A bill that limits a district’s ability to transfer teachers is being heard in the Education Committee on Feb. 18, and we need you to reach out to legislators on that committee and tell them why the proposal needs to be defeated. L.D. 1857, An Act To Protect Teachers from Punitive or Retaliatory Transfers, would limit the School Board’s ability to transfer... READ MORE >
The Department of Education has released preliminary ED 279s showing state aid for districts in 2020-21. Linked below is a spreadsheet showing the preliminary distribution for all districts. There has been an increase in aid that allows a lowering of the required local mil rate to 8.18. Minimum receivers will see an increase in subsidy... READ MORE >
The following bills submitted by legislators and affecting the operation of schools and labor law have been accepted for consideration by the next session of the Legislature when it convenes in January 2020. LR: 2861, An Act Regarding the Negotiation of Educational Policies by School Boards. Sponsor: Representative Brennan of Portland. This bill deals with the... READ MORE >
Planson International, a global IT solutions provider to international organizations focused on development, sustainability and emergency response, has received the Business Friend of Education Award from the Maine School Boards Association. The firm is woman-owned, headquartered in New Gloucester with offices in Denmark, and has been a generous and active partner... READ MORE >
Carl Soderberg of Soderberg Construction has received the Business Friend of Education Award from the Maine School Boards Association for facilitating significant construction projects that have benefited Caribou Schools within RSU 39. The award was presented by MSBA President Kim Bedard at the Maine School Management Association’s Annual Conference on Oct. 24. ... READ MORE >
Dr. Don Burgess, a pediatrician at Southern Maine Health Care, has received the Maine School Boards Association Distinguished Service Award for his dedication and leadership to keep children safe and healthy. The award was announced at the Maine School Management Association’s Annual Fall Conference in Augusta on Oct. 24. He was nominated by the RSU 21 School... READ MORE >
Dr. Chris Record, the Assistant Superintendent for the Gorham School Department, has been named Maine’s 2020 Assistant Superintendent of the Year for his commitment and focus on creating an environment where all students can learn. Record has led the Gorham School Department through meaningful professional development to help support students who are struggling... READ MORE >
Dr. David W. Murphy, superintendent of schools in SAD 44, Bethel, since 2002, has been named Maine’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year – a testament to his belief that all students can be successful with the right support. Superintendent Murphy was selected by a committee of his peers, including former Superintendent of the Year recipients, Maine School... READ MORE >
The Legislature has released a list of just over 400 bill titles that have been put in by legislators for next session, including 36 to be heard by the Education Committee and a handful of bills going before the Labor Committee and Appropriations Committee that could affect public schools. Those titles include references to protecting teachers around punitive... READ MORE >
It is time to register for the 46th Annual MSMA Fall Conference. We are very pleased with the keynote and endnote speakers, number and content of "clinics", and new and returning exhibitors. Registration should be made through the superintendent's office. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We encourage student board members to attend. Please... READ MORE >
The Maine Charter School Commission has moved forward one applicant for the final available slot under the state’s 10-charter-school limit for a high school in Waldo County targeting rural students. A hearing was held on August 7th for the Ecology Learning Center, which would be located in Montville. It is described as offering experiential, community-based... READ MORE >
Below are highlights of bills that largely go into effect this school year or require preparation for the following year. It is not a comprehensive list of all bills passed. To see that list, go to Legislative News Issue 1920-01. Amendments to Teacher Evaluation Process Districts will not be required to use Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) and standardized test... READ MORE >