Students from Biddeford and Saco schools showcased their spelling skills last month during their respective school Spelling Bees, earning top honors and advancing to the York County Spelling Bee on February 9, 2026, at Saco Middle School. Due to limited space, the event is not open to the public.
Biddeford Middle School’s Spelling Bee Champion Ronan Lunianski and Runner-up Jordan Souliere. will be heading to the York County Spelling Bee (Contributed photo)
At CK Burns School, fifth-grade students Sage Daicy claimed the championship by correctly spelling gleaned, while Peter Galasyn earned the runner-up position and Calie Thayer placed third. At Saco Middle School, sixth-grader Toran King-Riggs secured the championship in round ten by correctly spelling Frankenstein, while sixth-grader Marko Marjanovic earned runner-up, and eighth-grader Layla Goodrich placed third. At Biddeford Middle School, seventh-grader Ronan Lunianski was named School Champion by correctly spelling equestrian, with sixth-grader Jordan Souliere earning the runner-up position.
The York County Spelling Bee brings together top spellers from schools across the region for a rigorous, multi-round competition that challenges students’ vocabulary, composure, and perseverance. Participants advance by correctly spelling increasingly complex words, with judges and an official pronouncer guiding each round. The event celebrates academic achievement while encouraging confidence, focus, and a love of language.
“In past years, I’ve had the chance to watch students compete, and what stands out most is their courage,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Biddeford and Saco Schools. “Standing up in front of your peers, trusting your instincts, and pushing through pressure takes real grit. Whether they placed first or simply took the microphone and gave it their best, every one of these students made their school communities proud, and we wish them the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.”
The Biddeford and Saco School Departments congratulate all Spelling Bee participants for their preparation, perseverance, and outstanding sportsmanship, and wish their advancing students the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.
_______________
Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.
Beginning today (Oct. 29) students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts are joining forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign comes at a critical time, as SNAP benefits end for many local families, impacting children who already face food insecurity.
“In our three communities, one in two students is economically disadvantaged,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray. “No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and while all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school, that support doesn’t cover dinners, snacks, or weekends. We’re proud of our students for taking action to help their peers and for showing that even the smallest acts—like donating spare change—can have a big impact.”
Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray with students Cordelia Kane of Biddeford High School, Kennedy Ray of Saco Middle School, and Camden Belanger of Dayton Consolidated School. (Contributed photo)
Led by students from each district, Spare Change Fills Plates encourages everyone to take part.
Donation containers and food collection boxes will be placed at each school to collect spare change and non-perishable food items. Local businesses are encouraged to participate by hosting a coin jar and/or a non-perishable food box to help extend the campaign’s reach.
“No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from”
Every dollar and donated food item will support the local backpack programs and the community, ensuring that students and their families have meals beyond the school day.
Suggested food donations include pasta, sauce, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), Tuna/Hamburger Helper, rice, beans, canned soup, vegetables, and fruit, pop-top canned goods (Chef Boyardee, etc.), oatmeal, pancake mix, instant potatoes, cereal, kid-friendly snacks such as granola/protein bars, microwave popcorn, peanut/sun butter and jelly, and crackers.
“Together, we can fill plates, lift spirits, and show the true power of community,” said Ray.
The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) held its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event to honor two remarkable community members: longtime educator Joyce Tarpy and local photographer Maureen Grandmaison. The celebration, hosted at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, raised over $20,000 for the Foundation, which provides resources outside the school budget to enhance learning opportunities, assists students in need of food, clothing, and shelter, and supports teacher mini-grants to maximize opportunities for students Pre-K through Grade 12.
The event began with a welcome from BEF President Shelley Kane, who expressed gratitude to the evening’s sponsors, local businesses, and community members for their generous contributions. Kane reminded attendees that the Pillars of Pride celebration is more than just a night of recognition—it is the Foundation’s primary fundraiser and a vital source of support for Biddeford students.
The Biddeford Education Foundation honored longtime educator Joyce Tarpy (right) and photographer Maureen Grandmaison (center), pictured with Biddeford School Department Superintendent Jeremy Ray (left), at its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event on October 18, 2025.
“These are difficult times for many families, with housing and food insecurity at record highs,” Kane shared. “In Biddeford Schools alone, we have 134 students experiencing homelessness—an increase of nearly 300 percent in just five years. Thanks to the generosity of donors and events like Pillars of Pride, we can respond quickly when families need help and ensure students have access to opportunities that make learning meaningful.”
“These are difficult times for many families”
— Shelley Kane, BEF president
Funds raised by the Foundation have had a powerful impact across the district, helping students and teachers alike. BEF has served 220 students through funding the Backpack Program and after-school snack programs, prevented homelessness of 51 students through emergency rent relief, assisted 36 families from having their utilities disconnected, provided winter clothing for all students in need, partnered to provide 103 families with Thanksgiving meals, and awarded teacher mini-grants benefiting 1,651 students by bring creativity and innovation into the classroom. Recent mini-grant projects have included implementing a Unified Bocce Ball team to promote inclusion, a bird-watching initiative that allowed students to study local ecosystems firsthand, as well as hands-on art collaborations that connected creativity with community service.
“This event was a wonderful reminder of how much stronger we are when community members step forward to share their gifts,” said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “Joyce and Maureen are the kind of people who make a lasting mark—not because they seek recognition, but because they show up, time and again, for our students and staff. Their care, generosity, and quiet leadership embody the very best of Biddeford. The success of this event reflects the spirit of Biddeford and the pride we all share in helping every child thrive.”
“This event was a wonderful reminder of how much stronger we are when community members step forward to share their gifts.”
— Supt. Jeremy Ray
Following the Superintendent’s remarks, honorees Joyce Tarpy and Maureen Grandmaison were recognized with silver plaques that will be displayed in their honor—Tarpy’s at Biddeford High School’s Tiger Gym, where seniors take their final graduation walk, and Grandmaison’s at Waterhouse Field, where she has spent countless hours photographing student milestones. Both women shared heartfelt remarks reflecting on their deep connection to the community, Biddeford students, and their gratitude for the recognition.
The ability to help our local families in need through this major fundraiser is made possible thanks to the following: Diamond Sponsor – Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating and Provencher Fuels; Gold Sponsors – Maine Community Bank and Saco & Biddeford Savings; Silver Sponsors – Locke & Sons Plumbing & Heating, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, and The Lincoln Hotel; Bronze Sponsors – Bergen & Parkinson LLC, Brown Dog Carriers and Logistics, Great Falls Construction, Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco, and Saco Veterinary Walk-In Care & Animal Hospital of Saco; Black & Orange Sponsors – Academy of Dance, Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Diverse Anecdote, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Randy Forcier/CMG Home Loans, Rousseau Insurance Agency, and Saco House of Pizza; and the many local businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction.
Through the continued generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, the Biddeford Education Foundation remains committed to fostering innovation in classrooms, supporting families, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed—academically and beyond. For more information about the Biddeford Education Foundation, contact BEF President Shelley Kane at 207-391-6885.
Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me
NEVER MISS ANOTHER UPDATE! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TODAY!
Tuesday was an emotional day for teachers and staff at Biddeford’s John F. Kennedy Memorial School.
The original building was opened in 1965, but a long list of necessary and expensive repairs, upgrades and maintenance issues ultimately forced voters to approve a plan to close the school.
What will happen next to the building and its surrounding playground and parking lot is still unknown.
Earlier this year, the city council created a committee to consider future uses for the property, which is located near the intersection of West and Hill streets.
Photo by Maureen Grandmaison
Over the years, the school building has been expanded. The school once housed students from first to sixth grade, and then third, fourth and fifth grades. Today, the building serves kindergarten and Pre-K students only.
On Thursday, when the dismissal bell rings, the students walking out the door will board their buses and close the final chapter for a school that is fondly remembered by the community it served.
On Tuesday afternoon, current and former teachers and staff members gathered in the school’s gymnasium for an informal pot-luck dinner and an opportunity to share memories and experiences in the school.
“This school is filled with cherished memories for both staff and students,” said Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal. “Although saying farewell is difficult, we are excited about what lies ahead for our students. The new space at BPS will allow for increased collaboration for teachers and create a community of Biddeford’s youngest learners.”
“This school is filled with cherished memories for both staff and students,”
— Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal.
School Supt. Jeremy Ray said that moving the city’s youngest students to BPS will give those children more stability and a less fractured learning experience.
“Going forward, students will be in the same building from Pre- K to second grade,” Ray said. “This way, the kids have four years in one building with lots of familiar faces.”
Schrader agreed with Ray, saying that the new arrangement will also give second grade students the opportunity to be role models and mentors for their younger peers.
Retired teacher Pat Gagne attended Tuesday’s informal goodbye ceremony.
Gagne started teaching in 1977 and spent 16 years teaching at JFK. “It’s a sad moment, but it’s also nice to see our family here,” she said. “We all have so many great stories about working here.”
According to school officials, all kindergarten students will attend Biddeford Primary School while Pre-K students will temporarily be housed at Biddeford Intermediate School until construction of a new wing at the Primary school is fully complete.
The expansion project, launched in a September 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, is designed to bring PreK–2 students under one roof in a modern, developmentally supportive environment.
According to school officials, a 2002 assessment of the building determined that renovating JFK would cost significantly more than constructing a new space.
Last year, Biddeford taxpayers approved a $9 million construction bond to expand BPS—an investment estimated to save up to $16 million over the cost of renovating the aging JFK building.
“Closing JFK School is a significant milestone, not just emotionally but in terms of progress,” said Ray. “We’re incredibly grateful to the staff who have made JFK such a special place to Biddeford’s youngest learners.”
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!
Biddeford voters will soon be asked whether they approve a $49.3 million budget for operation of Biddeford’s public schools during the next fiscal year.
The $49,269,781 school budget was ratified by the city council on May 8 and represents what School Supt. Jeremy Ray describes as a “carefully managed” expenditure increase of slightly more than 4 percent.
The election will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at Biddeford High School’s Tiger Gymnasium located at 20 Maplewood Avenue. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The last date for an absentee ballot request is Thursday, June 5, according to the Biddeford City Clerk’s office.
Although Ray described this as an “exciting time for our school district,” he also noted that Biddeford will see a sharp decrease in state aid for education this year because of the city’s recent spike in property valuations.
Biddeford High School. Photo via Wikipedia
“It’s important to understand just how efficiently Biddeford manages taxpayer dollars compared to other communities,” Ray wrote in a recent open letter to the Biddeford Community.
According to Ray, Biddeford spends $15,274 per student, nearly $1,800 less per student than the state average of $17,029.
When compared to neighboring communities, the difference is even more striking, Ray said.
For example, the town of Old Orchard Beach spends $25,440 per student, while the city of Saco spends $17, 348 per student — $2,074 more than Biddeford. Kennebunk, Scarborough and South Portland all spend much more per student than Biddeford.
Despite spending significantly less per student, Ray said Biddeford schools continue to provide “quality education, maintain modern facilities, and offer diverse programming including our new vocational opportunities.”
Biddeford’s “exceptional fiscal efficiency” also comes with challenges,” Ray explained.
Biddeford is facing what Ray described as” a significant reduction in state aid,” only because Biddeford’s property values have increased substantially.
“Our dedicated teachers and staff continue to provide the excellent education that makes Biddeford schools a source of community pride.”
— School Supt. Jeremy Ray
“While rising property values are positive for our community’s economic health, they create a funding challenge under Maine’s school funding formula, as higher valuations result in reduced state support,” Ray said. “Although we spend $1,800 less per student than the state average, we must ask our taxpayers to shoulder more of the burden due to this state funding formula”
Ray says that it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide all the academic supports and programs that “our students truly need to reach their full potential.”
“The gap between what we spend and what our neighboring districts invest creates real limitations,” Ray said. “Additional reading specialists, mental health counselors, technology support staff, and enrichment programs that other communities take for granted are luxuries we must carefully weigh against our budget constraints.
“Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to bridge these gaps, but there are limits to what can be accomplished with significantly fewer resources per student,” he said.
On the positive side of things, Ray says Biddeford’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond the classroom.
“Our students consistently demonstrate success in academics, athletics, the arts, and our renowned band and marching band programs that compete at the highest levels,” he said.
“Whether our graduates choose to enter the workforce with career-ready skills from our vocational programs or pursue higher education at local colleges or prestigious national universities, they leave Biddeford well-prepared for their next chapter.”
Ray noted that the new addition at Biddeford Primary School will be completed this winter, “providing modern learning spaces for our youngest learners.”
School Superintendent Jeremy Ray
“Infrastructure investments represent our commitment to providing 21st-century educational facilities for all our students,” Ray said. “Our school committee’s long-range vision for maintenance and improvement of the physical plant is a prudent investment.”
“So many districts wait for a crisis and then ask their communities to float large bonds to fix problems that are compounded by can-kicking and neglect,” he added.
Ray pointed out that Biddeford Middle school is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, and is still “an amazing facility that offers a breadth of curricular and cocurricular opportunities that would be the envy of most.”
The Biddeford School Committee, Ray said, is committed to investing at least $250,000 or more in the Biddeford Intermediate School as it begins its fourth decade of service to the city.
Ray described the recently completed Biddeford Regional Center of Technology as one of Maine’s premier vocational centers, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and direct pathways to high-demand careers.
“Our vocational programs not only serve our own students but also generate revenue by serving students from neighboring districts who choose Biddeford for their technical education,” Ray said.
Ray also serves as the superintendent for the city of Saco and the town of Dayton, and he said Biddeford’s collaboration with those neighboring communities has yielded significant savings of roughly $500,000 annually for Biddeford taxpayers.
“While we face challenges with reduced state support, our district continues to thrive,” Ray said. “Our dedicated teachers and staff continue to provide the excellent education that makes Biddeford schools a source of community pride.”
RELATED: To see or download the full text of the superintendent’s letter to the community, click on this link:
The Biddeford City Council was presented Tuesday with preliminary budget proposals from both the School Department and the acting city manager.
There were a lot of grim faces in the room after both acting City Manager Brian Phinney and School Superintendent Jeremy Ray reviewed their budget projections with the council.
Because of a technical glitch, Phinney was unable to provide detailed information regarding salaries, but said that information should be available by early next week.
Ray described the annual budget process as a “Superbowl event” for those who have to develop public budgets.
Much later in the meeting, Biddeford City Councilor Norm Belanger said he felt like he was being served “saltines and cauliflower” instead of chicken wings for this ‘Superbowl.”
The largest number of the evening came from the School Department, which is requesting an 11.6 percent increase over last year.
Acting City Manager Brian Phinney (center) presents the council some grim budget realities (Seaver photo)
Though the city does not have its municipal budget finalized, Councilor Marc Lessard predicted a bleak outlook for the public and his fellow councilors.
Lessard, who has served on the council since 1993, said the upcoming budget review is going to be a “monumental task,” which will require plenty of pain and needed belt-tightening.
“The city council has never been able to shrink a budget request by more than two or three percent,” Lessard said. “Although we don’t yet have the numbers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a seven to eight percent increase [on the city side of the budget]”
According to Lessard, the city’s combined budgets (School and City) have increased by roughly 20 percent over the last three years.
“This may be the year when we zero fund some social services,” Lessard said.
The social service budget includes funding for non-municipal services and programs, including things such as the library, the Heart of Biddeford, the Biddeford Housing Authority, Seeds of Hope, La Kermesse and the Biddeford Mills Museum.
A few highlights and details
Supt. Ray gave the council an impassioned presentation, pointing out the biggest factor for the school budget was directly tied to dwindling reductions in state subsidies because of the city’s skyrocketing valuation.
“This is the real picture and it’s going to involve some tough conversations,” Ray said. “But I firmly believe that our conversation should be about what is right, not what is on the spreadsheet.”
Ray said the school department is “hanging on” with its proposed budget and operating with minimum staffing levels and supports for students.
While student enrollment has risen only risen slightly since last year, Ray said an increasing number of students are facing significant challenges, including food insecurity and homelessness.
“I firmly believe that our conversation should be about what is right, not what is on the spreadsheet.”
— School Supt. Jeremy Ray
Ray told the council that between 100 and 150 Biddeford students are homeless, and that the large majority of students are living in poverty.
“Roughly two-thirds of our kids are living below the federal poverty line,” Ray said.
Ray told councilors that the school department has also seen a spike in students who need English as a Second Language services, up more than 100 from last year’s total of 300 students needing those same services.
Ray said looming concerns about federal funding for education along with changes in state funding are creating an extraordinary set of challenges, asking councilors and members of the public to show support for two bills now being reviewed by the Maine Legislature.
LD 501 would slightly increase the weighted count in the school funding formula for economically disadvantaged students under the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act, from 0.15 to 0.25 beginning next year.
LD 193 would amend the school funding formula to provide an additional .50 weight to a school administrative unit’s per-pupil count for each student experiencing homelessness.
On the municipal side of the budget, Phinney said he and his staff are presenting a “needs-based” budget.”
Phinney listed five new positions including a deputy fire chief, a fire inspector and a part-time administrative assistant in the fire department. The Recreation Department is requesting a part-time custodian, and the Assessing Department is requesting a “field lister” position.
Of those five new positions, Phinney said he was only recommending the field lister position.
Phinney said the council may want to look at reducing staff and building operations for the city’s public-access television studio that is now located on Pool Street near the West Brook skating park.
The budget process will continue Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. as the council hears directly from those requesting social service funding from the city, including City Theater, the My Place Teen Center, Caring Unlimited, Biddeford Community Gardens and several others.
Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette, He can be reached at: randy@randyseaver.com
Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!
Although it may feel like the election season just ended, voters in Biddeford will have the chance next week to decide whether to secure some state funds for the purchase of learning equipment at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT).
If approved, the referendum will have no impact on local property taxes. Instead, the state of Maine will fully fund the $491,500 bond as part of an existing grant, which will still require voter approval.
School Superintendent Jeremy Ray said the state approved the funding request in August but there was not enough time to place the question on the November ballot.
“This grant will not be adding to our debt service or as a burden on taxpayers,” Ray said. “This is just a step we have to follow to access funds that were already approved by the state.”
Ray said the funding from the Maine Department of Education will be used to purchase needed equipment for BRCOT students.
Qualifying for the grant was coordinated by BRCOT Director Paulette Bonneau. In a memo sent to the Biddeford City Council in November, Ray said Bonneau’s diligent efforts and leadership were essential for securing the grant funds.
“Director Bonneau’s continued dedication to securing state-of-the-art equipment and programming has once again yielded substantial benefits for our technical education programs,” Ray told the council. “This grant will significantly enhance our ability to provide high-quality, hands-on training that prepares our students for successful careers in their chosen fields.”
The grant money will fund critical equipment upgrades across multiple programs, Ray said, including an electric forklift; an ambulance for the school’s EMT training program and a van for use by students in the plumbing program.
While this funding has already been awarded as a grant, the Maine Bond Bank’s financing structure requires voter approval before the school can access these funds.
According to the Biddeford City Clerk’s office, voting will take place on Tuesday, January 21, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Tiger Gym at Biddeford High School.
The actual text from the ballot is included below:
“Shall the Mayor and the Treasurer of the City of Biddeford be authorized to
issue bonds or notes in the name of the City for minor capita! purposes in a
principal amount not to exceed $491,500 to acquire advanced industry
standard equipment to modernize career and technical education programs at
the Biddeford Center of Technology and train students for careers in high-
demand fields? The debt service on the bonds or notes shall be paid by
the State of Maine with no impact on local educational taxes.
——————————
Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 