Category: News & Views

Bowen testimony in opposition to increase transparency to superintendents’ agreements

The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing March 25 on legislation that provides that, among other provisions, if the commissioner of education allows a student transfer that was not approved by the superintendents,  the commissioner is required to provide a written description of the basis of the commissioner’s determination that the transfer is in the best interest of the student.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen delivered the following testimony opposing LD 791, An Act to Increase Transparency and Improve Equity in Appeals to Superintendents’ Agreements. Continue reading “Bowen testimony in opposition to increase transparency to superintendents’ agreements” →

Questions, answers and discussion from the Governor’s Education Conference

There wasn’t time to answer all the questions at the Governor’s Conference on Education: Putting Students First at Cony High School on March 22. So we’ve assembled them here and will be posting more questions and answers over the coming days.

Continue reading “Questions, answers and discussion from the Governor’s Education Conference” →

Governor’s Conference on Education videos, resources available

The following is a news release from the Governor’s Office.

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage speaks from the heart about what motivates him to seek education reform at the Governor’s Conference on Education: Putting Students First, and you can now watch that video online. In the Governor’s speech, he shares with Mainers his personal story and why he is passionate about providing multiple educational opportunities for Maine students.

Continue reading “Governor’s Conference on Education videos, resources available” →

Governor’s Conference on Ed shares practices, prompts discussion

Commissioner Stephen Bowen reads questions from the audience to the first panel of presenters at the Governor's Conference on Education.
Commissioner Stephen Bowen reads questions from the audience to the first panel of presenters at the Governor’s Conference on Education.

By all accounts last Friday’s Governor’s Conference on Education: Putting Students First was a great success. Not because everyone agreed with every idea that was presented, but because we were able to hear about innovations and reforms in Florida and elsewhere that have had some real impact on student achievement, and continue our conversation about which make sense for Maine to consider and put into action.

Continue reading “Governor’s Conference on Ed shares practices, prompts discussion” →

Educators invited to financial literacy in schools conference

Educators, administrators and counselors who are interested in improving the financial capability of Maine students should register for the fourth annual “Fostering Financial Literacy in Maine Schools Conference.” The conference will also feature free financial education resources for K-12 and college-age students and a variety of workshops presented by classroom teachers and financial literacy experts.

Continue reading “Educators invited to financial literacy in schools conference” →

Check district’s menu certification and performance-based reimbursement

Maine currently has 109 districts whose menus have been certified, putting the state at a little over 50 percent complete. Performance-based certification not only ensures that your district is meeting the mandatory, new, healthier meal pattern, but also gives the district an additional six-cents per reimbursable lunch claimed. For some districts, this can mean thousands of additional dollars for the program each year.

Continue reading “Check district’s menu certification and performance-based reimbursement” →

Governor’s Education Conference to be aired on Maine Public Broadcasting Network’s Capitol Connection

Update: Part four of the conference will air Thursday, March 28, at noon. Dr. Tony Bennett’s keynote speech will air Friday, March 29, at noon, or immediately following legislative hearings.

The following is a news release from the Governor’s Office.

Coverage begins Monday; for air times, visit MPBN.net

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage would like to thank the more than 200 people who attended the Governor’s Education Conference: Putting Students First on Friday.

Continue reading “Governor’s Education Conference to be aired on Maine Public Broadcasting Network’s Capitol Connection” →