In this episode of Brighter Together, superintendents Maria Libby and Mike Felton share how two rural Maine districts are weaving community, creativity, and purpose into the fabric of public education—starting in kindergarten.

 

From early exposure to CTE (career and technical education) to experiential, phone-free classrooms, this conversation is a call to action for educators who want more for students than compliance and screen time. Maria and Mike also speak candidly about the human toll of staff shortages, the dangers of educational micromanagement, and the mission that keeps them grounded through it all.

 

For leaders rethinking how school feels—not just how it performs—this one’s a blueprint for vision in action.