In a two-year state budget proposal that has a lot of reductions, education was largely spared by comparison – state education funds to school districts will be essentially flat for the next two years, at the post-curtailment rate. While the budget adds $27 million to GPA, it also shifts $28 million in retirement costs to become a state/local share. Currently those retirement costs are covered entirely by the State – for all districts, from the wealthiest to the poorest. The state will continue to cover the full Unfunded Actuarial Liability – the 25-year costs of paying off retirement obligations for teachers – at $142m, and another $30m-plus for retired teachers health and life insurance.
I plan to share more about the education budget next week. For now, here are some education budget-related charts and summaries for your review.
— Stephen Bowen
ACTION REQUIRED
Administrative Letters
Notices
- Notice of public input for proposed charter school Harpswell Coastal Academy
- Notice of public input for proposed charter school Fiddlehead School of Arts and Technology
- Approval of FY 2013 School Revolving Renovation Fund applications
Reporting
More Administrative Letters
More Notices
Reporting Calendar
NEWS & VIEWS
National Standards for Arts Education narrative framework released
The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) has released a narrative framework document that details the rationale, goals and strategy of the new National Standards for Arts Education that are currently being written by five arts discipline teams. | More
Maine students selected for United States Senate Youth Program
AUGUSTA—Senators Susan M. Collins and Angus King today announced the names of the two students who have been selected as delegates to the 51st Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 9 to 16, 2013, in Washington, D.C. | More
Maine DOE Certification Office launches new website
Much care was taken to provide Maine’s education community with the necessary materials for all its credentialing needs. | More | School Counseling website, resources also available
Seeking recommendations for Educator Talent Pool
The Maine Department of Education is seeking recommendations for the 2013 Maine Educator Talent Pool, which is made up of teachers and principals who can be considered for local and state advisory boards and task forces. | More
Alana Margeson’s “Top Five” lessons as Maine’s Teacher of the Year
As we kick off the new year, I cannot help but be especially reflective, given the profound impact of this year on my personal and professional life. By Alana Margeson | More