Superintendent James Tager

As Superintendent of the Bangor School Department, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth, achievements, and incredible talents of countless students. The best times of my job, without a doubt, are those spent in schools with students, watching athletic games, attending concerts, and celebrating the accomplishments of students over the past few years. Our students are the living embodiment of our commitment to excellence in education, and their success is a testament to the limitless potential that resides within each of us.

The Bangor School Department has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, and by many measures is considered among the best school systems in the State of Maine and across the nation. Just a few of our state and national recognitions include:

5 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence

Standard and Poor’s Magazine Outperformer Award

Newsweek Top High School Award

Parents’ Choice Award

Sports Illustrated Top 50 and Best in the State of Maine

Numerous State, New England, and National Championships and Winners

More National Merit Scholars and Semi-Finalists than any Maine high school, public or private

Letter to the Team

Each month I write a “Letter to the Team” to share information, best practices, and student accomplishments that I have witnessed in our schools. I hope that you enjoy reading these letters as much as I do writing them.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Racial equity, economic justice, inclusion and human rights are core values for the Bangor School Committee, the City of Bangor, its Council, and its employees. The Committee believes that a fair, inclusive work environment provides an atmosphere that allows all individuals to attain their greatest potential, promote a sense of belonging, and achieve the greatest benefits for the school department.

Mentoring

During the 2021–2022 school year, we began a mentoring program that encompassed all eleven of our Bangor schools. Students in our schools have the opportunity to meet with community members, staff members, and peer mentors. Students at the middle and high school levels may also become peer mentors.

School Committee

The School Committee and the Bangor School Department Administration wish to welcome you to our meeting. We appreciate visitors from the public and trust that your attendance will be beneficial to both of us. We feel it is very important for interested persons to know about the workings of our school department and for us to be aware of what is important to the citizens of Bangor. You are invited to participate in the meeting in accordance with the policy and rules.

The following video was created to show the accomplishments of the Bangor School Department towards their long-term strategic plan goals. The video was shown at the December 13, 2023 Bangor School Committee Meeting.