Aroostook County Schools Awarded $1 Million Technology Grant

HOULTON, Maine (WAGM) - Schools served by the Southern Aroostook Area Regional Service Center are receiving a significant upgrade in connectivity.

A $1 million USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant will be used to upgrade school networks and purchase equipment that supports distance learning and telemedicine. The award was announced by USDA Rural Development Maine’s State Director at RSU 29.

Several school districts in southern Aroostook collaborated to apply for the $1 million USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant. The funding will be shared among RSU 29, MSAD 70, RSU 50, RSU 84, RSU 89, and Region Two CTE. District leaders say the grant will greatly enhance technology and strengthen infrastructure across the participating schools.

“We’re very excited about this grant and look forward to investing in our students. This distance learning and telemedicine grant gives us a leg up on where we need to head in the future by providing students access to technology and helping our budgets. Technology changes rapidly, so having this grant to support upgrades is very helpful,” said Joe Fagnant, RSU 29 Superintendent and Executive Director at the Southern Aroostook Area Regional Service Center.

According to USDA officials, the grant will impact more than 3,000 students across the region. John Butera, USDA’s Maine State Director of Rural Development, added, “A handful of school districts will benefit from this grant, which will enhance many different classrooms and settings. It’s an exciting time to be a student in Aroostook County because you’ll have access to some of the best technology and equipment. USDA is thrilled to provide these resources.”

Next, district leaders will assess each school’s needs and begin purchasing equipment.

“As RSU 29 is the fiscal agent, we will coordinate the process for all our schools. From now until 2028, we plan to invest in equipment that students will use, as well as the infrastructure improvements like wiring and units throughout the buildings. We hope to start the procurement process soon,” said Fagnant.

Fagnant added that the first equipment is expected to arrive this spring, with implementation beginning in the fall.

This means that soon, students across southern Aroostook will benefit from faster, stronger connections and new classroom tools.

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