Bowen testimony in support of religious schools bill

The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing March 15 on legislation that removes language in Maine statute that prohibits public tuition dollars from going to private religious schools that would otherwise be approved for the receipt of such funding.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen delivered the following testimony supporting LD 1866, An Act to Remove Inequity in Student Access to Certain Schools. Continue reading “Bowen testimony in support of religious schools bill”

Choice bills would let students learn in best setting

AUGUSTA – Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen testified today in favor of the final two bills of Gov. Paul LePage’s education agenda, arguing that students and families across the state should have choices in finding the best school settings for their children. It’s a choice that families in some communities have, but in many others, do not.

Continue reading “Choice bills would let students learn in best setting”

Bowen testimony in support of open enrollment bill

The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing March 15 on legislation that establishes an open enrollment program that allows public schools to become “schools of choice” and enroll students from outside the district boundaries. The bill allows students and families to choose school settings that work best for each individual student.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen delivered the following testimony supporting LD 1854, An Act to Expand Educational Opportunities for Maine Students. Continue reading “Bowen testimony in support of open enrollment bill”

School bus purchases approved for 2012-13

The School Bus Purchase Program award list for 2012-13 bus purchases is now available on the Maine Department of Education’s Pupil Transportation website.

School districts on the list are approved to purchase the bus or buses listed. Those districts not on the list can apply for the 2013-14 cycle of bus purchase funds between Nov. 1 and 25, 2012.

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Session offers ideas for charter schools

From the Maine State Charter School Commission.

PORTLAND — The Maine State Charter School Commission held the first of three public input sessions on Monday, March 5 in Portland. About 55 members of the public turned out to suggest educational gaps in their regions that charter schools could potentially fill.

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Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application

The Maine Department of Education is seeking comments from the public on its 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”

Preliminary state education subsidy printouts for 2012-13

Preliminary State subsidy printouts (ED 279) for school administrative units are now available this morning on the Maine DOE funding web pages.   These subsidy amounts for FY 2012-13 are only preliminary and do not represent final action of the 125th Legislature and therefore should only be used as “initial” guidance for your budget preparations.  Continue reading “Preliminary state education subsidy printouts for 2012-13”