Superintendents criticize education commissioner’s student transfer philosophy
… State Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, who serves on the Legislature’s Education Committee, said while it is within the legal right of the commissioner to overrule local school districts, he disagrees with the commissioner’s approach. He said the commissioner repeatedly said during meetings across the state that he would respect the education field. “He is...
State seeks relief from No Child Left Behind
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, a member of the Legislature’s Education Committee, said one way to make best use of limited resources would be to ensure that training materials created with funding directed at struggling districts be made available to all school systems. State education officials must “ensure that all teachers have access that I...
Baxter Academy Testimony
Good Morning Members of the State Charter Commission. My name is Justin Alfond and I’m the State Senator for District 8 which includes most of Portland and the Islands of Great Diamond, Cliff and Peaks. I want to thank the Charter Commission for all the heavy lifting you have done thus far. You were given...
Senate joins House in rejection of religious school funding bill
… Others said the bill would have created a “voucher†program that sets a bad precedent. “Siphoning taxpayer money to pay for religious education undercuts Maine’s public education,†said Assistant Democratic Leader Justin Alfond, who also serves on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. “Schools are already being asked to do more with less and...
Supplemental Budget FY13 Proposals
Last week, the governor proposed a supplemental budget. The supplemental budget covers fiscal years 2012-2013 and is comprised of all the technical and emergency shortfalls. However, instead of focusing on sound policy, the governor chose to include several controversial policies in the supplemental budget. The public hearings took place last week and the biggest crowds...
Lawmakers deal blow to LePage bill diverting public funds to religious schools
… Lawmakers on the committee said too much work needed to be done on the choice bill. Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said the proposal was “not ready for prime time.” … Click here to read more from the Lewiston Sun Journal.
