Category: Priority Notices

Impact on education funding in proposed budget

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.

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Request, resources, and info in the aftermath of Sandy Hook

Originally posted Dec. 17, 2012

This memo from Commissioner Bowen is intended for superintendents, heads of private schools, and other administrators. It includes links below to key resources on emergency preparedness and talking with children about Sandy Hook.

Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., has shocked and saddened us beyond words. The Governor and I have both expressed our condolences and send our thoughts and prayers. I confess I can’t help but feel that our words seem insufficient within the scope of the tragedy. Still, I know that they are important, and I appreciate the efforts many of you have made to share your thoughts and prayers, and your efforts to communicate with your parents in the aftermath of this national tragedy.

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Looking forward to better accountability system

Headshot of Commissioner Stephen BowenToday the Department released its annual report on school progress under the No Child Left Behind Act, which showed that a majority of schools aren’t meeting federal targets—just as we anticipated.

We, along with most other states, don’t believe AYP accurately measures school success. Continue reading “Looking forward to better accountability system” →

Recognizing exceptional teachers

Headshot of Commissioner Stephen BowenToday was a great day for recognizing excellent teachers and showcasing their work. I was honored to start the day by announcing that Peter Barlow is the newest Maine CTE Teacher of the Year. A few hours later, I was congratulating four teachers for becoming Presidential Award finalists at a conference for science teachers in Gardiner.

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