Following concerns over costs, lawmakers on the education committee supported an amended version of the bill. It now goes to the full Legislature.
education funding
A commission spent more than a year studying Maine’s school construction crisis. What now?
An amended bill passed by the education committee incorporates some of the commission’s recommendations, but a $100 million price tag might scare lawmakers.
Does Maine spend roughly $20,000 per K-12 student? | Fact brief
Maine had the lowest per-student spending in New England as of the 2021-22 school year.
Maine’s school funding formula could be changed for first time in 20 years
Following a major amendment, the education committee pushes forward significant changes to the Essential Programs and Services formula that education leaders said are long overdue.
It’s a tough budget year for Maine’s school districts. Why?
Portland, South Portland and Lewiston schools have proposed budgets that would cut a combined 128 positions and increase taxes. Officials say rising salary and health care costs, and declining enrollment, are stressing their books.
Maine school district leaders agree funding formula update is overdue
A bill to reform the long-criticized EPS formula got support from districts around the state at a hearing Monday. Some said it could go even further in reducing inequities.
Lawmakers draft overhaul of Maine’s scrutinized school funding formula
Proposed legislation includes 9 changes to the state’s Essential Programs and Services formula, which school leaders, lawmakers and researchers say is inequitable and outdated.
Petition withdrawn: Smithfield stays in Skowhegan-based school district
The school district’s superintendent presented figures showing that a switch to Oakland-based RSU 18 would likely cost the town more.
Lawmakers initiate reform of Maine’s fraught school funding formula
The Education Committee is introducing a bill based on researcher recommendations that include integrating local poverty rates and reforming the special education model.
Only 2 Maine districts make the cut for school construction funds
Schools in Bath and Frenchville can get state funding to rebuild after both were damaged by fire, while a long list of other schools await funding to replace aging and deteriorating buildings.