One proposal from a special commission calls for new policies while the other calls for new state funding.
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.
A sudden switch in USM’s presidency as Glenn Cummings takes the job
The longtime educator will take over July 1 instead of Harvey Kesselman, who asked out of his appointment with his current school in turmoil.
UMaine system trustees vote on budget, keep tuition frozen
In-state tuition would remain at 2013 levels, assuming Gov. LePage’s proposed budget is approved.
Thornton Academy headmaster to be honored at White House
Rene Menard will get the President’s ‘E’ Award for the school’s success in enrolling overseas students.
Cutler cautions not to grow UMaine graduate center too fast
The former gubernatorial candidate tells the University of Maine System’s trustees: ‘You’ve got to crawl before you walk.’
Panel approves virtual learning compromise for Maine
The unanimously approved measure would have the Department of Education create a Web-based digital content library.
Maine Legislature’s education committee OKs medical pot given at school
Parents or caregivers must administer the marijuana at school then retain it so it wouldn’t be stored on campus.
University faculty group issues report critical of USM
The report by the American Association of University Professors says the University of Southern Maine can’t justify cutting faculty jobs.
Maine lawmakers urged to undo educational reforms
At a legislative hearing, speakers advocate eliminating Common Core and easing more rigorous graduation standards.
Bills propose variety of virtual education offerings
Legislators are considering how best to employ online resources for all Maine students.