Combining golf, swimming and indoor track teams at Deering and Portland high schools could boost participation.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
University of New England plans to have students back on Maine campuses this fall
A committee is exploring ways to mitigate health risks including through social distancing, increased cleaning and sanitation, and other modifications.
Portland schools are serving thousands of meals, but some students aren’t coming to get them
The number of students getting free meals now is less than when school is in session, prompting the district to add distribution sites and consider home delivery.
UMaine’s new student orientations will be held virtually
Maine’s flagship campus in Orono will move orientations in June to a virtual format, while other campuses in the university system are making adjustments but have not canceled in-person August orientations.
School districts rethink graduation under new state guidance
Schools are considering virtual ceremonies or in-person celebrations at later dates, though new guidance from the governor means large gatherings might still not be possible through the summer.
USM dorm, student center construction project delayed by outbreak
The project, which includes the first student housing on USM’s Portland campus, is now scheduled for completion in spring 2023.
Maine schools expect almost $44 million in federal aid to offset costs of pandemic
The emergency funds for K-12 schools will be based on districts’ eligibility under a federal program based on their numbers of low-income students.
Portland schools weighing pandemic’s financial impact
Losses this school year could be partially offset by unforeseen savings, and the school board is working with the city to assess the outbreak’s impact on next year’s budget.
As coronavirus upends political campaigns, it also emerges as an issue
Voters are paying attention to the government’s response to the pandemic, which has already divided candidates and been the subject of political attacks.
Portland schools add another meal site for students in need
Starting Monday, school meals will be available at the Reiche Community School from 10 a.m. to noon.