I am writing in response to a Dec. 19 letter to the editor that I believe unfairly criticized Gov. Janet Mills’ education record (“Janet Mills record on education fails to make the grade“). 

As a member of Maine’s State Board of Education for three terms, I know firsthand that Maine is a local control state, with educational decisions like curriculum made at the local level by school boards. The governor’s responsibility is to ensure that schools are properly funded. Gov. Mills is the first governor to fully fund the state’s share of education at 55%. This is a significant accomplishment. 

Moreover, Gov. Mills has made major investments across Maine’s entire education system. She enacted universal free school meals, increased teacher pay and invested more than $1.6 billion to repair our aging school infrastructure. She has also made substantial investments in early childhood education, laying a foundation for children’s long-term success. 

Gov. Mills has also created pathways for student success after graduation. She expanded free community college, provided $140 million in student loan debt relief, made a significant investment in Maine’s career and technical education and launched the HOPE program to help many parents gain access to education. 

She led Maine through the pandemic, which disrupted education. Her leadership lessened its impact on our students. To suggest the governor is at fault is wrong, especially when it is clear that she is doing her part with necessary funds. Success or failure in education falls on the shoulders of the state, along with local school boards, educators and, most importantly, parents.

Peter Geiger
Lewiston