The Maine DOE will again apply for federal School Improvement Grant funding that the Department would distribute to help the state’s most struggling schools close achievement gaps.
Category: Funding
Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application
The Maine DOE is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services for preschool- and school-age children with disabilities.
Continue reading “Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application”
Maine DOE renews efforts to support local change
The following Priority Notice was sent on Monday, Feb. 23 to inform Maine educators about the efforts of the Maine DOE to support the continued quality implementation of key initiatives that will improve teaching and learning in Maine, including the administration of new assessments, educator evaluation and the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas.
Dear Educators,
Welcome back from a well-deserved February break. As you know, in recent years the Department has successfully advocated for reforms that strengthen accountability, best practices and choice. The result is that our increasingly learner-centered schools will better prepare students for success in college, career and civic life.
Never before has more been expected of Maine students. The same could be said for our schools. Continue reading “Maine DOE renews efforts to support local change”
Commissioner’s Update – February 19, 2015
From the Maine Department of Education
The Maine DOE has released preliminary FY 2016 (2015-16 school year) State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s, on its website at www.maine.gov/doe/eps/.
These preliminary amounts are based on Governor LePage’s proposed two-year budget that increases funding for Maine schools and students and assumes State payment directly to public charter schools as proposed in LD 235. Specifically, the Governor’s FY16 budget proposal includes $964.1 million for general purpose aid for Maine schools – an increase of $20.3 million over the $943.8 appropriated by the Legislature for FY 15 – and $966.3 million for FY17 – an increase of $22.5 million over appropriated FY15 funding.
The proposed budget would bring the subsidy provided by the State per pupil to $5,334 in FY16 and $5,389 in FY17, an increase of nearly 17 percent since the Governor took office in 2011 and per pupil State funding was $4,619.
The subsidy amounts for FY 2016 contained in the preliminary ED 279s do not represent final action of the 127th Maine Legislature and should therefore only be used as initial guidance in informing local budget preparations.
Notices and Reporting
- Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB), due April 17
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News & Views
Maine recognizes Career and Technical Education Month
Students and educators across Maine are joining those across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. | More
MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made, report review by April 1
The remaining 2014-15 subsidy checks for General Purpose Aid for local schools will reflect adjustments for MaineCare Seed payments paid by the Maine DOE on behalf of school administrative units (SAUs). | More
Maine DOE shares assessment EL support information
The Maine DOE has released new resources relating to supports available for English learners taking the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced. | More
School enrollment contacts posted to support assessment administration
Contact information has been posted to the Maine DOE website to assist School Test Coordinators (SCs) in resolving any discrepancies in the student lists available in the Test Information Distribution Engine during the upcoming administration of the new Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced. | More
RFP issued for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
The Maine DOE has issued a request for proposals seeking bids to establish or extend 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) in 2015-2016. | More
QZAB Tax Credit Bond applications due April 17
The Maine DOE will accept applications for the Federal Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) Program through April 17. The Department currently has $1,435,000 of QZAB issuing authority to distribute to qualifying schools units. | More
Maine seeks feedback on IDEA Part C application
Maine is seeking input on its application for the Part C (birth through two) program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA. The Part C budget is for State Fiscal Year 2016. | More
Maine State Archives commemorates 150th anniversary of 13th Amendment
The Maine State Archives is celebrating Black History Month by commemorating the State’s 150th anniversary of ratifying the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. | More
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Preliminary FY 2016 State subsidy printouts available
The Maine DOE has released preliminary FY 2016 (2015-16 school year) State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s, on its website at www.maine.gov/doe/eps/.
Continue reading “Preliminary FY 2016 State subsidy printouts available”
Maine seeks feedback on IDEA Part C application
Maine is seeking input on its application for the Part C (birth through two) program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA. The Part C budget is for State Fiscal Year 2016.
Continue reading “Maine seeks feedback on IDEA Part C application”
RFP issued for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
The Maine DOE has issued a request for proposals seeking bids to establish or extend 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) in 2015-2016.
Continue reading “RFP issued for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program”
QZAB Tax Credit Bond applications due April 17
The Maine DOE will accept applications for the Federal Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) Program through April 17. The Department currently has $1,435,000 of QZAB issuing authority to distribute to qualifying schools units.
Continue reading “QZAB Tax Credit Bond applications due April 17”
MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made, report review by April 1
The remaining 2014-15 subsidy checks for General Purpose Aid for local schools will reflect adjustments for MaineCare Seed payments paid by the Maine DOE on behalf of school administrative units (SAUs) for the following:
- 2014 Quarter 3 and 4 Maine Care Payment adjustments
- Corrections to 2014 Quarter 1 and 2 MaineCare Payment adjustments
Continue reading “MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made, report review by April 1”
Commissioner’s Update – February 12, 2015
From the Maine Department of Education
The nomination deadline is just days away for the 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Members of the public can enter educators who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and nurturing the achievement of all students at www.mainetoy.org through Feb. 20. To be considered, a teacher must hold at least a four-year degree and be employed by a Maine public school – including a public charter school or publicly supported secondary school.
The eventual winner of the state’s highest teaching honor, which is awarded by the Maine DOE through a program administered by Educate Maine, serves as an advocate for teachers, students and the efforts underway in Maine’s public schools to prepare students for success in college, career and civic life.
Notices and Reporting
- School Facilities Inventory FY13-14, due March 31 (Reminder)
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News & Views
Maine DOE recommends, rather than requires, assessment keyboards
The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that mechanical keyboards will no longer be required for the online administration of the new Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy. | More
Governor LePage proclaims February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Governor Paul R. LePage is requesting Mainers observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month this February. | More
JMG receives $200,000 to expand to Cony High School
Governor Paul R. LePage and Acting Education Commissioner Tom Desjardin were on hand Tuesday as Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (JMG) accepted a $200,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation. | More
School day SAT administration support available
The Department is letting schools preparing to administer the optional SAT to their students on Wednesday, April 15 know of support available from College Board. | More
Nominations open for Maine’s 2015 Curriculum Leader of the Year
The Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association (MCLA) is seeking nominations for the 2015 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year through March 30. | More
Maine DOE sets reduced AP test fees for low-income students
The Maine DOE has worked with the U.S. Department of Education and the College Board to acquire grant money to cover a portion of the exam fee for low-income students. | More
Department updates guidance on adult ed and MUSER
The Maine DOE has recently revised its FAQs on adult education and its role in Maine’s Unified Special Education Regulations (MUSER). | More
Students encouraged to enter Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest
The Maine Secretary of State’s Office is inviting students to enter its Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest. | More
Maine schools educating boys of color eligible for $10k COSEBOC award
Qualifying Maine schools are invited to enter the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC) fourth annual COSEBOC School Awards. | More
Webinar on Feb. 24 on nuisance birds around schools
Maine schools that have issues with nuisance birds are invited to a free webinar overviewing the challenges that avian pests present and ways to deter them. | More
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