In the News
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.
Committee weighs DHHS probe
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, supported Brannigan’s bill, even though it needed special approval because it comes late in the session. “We’re talking about potentially millions of dollars that has been misspent,” Alfond said. … Click here to read more from the Kennebec Journal.
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...
Education panel amends bill requiring schools to sync calendars
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said he feared that it could be difficult to follow the law. “Are we making sure this fits all of our CTECs?†he asked, pointing out that Portland Arts and Technology High School has 22 sending schools. “What if they can’t get their calendars to a point where they have...
