The state’s flagship university announced it intends to raise tuition by 4% and cut more than $10 million from its budget but declined to provide details about what programs and positions are being axed.
Riley Board
Staff Writer
Riley covers education for the Press Herald. Before moving to Portland, she spent two years in Kenai, Alaska, reporting on local government, schools and natural resources for the public radio station KDLL as part of the Report for America program. Riley originally hails from Sarasota, Florida, and is a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the college’s student newspaper, The Campus. She has interned at the Burlington Free Press, and at the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Magazine in Washington, D.C. Outside of work, Riley is passionate about roller skating, cooking and her cat, Edgar.
Maine’s school funding formula could be changed for first time in 20 years
Following a major amendment, the education committee pushes forward significant changes to the Essential Programs and Services formula that education leaders said are long overdue.
Maine’s early childhood intervention system was broken. Schools are taking over.
Fifty school districts have already assumed control of preschool and pre-K special education from the state and many more will follow suit in the fall. Although challenges persist, district leaders say the shift has benefited students.
It’s a tough budget year for Maine’s school districts. Why?
Portland, South Portland and Lewiston schools have proposed budgets that would cut a combined 128 positions and increase taxes. Officials say rising salary and health care costs, and declining enrollment, are stressing their books.
Portland schools’ $180M budget proposal would cut 20 positions
Dozens turned out for a board meeting to oppose the loss of student-facing staff and a plan to close one of the system’s 3 middle schools.
Maine school district leaders agree funding formula update is overdue
A bill to reform the long-criticized EPS formula got support from districts around the state at a hearing Monday. Some said it could go even further in reducing inequities.
Maine judges won’t recuse themselves from DOJ trans athlete lawsuit
The Trump administration asked 2 federal judges to remove themselves from the case, a lawsuit over transgender athlete participation in sports.
Lawmakers draft overhaul of Maine’s scrutinized school funding formula
Proposed legislation includes 9 changes to the state’s Essential Programs and Services formula, which school leaders, lawmakers and researchers say is inequitable and outdated.
Palestine conference canceled by USM over speaker’s sanctions has new location
The academic discussion called the ‘Consequence of Palestine’ will take place at First Parish Congregational Church in Gorham.
Portland could consider closing 1 of its 3 middle schools
A resolution, passed by a committee Monday and to be taken up by the full school board in March, is meant to address declining enrollment, financial pressures and underutilization in Maine’s largest district.