Reiche Walking School Bus Coordination VISTA

The Howard

C. Reiche Community School, located in Portland’s West End, is the most diverse elementary school in the state of Maine—ranked #1 out of 342 public elementary schools for diversity. Reiche serves nearly 400 students who represent 18 home languages; one in four students was born outside the U.S. and is currently learning English. The Reiche PTO works in partnership with the school to secure funding and volunteers for enrichment activities for the Reiche community.

The VISTA will be working on the Walking School Bus, a shared PTO/Reiche School initiative. https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Walking School Bus builds meaningful community connection. The volunteers become an additional reliable, caring adult in the children’s lives. The support positively impacts school attendance. Consistent acts of care improve access, build trust, and support well-being and mental health of the students. The walking school bus serves as a powerful tool to mitigate the daily impacts of poverty, addressing barriers by eliminating transportation costs, boosting academic performance through better attendance, and allowing parents to work stable early morning hours.

The VISTA will steward existing relationships and develop new ones with neighborhood leaders. The VISTA will be onsite at the school and neighborhood community centers, allowing greater one‑on‑one connection with the school, students, families, and neighbors. They will coordinate trainings, scheduling, outreach, and work to secure this program for the future through funding opportunities and partnerships.

• Health Coverage*
• Living Allowance
• Stipend
• Training
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Relocation Allowance

Permits working at another job during off hours, permits attendance at school during off hours.

• Community and Economic Development
• Children/Youth
• Education
• Public Safety
• Community Outreach
• Neighborhood Revitalization

• Recruitment
• Communications
• Youth Development
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Community Organization
• Writing/Editing
• Urban Planning
• Team Work
• Education
• Social Services

09/08/2026 - 09/07/2027

Full Time

Minimum: 18 Maximum:
None

MAINE

Portuguese, French helpful but not required, Spanish

From 07/06/2026 to 12/31/2026

Sol Carpenter
Goodwill NNE Americorps
Portland ME 04103