đź“°BIDDEFORD | Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Leads Effort to Preserve the Landing School, Expand Access to Vocational Education
By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department
October 30, 2026, The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT), working alongside state and regional education partners and generous community donors, has successfully secured The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Arundel. Made possible through support from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and private donor pledges, the acquisition of the building and equipment was accomplished without the use of local tax dollars. The effort preserves nearly 50 years of educational history and creates new opportunities for high school students throughout York County. Fundraising will continue to support the development of quality educational programming, curriculum, and a capital reserve to sustain these opportunities for future generations.
The Landing School, known nationally for its specialized training in boatbuilding, marine systems, and yacht design, recently closed its doors after educating approximately 1,800 graduates. With the campus and equipment scheduled for auction, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray recognized a rare opportunity to preserve an established training facility and expand access to career and technical education (CTE). Through a collaborative effort, the campus will now begin a new chapter serving public high school students in southern Maine.
The effort was led by the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology/Biddeford School Department, in partnership with the Maine Department of Education, Southern Maine Administrative Collaborative, community supporters, and Biddeford Education Foundation. By working together and finding creative solutions, these partners preserved a valuable educational resource that will expand access to specialized training for students and address the growing demand for skilled workers throughout Maine.
"This is what can happen when people come together around a shared commitment to students," said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. "We have to be flexible and nimble when opportunities like this arise, and that's exactly what our educational partners, the state, local businesses, and community members demonstrated. What could have been the loss of an incredible resource will now open doors for students throughout York County and help build the skilled workforce Maine needs for generations to come."
Equally important was the generosity of local businesses, individuals, and community supporters who answered the call to help close a critical $500,000 fundraising gap. Within a day, their contributions helped turn an ambitious vision into reality, demonstrating the power of a community coming together to invest in its young people.
"We often talk about the importance of preparing students for life after high school, but opportunities like this are how we make that commitment real," said Biddeford School Board Member Amy Clearwater. "This is another example of our educational commitment to expanding and innovating, giving more students access to hands-on learning, industry-relevant skills, and pathways to good-paying careers in the skilled trades. We're excited about what this opportunity will mean for students throughout York County and the employers who need their talents."
The campus will build upon the legacy of The Landing School while creating opportunities for high school students to explore marine trades and other vocational fields. By preserving its specialized facilities and equipment, the partnership provides a foundation for expanding workforce training without having to recreate these resources from the ground up. The initiative reflects BRCOT's ongoing efforts to strengthen connections between education and industry, preparing students for meaningful careers while helping Maine employers meet their growing workforce needs.
"Saving The Landing School was the first step, but now we need to make sure it has the resources to succeed," said Tim Spang, owner of Spang Builders, and Jim Godbout, owner of Godbout Plumbing & Heating and Provencher Fuels. "As business owners, we know how difficult it is to find skilled workers, and we also know the difference these programs can make in a young person's life. Our business community and generous donors stepped up when it mattered most, and we hope we'll continue that support to give students the training and opportunities they deserve. This is an investment in our kids and the future of Maine's economy."
"For nearly five decades, The Landing School has been a place where students discovered their passion for craftsmanship and turned it into a career," said Susan Swanton, chair of The Landing School Board of Trustees. "While closing the school was an incredibly difficult decision, knowing that this campus will continue to serve students and support Maine's marine trades industry is a meaningful way to honor its legacy. We are grateful to the Biddeford School Department and its partners for recognizing the value of what was built here and finding a way to carry that mission forward."
The Biddeford School Department and Biddeford Regional Center of Technology extend their sincere appreciation to the Maine Department of Education, Southern Maine Administrative Collaborative, Biddeford Education Foundation, and the many businesses, donors, and community members whose leadership and generosity made this acquisition possible.
While additional planning will determine the campus's expanded programming and opening timeline, the focus now turns to developing programs and curriculum, preparing facilities and equipment for high school learners, and establishing a capital reserve to sustain the campus for future generations. Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in contributing to this next phase may contact Shelley Kane at 207-391-6885Â or give online at https://givebutter.com/savethelandingschool.
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