Maine DOE School Finance Coordinator Ida Batista is this week’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little bit more about Ida in this brief question and answer:
What are your roles with DOE?
My role here at the DOE is School Finance Coordinator, which means I have a variety of tasks related to school finance, such as answering questions on school funding; running some of the “fun” parts of the funding model; keeping abreast of policy/ legislation regarding school funding; and producing federal reports.
What do you like best about your job?
I like helping people and figuring out how to effectively and efficiently implement the many laws and rules that govern the Maine school funding formula, Essential, Programs, and Services (EPS).
How or why did you decide on this career?
I completely believe public education is a common good. It needs to be invested in in a way that allows our children to aspire while enhancing the quality of local communities and therefore the state as a whole. Prior to working here, I spent a decade doing public education policy research, so this is just another facet of doing the work I love!
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
For fun, I like to spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy reading, cooking, volunteering, hiking, being outside in nature!!! Oh and getting friends and colleagues to do various races with me!!!