After announcing just last week that it was closing due to financial constraints, Maine’s Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design is now exploring a partnership with Fairhaven, Mass.-based Northeast Maritime Institute-College of Maritime Science that could keep the school open.
Landing School President John Caron said Wednesday that the two parties have entered into a memorandum of understanding, establishing a framework through which the Arundel-based college can continue “the school’s educational mission, institutional legacy and community presence … well into the future.”
The details of any potential long-term arrangement are subject to due diligence, regulatory review and definitive agreements, Caron said in a statement.
“Both institutions are committed to conducting an expedited and good-faith evaluation process over the next 30 days," Caron said.
“Most importantly,” Caron added, “both organizations want current and incoming students, families, alumni, faculty and industry partners to know that every effort is being made to preserve continuity, stability and confidence in the future of the Landing School.
Scenes from around the Landing School include wooden boatbuilding and even a surfboard build. FILE PHOTOS / PETER VAN ALLEN
What each party offers
Founded in 1981, Northeast Maritime Institute-College of Maritime Science is a private institution based in Fairhaven, Mass., across the Acushnet River from New Bedford.
It offers accredited areas of study in maritime safety, technical education and simulation-based training, as well as credentialing programs supporting the maritime, transportation, offshore energy and marine industries.
For its part, the Landing School offers training in wooden boat building, composite boat building, yacht design and maritime systems.
“For generations, the Landing School has represented something deeply important through the preservation of craftsmanship, innovation, hands-on learning and the maritime traditions that have helped shape New England’s identity," said the institute's president, Eric R. Dawicki.
“Our objective is not simply to preserve a school, but to help protect a legacy, support its students and faculty and work collaboratively toward a future where the Landing School can continue serving its community for decades to come."
He urged the Landing School's existing students to "stay the course with confidence as we aggressively explore a framework designed to provide long-term stability and renewed opportunity.”
Students who have committed deposits for the fall semester at the Landing School and wish to request a refund should contact the school directly.
Updates as discussions progress over the coming weeks will be shared on the Landing School website as well as through email and social media channels.
