A HISTORY OF MAINE VOCATIONAL REGION TEN
In 1973 the 106th Legislature, one of the more progressive in our State’s history, realized the need for technical education in high schools, designed to provide skills at entry-levels in area industries. The legislators established eleven vocational regions, each having a cooperative board. Previous to 1973, high school industrial arts courses, designed to introduce students to hobbies and trades, represented the crux of technical education; most often, the selection of courses was meager, and the time allotted allowed for only basic technical instruction. In 1974 Maine Vocational Region Ten was created and the Cooperative Board appointed, consisting of representatives from the midcoast communities. The first program was offered [Marketing], housed at 35 Union Street in Brunswick, adjoining the Superintendent’s Office.
In 1975 new programs were created: Health Occupations, Masonry, and Cooperative Education—all operated from leased facilities, scattered throughout the mid-coast. In 1976 Marine Occupations was taught in Lowell’s Cove; Major Appliance Repair and Small Engine Repair [later renamed Outdoor Power] were offered on leased facilities at Industry Road in Brunswick. Horticulture instruction began in 1977, functioning from a solar greenhouse constructed in Topsham. During the following year we offered from Topsham a program for students with disabilities.
The modern era for Region Ten began in 1980, when an option was taken on Church Road property in Brunswick. After the completion of a space needs study an architect was hired and subsequent plans approved by the State Board of Education. Construction began in July. The state-of-art physical plant was completed for the opening of school in 1983. Fourteen programs were offered in our building, ending the need for leased, and often inadequate, satellite space. Dedicated in October of the same year, Maine Vocational Region Ten, operating from an expansive four-acre campus, continues serving as the technical magnet for midcoast students. Since the inception of MVR 10, students have consistently won technical awards at regional and national levels. A comprehensive adult education program is offered, including often-heralded Driver Education classes. Essentially, our mission remains unchanged: We teach technical skills, and work to enhance positive attitudes needed by students entering the competitive job market or post-secondary education. As always, enrollment at Region Ten is voluntary.
Barry J. Lohnes, 2006
