Superintendents, business managers and others:
Today Governor Paul R. LePage issued an executive order to reduce State spending by $35.5 million to balance the fiscal year 2013 budget. With this notice, I am now able to share the impact of that curtailment on state education subsidy, including specific amounts for each school district.
The Maine Department of Public Safety has just issued the following release. While law enforcement has found no credible threat, all agencies involved, including local school districts working with state and local law enforcement and the Maine Department of Education, remain vigilant and committed to the task of school emergency preparedness and take seriously all possible threats.
NEWS RELEASE from the Maine Department of Public Safety
from Spokesman Steve McCausland – 626-3811
The events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., continue to be a challenging and painful presence for many of us, especially in education. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of the victims and the entire Newtown community.
Maine DOE has created a Sandy Hook web page with a number of resources for school districts, parents and families, including: information about emergency planning and preparedness, how to talk with children, a Q&A, and other materials. We will add to the page as we discover appropriate resources.
Continue reading “Commissioner’s Update – December 20, 2012”
The second draft of the Next Generation Science Standards – the last before the final version is released in the spring – is set for week of Jan. 7. We are encouraging the broadest possible participation by Maine educators, business, and other stakeholders, in reviewing the draft. Continue reading “Suggestions on providing feedback on the Next Generation Science Standards”
Gov. Paul R. LePage issued the following press release this evening:
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage asks that the people of Maine observe a moment of silence on Friday, Dec. 21, at 9:30 a.m., in remembrance of the victims of the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
This memo from Commissioner Bowen is intended for superintendents, heads of private schools, and other administrators. It includes links below to key resources on emergency preparedness and talking with children about Sandy Hook.
Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., has shocked and saddened us beyond words. The Governor and I have both expressed our condolences and send our thoughts and prayers. I confess I can’t help but feel that our words seem insufficient within the scope of the tragedy. Still, I know that they are important, and I appreciate the efforts many of you have made to share your thoughts and prayers, and your efforts to communicate with your parents in the aftermath of this national tragedy.
Continue reading “Request, resources, and info in the aftermath of Sandy Hook”
The Department will accept applications for the Federal Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) Program through Feb. 15, 2013. Continue reading “Submit federal tax credit bond apps”
New state-level data on high school exit exams, college entrance and college- and career-readiness assessments, as well as state efforts to support college- and career-readiness standards, are now available on the State Education Reforms website.
Districts are invited to learn more about the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, the creators of Maine’s new Common Core assessment, over dinner at two separate events near their region.
Continue reading “Dine and discuss transition to Common Core assessments”
The College Board Chinese Guest Teacher and Trainee Programprovides opportunities to pilot or expand Chinese language and culture programs in Maine elementary, middle and secondary schools during the 2013-14 school year.
Continue reading “Participate in Chinese guest teacher & trainee program”
Maine DOE Newsroom 