The June 3, 2026 Board agenda lists the "Nomination of Assistant Superintendent Michelle Lake" as an action item, indicating RSU 38 is adding or filling a senior leadership position. In the context of the ESSA report’s extensive focus on curriculum, MTSS, attendance, and federal funding strategy, an Assistant Superintendent will likely play a key role in instructional leadership, program implementation, and grant management. Leadership transitions at this level often precede strategy shifts, needs assessments, and new initiatives. Vendors offering strategic planning, data analytics, MTSS support, or comprehensive curriculum and PD solutions can engage early with the new Assistant Superintendent to understand her priorities around ESSA projects, attendance, and secondary math/science improvement, positioning services before any formal RFPs are developed.

This role change coincides with new ESSA funding allocations, a potential science goal, and major po...