Category Archives: Legislation

Chapter 33 Restraint and Seclusion Rules are changing

The Department has adopted a revised rule governing restraint and seclusion of students (Rule Chapter 33). The changes to the rule take effect April 29, 2013.

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Mandatory CTE regional calendars due June 1

By law, career and technical education schools must submit regional school calendars to the Maine Department of Education by June 1, 2013. The Department must approve the calendars by July 1, 2013.

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Submit student nominations for Dirigo Boys and Girls State

The Legislature recently passed a resolution expressing support and appreciation for the Dirigo Boys and Girls State programs. This year’s Boys and Girls State programs will take place June 16-20.

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Bowen testimony in opposition to apply standard of best interest to superintendent agreements

The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing March 25 on legislation that clarifies the standard to be applied by superintendents when considering the transfer of a student from one school administrative unit to another by incorporating the standard set forth in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 2, which is that a student must be provided an opportunity to receive the benefits of a free public education.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen delivered the following testimony opposing LD 530, An Act to Apply the Standard of Best Educational Interest to Superintendent Agreements for Transfer Students. Continue reading

Bowen testimony in opposition to amend charter school funding

The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing April 1 on legislation that eliminates the requirement that local funding follow a student to a charter school; adjusts the funding transferred from school districts to charter schools; and amends several funding requirements for charter schools.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen delivered the following testimony in opposition to LD 533, An Act to Eliminate the Requirement that Local Funding Follow a Pupil to a Charter School; LD 889, An Act to Adjust Funding Forwarded from School Districts to Charter Schools; and LD 1057, An Act Related to Public Funding of Charter Schools. Continue reading

Bowen testimony in opposition to giving AOS’s authority to approve student transfers

The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing March 25 on legislation that gives a local school committee of an alternative organizational structure the authority to approve student transfer requests.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen delivered the following testimony opposing LD 880, An Act to Change the Process for Student Transfers from an Alternative Organizational Structure. Continue reading

Bowen testimony in opposition to increase transparency to superintendents’ agreements

The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing March 25 on legislation that provides that, among other provisions, if the commissioner of education allows a student transfer that was not approved by the superintendents,  the commissioner is required to provide a written description of the basis of the commissioner’s determination that the transfer is in the best interest of the student.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen delivered the following testimony opposing LD 791, An Act to Increase Transparency and Improve Equity in Appeals to Superintendents’ Agreements. Continue reading

FY 2013-14 budget validation referendum reminder

Every three years, voters are required to consider whether the school budget validation referendum process will continue (per Title 20-A, §1486 (1)). The last such vote took place for the FY 2010-11 budget year.

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Implementing LD 1422: Proficiency-Based Diplomas

ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER NO: 7
POLICY CODE: AE

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Financial literacy resources for high school students available

As required by Title 20-A Section 254, Sub-section 13, as enacted by Public Law 2011, Chapter 154, this annual report is being shared with superintendents. Please share this report with your school board members.

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