Friends planning larger vision for Marine Technology Center

The Friends of The Boat School are busy working to create a smooth transition for the 43‑year‑old school as it changes hands from Husson University to the Friends at the end of this spring. The Friends have a larger vision for the Eastport-based Deep Cove property than just the school and are working to create name recognition for the site as Maine's Marine Technology Center.
Bret Blanchard, who taught at The Boat School for over 22 years, has been hired as the director of the center. Ed Scott will finish out his role as the director of The Boat School under Husson University until the hand‑over has been completed. Blanchard will then assume director responsibilities for The Boat School as well as the center.
Board members Tom and Jean Ries explain the Friends' strategy for the trades center. They hope to build a center that educates students in the marine industry and trades but that is also a home for the industry itself, for which the complex of buildings has room. Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology and an annex office of Maine Sea Grant rent space from the Friends, as do two other customers who use the marine travel lift space. The neighboring company of Perry Marine & Construction fits in with marine‑related industries, they add. "We're hoping to accumulate more of that in there so that the kids [students] will have a well‑rounded exposure," says Jean.
The Friends plan to upgrade the facility's energy efficiency and to run the center so that rentals generate more income. Existing rental agreements have been renegotiated to more accurately reflect costs. Saving money on heating costs will allow for more programmatic funding, notes Blanchard. To that end, Eastport contractors Gilbert Murphy and Richard Clark donated their time to advise the Friends on upgrade strategies. "We're surrounded by good people," says Jean of the support they are receiving. The city, Tom says, "hasn't given up on the school. That says a lot." Jean adds, "Not only do they care about the school, but they understand about the economic development value of the school."
On the agenda for the school's buildings is the changing out of the thermostats to allow for zone temperature control in the different buildings and rooms and modification of the boiler system for temperature control. Both steps should see immediate savings in fuel costs, Tom notes. Long-term plans call for more efficiency measures, such as replacing windows and doors. And an added bonus for rental opportunities is a lab room that has equipped stations. "Eventually we may be able to bring in aquaculture" for the lab, adds Jean.
The Friends, a 501c3 nonprofit, and their new director have hit the ground running, says Blanchard. "We can make things happen. Not being under anyone allows us to be more creative, but we do need to keep in mind that we do need to be accredited." Tom notes that this is a two‑ to three‑year goal, but one that is achievable. Jean says, "Hopefully we'll be able to use their [Husson's] tenure as our experience. ... They'd be willing to back us up." Tom adds that it depends upon what the Department of Education accepts for certification.
Setting up the fall curriculum schedule is part of the long‑term plan to seek accreditation, but the Friends will also be adding summer courses for recreational learning such as kayaking and sailing, continuing education courses for those in the industry, or one‑time courses such as lofting or model-making that might appeal to amateurs and professionals alike. Not only will the expanded repertoire bring economic development to the area, but it will bring much‑needed funds to the Friends, comments Jean.
Luckily, Blanchard finds that curriculum development comes naturally to him. "I love it." During his teaching career he won teacher of the year twice as well as a national award for his curriculum development. He also served as the department chair for the marine technology department when The Boat School ran under the auspices of the community college system.

Recruitment starts now
Husson has 13 students registered for the fall, and these students would be rolled into the Friends enrollment and recruitment efforts. The recruitment efforts are starting now, with brochures being printed and Blanchard readying for a mailing to schools to be followed up by visits. Tom Ries notes that the Friends' business plan has the goal of recruiting 18‑20 students during the start‑up year. "I think it's doable. The break‑even for in-the-black is 30 students." The Friends have been working with Husson and have high praise for the university's efforts to make the changeover as smooth as possible. "They've been extremely generous with the equipment," Blanchard notes. Husson took a few pieces of equipment but left the hand tools and most of everything else for the Friends.
While Blanchard is visiting schools, boat yards and shows for recruitment efforts, he'll be keeping his ears and eyes open for any potential partnerships or collaborations. Support from the industry can come in so many ways, Blanchard explains -- not necessarily monetarily, but in donations of supplies and learning opportunities. Blanchard worked at Hinckley Yachts and Ralph Stanley's shop. During his time at Hinckley he welcomed Boat School students to the yard as part of their course work.
"Our goal is to provide education in boatbuilding, marine mechanics and marine finishing," Blanchard says. The three arms of the curriculum will develop over two years, with boatbuilding the primary focus for the first year, marine mechanics being developed and marine finishing targeted for "another year or so." The work load is large, but the task board at the Ries' house shows that board members and staff are taking it from idea to action with carefully planned steps.
In the meantime the center's director is looking outward for help, from consultants who may work on grant writing and promotions and marketing to volunteers of all stripes. He's talking to those he has met along his career path, people who are experts in their field. But there is also a need for "worker bee" volunteers and for alumni involvement. "We're looking for a way for people to become supporters, through the website, through talking to us -- people who want to help."
The need for professional services is critical, Blanchard explains. Not only is the expert help a part of his management style, to create conditions for others to do their best work, but the public needs to know that the Friends are serious and professional in their undertaking. "I believe that this is such a positive thing that is happening. All the Friends, me -- we're so excited about this."
Blanchard can be reached at 853‑0990.