This report by Maine's Task Force on Year-Round Education to the State Board of Education explores the feasibility of changing the school calendar--to distribute instructional time over more calendar months in order to enhance student learning. The new schedule could reduce teacher and student absenteeism, limit the loss of learning during summer break, increase staff-development options, enhance student success, and provide opportunities for enrichment and remediation. The introduction describes year-round education (YRE) and illustrates single- and multi-track systems. The second section provides a historical overview of school calendars nationwide and in Maine, reviews literature, and outlines advantages and disadvantages of YRE. In the third section, the task force endorses alternative school calendars that are carefully tailored to the academic needs and interests of students. Planning and implementation strategies are presented in the fourth section. The next section offers answers to the questions mostly frequently asked by students, teachers, parents, administrators, and business/community members. In conclusion, YRE is an approximately 180-day alternative school calendar designed to meet the needs of a community. The most important element in implementing such a program is community involvement and support. A glossary, 11 tables, 1 figure, and a list of state and district resources are included. (LMI)