commissioner a written decision describing the basis of the State Board's determination. Per statute, the State Board's decision is final and binding.