Bill to allow public funds for religious schools rejected, school choice put on hold
… Democrats on the committee said they were pleased that the LePage administration’s education proposals were not rammed through. “I think what the committee’s vote today showcased was a rejection of the governor’s extreme education proposals,†said Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland. “The committee agreed that he put forth complex public policy and we didn’t have...
Committee approves system for evaluating Maine’s teachers
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said the amendments to the bill made it much more palatable, particularly language that allows due process in the event a teacher is given poor reviews and terminated. “Of course, we’d like more time to look into this, but they are on a time schedule that is different from ours,â€...
Maine Bill to Establish Teacher Evaluation Systems Advances
… In an effort to mollify these concerns, the Department of Education added language that says educators can’t be removed if questions of bad faith taint the ratings they receive. As the committee prepared for a final vote, the other big outstanding question concerned money. How, in a time of tight finances, are local districts...
Capital Improvement for Portland Schools
Monday, I spoke at the joint Portland City Council and School Board gathering at City Hall. The discussion focused on the Capital Improvement Project in the City, and I spoke about state funding of schools. The state has two major funding streams for schools– major capital improvement, focused on new schools, and the school revolving...
School choice, public funding for religious institutions headline LePage education plan
… “We need to build an education system around what each student needs,” LePage said. “Each student learns in different ways; we need to provide multiple pathways, and CTE plays a significant role in that.” Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said the latter proposal has promise. However, he said, he was disappointed that the governor’s education...
Senator Alfond Praises Endorsement of Education Bill
Education Committee Unanimous in its Support of bill to Improve Student Outcomes Augusta – Senator Justin Alfond (D-Cumberland County) today applauded the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee for its unanimous vote to pass LD 1422, “An Act to Prepare Maine People for the Future Economy.â€Â The bill sets out a timeline requiring schools to use...
