About Us

Education Boothbay expands what’s possible for local students and teachers by funding resources, opportunities, and amazing ideas for our local schools.

OUR MISSION

THE CAMPAIGN

Our Children, Our Community

Our schools are the heart of the Boothbay Region. Our Children, Our Community, Education Boothbay’s first-ever campaign, will invest $1.2 million over three years to build on their strengths. Volunteer leaders from across the community are guiding the effort, and we invite you to join them. Explore the three campaign priorities below:

Students learn by doing, right here on the peninsula, through program design and staffing, work study transportation, and a summer institute that connects schools with local partners.
Students gain hands-on experience with advanced CAD software, an upgraded prototyping lab, robotics and AI kits, and marine and environmental field research in Boothbay's own waters and woods.
Teachers receive grants to try new ideas, and students benefit from expanded music and arts education and support for extended learning costs, plus a new primary school playground for our youngest learners.

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OUR MISSION

What Drives Us?

Our mission is to enrich the educational experiences of students and teachers throughout the Boothbay region by supporting impactful tools, resources, and opportunities that may not otherwise be available through traditional school funding.

By investing in educators and their ideas, we help create engaging learning experiences that prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders.

News & Media

OUR ORIGINS

Rooted in the Boothbay Region

Education Boothbay began as the Boothbay Region Education Foundation(BREF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to enrich educational opportunities for students through the Boothbay Region.

In 2020, the organization became Education Boothbay-a new name that better reflects the work we do and the community we serve. While our name evolved, our purpose has remained the same: helping teachers teach and students learn. We do this by providing opportunities that extend beyond what the traditional school budgets can support.

Today, we partner with educators across the Boothbay Region public schools to bring new tools, resources, and experiences into the classroom, helping students build knowledge and skills they need for college, careers, and whatever comes next.

THE BOARD

Community Leadership, Local Commitment

We are guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for children throughout the Boothbay region. Together, our trustees provide the leadership and community perspective that help Education Boothbay support local educators and invest in empowering experiences for students.

BOB KAHLER
Board Member

ANDY HAMBLETT
Board Member

ERIKA HUBER
Board Member

CHIP SCHWEHMBoard Member

PAUL ROBERTS
Board Member

LARRY BROWNBoard Member

JENN WHITNEY
Board Member

KATE RICE
Board Member

JULIA PETERS
Board Member

SHAWN GALLAGHER
Board Member

BRUCE HARRIS
President

OUR STORIES

Every Path Looks Different.
Every Opportunity Matters.

Education Boothbay is guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for children throughout the Boothbay region. Together, our trustees provide the leadership, stewardship, and community perspective that help Education Boothbay support local educators and invest in meaningful experiences for students.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

A lifelong Boothbay resident, business owner, and advocate for local education, Rob believes strong schools build stronger communities by investing in the next generation.

Rob Wheeler Class of ‘85

Read Rob's Story >

EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT

From the workshop to the waterfront, Chip Schwehm gives students the chance to learn by doing. His hands-on boatbuilding program builds craftsmanship, confidence, and skills for whatever path comes next.

Chip Schwemm

Read Chip's Story >

Harriet McKane Class of ‘25

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Through Boothbay Region High School’s mentorship program, Harriet McKane turned her passion for horses into hands-on experience with a local trainer, showing how real-world learning can inspire future careers.

Read Harriet's Story >