Backed by science, a movement taking hold in Maine fosters a more alert student body – and makes ‘a huge difference.’
Noel K. Gallagher
Noel Gallagher covers K-12 and higher education issues statewide. Her stories are a mix of breaking news and trend stories. In recent years, they’ve ranged from why college costs so much, the launch of the state’s first charter schools, how a school welcomed a transgender student and why Maine schools have a hard time finding teachers. She’s enough of a news nerd to enjoy sitting through legislative education committee meetings and hours-long school board meetings so you don’t have to.
The Maine Press Association has honored Noel’s work, but she says she writes for the readers, in the firm belief that an informed citizenry is key to a healthy democracy.
Noel is a California native who has worked at wire services, online websites and newspapers across the country. She was in Washington D.C. during the early Clinton years, covering AIDS activism in 1990s San Francisco, documenting the business of wine in Sonoma County and riding out the boom and bust cycle of the early Internet era in early 2000s Silicon Valley. She arrived in Maine at the beginning of the recession and wrote quite a bit about the downturn here.
In her free time, Noel writes the occasional cookbook review, spends an inordinate amount of time at the Portland Public Library and hangs out with her three fabulous kids and wonderful husband. She is not a former member of the band Oasis.
Maine’s education reform panel to accept fine for closing meeting
Members vote not to challenge the attorney general’s complaint that they violated access laws, then move on to reform efforts.
Special education teacher shortage worsens at Maine schools
Numerous factors have aggravated the long-term problem, making life harder for officials and other education staff.
Portland schools will try to bridge gaps with immigrant parents
A committee will seek solutions after families feeling cut off from educators ask for changes in policies.
Tree-like design favored as public gets look at Woodfords sculpture
About 50 Portlanders turn out to get a look at the public art project proposed for a space in front of the Odd Fellows building on Forest Avenue.
Maine officials extend student computer contract
But officials say they are still considering ways to change the school laptop program, which gives students state-financed computer devices.
Portland anti-Trump protesters loud, but all passionate, law-abiding
The candidate’s supporters and detractors clash verbally outside Merrill Auditorium, while inside some critics try to disrupt his speech.
Pundits puzzle over Trump visit to Portland
Why a blue city, come Thursday, when there’s a reddish 2nd District nearby?
Maine delegates praise Hillary Clinton as the right candidate to lead the country
The Democratic nominee delivers a fiery speech painting an optimistic vision for the nation that her supporters see in stark contrast to the ‘Trump apocalypse.’
Portland restaurant owner meets with gun club members over Facebook post
The meeting came after the owner of Grace and Foreside Tavern posted a message saying owners of assault weapons were no longer welcome in her eateries.