Recognizing the value of literacy to social and economic well-being, communities across Maine have formed literacy teams to promote birth to adult literacy education efforts. Many of these teams formed in response to the Maine DOE’s Literacy for ME initiative. Continue reading “Literacy for ME community literacy webinar series underway”
Premier science events offer opportunities for Maine educators
Two upcoming national events in nearby Boston will provide extensive professional development opportunities for Maine science educators. Continue reading “Premier science events offer opportunities for Maine educators”
Free newspaper subscriptions available for educators
The Boston Globe News in Education (NIE) program is offering free Boston Globe NIE digital classroom subscriptions and educational resources to Maine teachers in kindergarten through grade 12. Continue reading “Free newspaper subscriptions available for educators”
Deadline approaching for Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest
The deadline for the 18th annual Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest is April 1. In honor of Senator Smith’s trailblazing run for the Republican presidential nomination in 1964, the theme this year is to assess the changes the United States has undergone over the past 50 years. Eight cash prizes ranging from $50 to $1,000 will be awarded. For more information, please visit the library’s website or call 207-474-7133.
Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP
The Maine DOE recently issued guidance regarding the provision of transportation to special education students. In response to questions we’ve received as a result of that dispatch, the Department wishes to provide additional clarity. Continue reading “Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP”
Preliminary FY 2015 State subsidy printouts available
The Department is pleased to let you know that the FY 2015 (2014-15 school year) preliminary State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s, are now available here on our website. Continue reading “Preliminary FY 2015 State subsidy printouts available”
Commissioner’s Update – March 6, 2014
From the Maine DOE
The Department is very close to completing the creation of the preliminary State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s. As soon as those are finalized, we will post them on our website and immediately alert superintendents and business managers via a priority notice.
It will be important for districts to remember that those printouts will reflect the currently enacted biennial budget, and will likely be adjusted as the Legislature responds to current and projected budget shortfalls, including the $9.5 million General Purpose Aid reduction already proposed by the State’s Office of Policy and Management.
In past years, the Department would send out a general subsidy spreadsheet in February and the actual ED 279s in April. After hearing for years from superintendents that it is the ED 279s and the extensive information they provide that is of most value to informing the local budget preparation process, our Finance Team has refocused its efforts to get those out much earlier and are pleased we will be able to do that in early March.
Notices and Reporting
- Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) Federal Tax Credit Bond Application (Reminder), due March 14
- Highly Qualified Teacher Data, due March 31
- EPS April 1 Enrollment Reporting, due April 15
- Private School April 1 Enrollment Reporting, due April 30
- 2014 Maine Educator Talent Pool Recommendations (Reminder), due May 2
More Notices
Administrative Letters
Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Education Commissioner applauds expansion of student learning opportunities
AUGUSTA – Education Commissioner Jim Rier released the following statement this week in response to the Maine Charter School Commission’s approval of the state’s first public virtual charter school. The unanimous approval authorizes the independent Commission to enter into contract negotiations with Maine Connections Academy, which plans to start serving as many as 300 students from across the state this fall. | More
Maine DOE speaks in support of educator effectiveness rule
Maine DOE Director of Policy and Programs Deborah Friedman spoke to the Maine Legislature’s Education Committee this week in support of the Department’s provisionally-adopted Chapter 180: Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth Systems rule. | More
Applications open for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Maine is now accepting applications for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2014-15 school year. Applications must be completed for each school that is eligible for participation. | More
Classroom resources available for Statehood Day
March 15 marks Statehood Day, which according to State statute is intended to “commemorate the admission of Maine as a state into the United States of America and the ideals and wisdom of those men and women who have formed Maine’s history and traditions.” Maine schools are urged to observe the day and a number of online resources are available to support classroom learning and celebrations. | More
Maine DOE adds standards resources
The Maine DOE has recently added a new Standards in a Proficiency-Based Education page to its Getting to Proficiency website with resources intended to support educators as they make these local decisions. | More
Yarmouth Middle School finalist for national environmental competition
The Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth has been named as one of 15 national finalists for the Samsung Solve to Tomorrow Grant. The environmental issue students focused on for the competition was the invasive European Green Crab that is currently having a negative impact on Maine’s shellfish industry and coastal environments. | More
MPA offers workshop on having hard conversations in education
The Maine Principals Association will host a day-long interactive workshop with an international educational and communications consultant who will focus on how school and districts leaders can successfully communicate with supervisees, peers and supervisors in a wide range of difficult situations. | More
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Preliminary ED 279s coming this month
The Department is very close to completing the creation of the preliminary State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s. As soon as those are finalized, we will post them on our website and immediately alert superintendents and business managers via a priority notice.
Yarmouth middle school finalist for national environmental competition
The Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth has been named as one of 15 national finalists for the Samsung Solve to Tomorrow Grant. The environmental issue students focused on for the competition was the invasive European Green Crab that is currently having a negative impact on Maine’s shellfish industry and coastal environments. Continue reading “Yarmouth middle school finalist for national environmental competition”
Applications open for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Maine is now accepting applications for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2014-15 school year. Applications must be completed for each school that is eligible for participation. Continue reading “Applications open for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program”
