The $1.2 million in reductions brings the school budget to $110.6 million for the year that starts July 1.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools and Education
Portland superintendent offers new list of cuts to reduce school budget by $1.1 million
Xavier Botana avoids some of the controversial items he originally proposed, choosing to eliminate a handful of positions among other cuts to get the school spending plan down to $110.6 million.
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Posted inMaine, News, Schools and Education
Portland council votes 7-2 to reduce school budget by $1.1 million
The school board now will have to look for areas where it can reduce its $112 million spending plan before it is sent to voters on June 12.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Live-at-work proposal revived for Riverside Street in Portland
The developer has a new site for the project aimed at entrepreneurs ready to grow beyond ‘the incubator level.’
Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s July Fourth celebration in jeopardy as funding becomes a struggle
The nonprofit behind the event is having trouble raising money, and the mayor suggests not paying for fireworks as an alternative to cutting the school budget or a jobs program.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools and Education
Portland mayor calls for spending cuts, new revenues to protect school budget
Ethan Strimling presents his recommendations as the City Council also hears from residents defending the school budget.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
First hotels, then short-term rentals, now city’s getting its first hostel
Heather Loeber hopes her less pricey, more communal accommodations will help open Portland to cash-strapped younger people who want to experience the area with fellow travelers.
Posted inMaine, News
Bayside at rock bottom: Portland neighborhood is under siege
The fragile accord that once existed between Bayside residents and the vulnerable people seeking help from Preble Street and the city’s Oxford Street Shelter has shattered, as drunken brawls, overt sex, burglaries and drug deals encroach on neighbors’ doorsteps.
Posted inMaine
Portland agency that helps the homeless bears the imprint of its longtime executive director
Mark Swann has been leading Preble Street since 1991, upholding family values of service to others and commitment to social responsibility.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Shipyard’s ambitious redevelopment plan means loss of jobs at downtown brewery
But the company says the roughly 30 employees affected will be offered positions at the brewery’s 7 other locations and with 9 partner companies looking for workers.