This post was inspired by the writings of Gerald Weinand and Bruce Bourgoine at Dirigo Blue.  I’d like to thank them both for continuing the debate.

Not only should Maine’s education system continue to evolve, it must continue to evolve.  Our education system is still functioning on a Industrial Era model.  We continue to question why are kids leave school unprepared and/or uninterested in learning.  The answer is right in front of us.  Our schools are preparing them to work in factories settings. *RING* math time *RING* science *RING* eat *RING* english.  If we want to equip our children for the way our new world works this has to stop.  Learning, as life, should happen outside of the microcosm.  There are opportunities to learn about all the Rs integrated in almost every subject.  The world is moving toward a workplace that requires inventive problem solving.  To compete in a global economy our children will need to leverage one of America’s greatest assets; creativity.  Why can’t our education system do the same? (more…)

I was deeply involved with the No on 1 campaign from early-2009 through Election Day. I knocked on hundreds of doors, made thousands of phone calls, and participated in dozens of events. If the election taught me anything, it was that without proper education and cogent refutation of opponents’ slanderous claims, lies and misinformation will run rampant and destroy any possibility of advancing equal rights. (more…)

Chances are your child’s school will hemorrhage dollars faster than a slot machine addict with six arms, as state aid to education is expected to plummet over the next couple of years.  While some cling to the vague expectation that schools will become more efficient, you can’t escape reality: keeping the average classroom temperature above 60 degrees costs money.

So does employing teachers. (more…)

It is clear at this point that Maine’s schools are not immune to the budget pinch.  Yesterday, Simon Thompson wrote about possible cuts to the Portland sex education program.  This week several school district budget have begun to tackle funding problems.  Scarborough, South Portland, Falmouth, and Cumberland are fighting a fierce battle over funding.  What is going on in these communities could provide lessons for other Maine districts facing the same problems. (more…)

It’s unfortunate that one of the programs perennially on the chopping block during budget season is also one that is vital to not only a large sector of the student population in Portland Schools, but to the future fiscal stability of our state as well. (more…)

A proposal by Rep. Ralph Sarty (R-Denmark) to give school districts the ability to choose their own health insurance plans.  Rep. Sarty is seeking to give districts the opportunity to lower insurance costs, in order to save staff positions. The proposal is about giving districts, “freedom to look for savings during a time of extreme financial pressure.”  This is not a mandate.  No one is forced to do anything.  One would assume if a district found their current plan to be the cheapest they would not change.  Any opportunity to save money, and thereby retaining student programs, sounds like a win-win.  Not to the Maine Education Association.  The MEA is circling the wagons in defense against Rep. Sarty’s proposal. (more…)

Legislative solutions to Maine educational budget problems are starting to come in.  Rep. Ralph Sarty (R-Denmark) released a proposal for one such idea today.  Rep. Sarty’s legislation would give districts the option to self-insure and hopefully save money.  “I’ve spoken with nearly 20 school superintendents, and they are all intrigued by this idea,” said Rep. Sarty (R-Denmark). “They are keenly aware that the state’s General Purpose Aid for local schools will drop by $92 million next year and is expected to remain at that level for the following biennium. Health insurance for teachers is costly, and superintendents are very interested in the idea of saving money by self-insuring. They see it as a way of preserving positions for teachers.” (more…)

While every candidate running for governor has at least mentioned education, it remains, to some extent, a peripheral issue.  The economy has trumped education, and most other issues, so far.  You’ve probably heard the saying, “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”  There’s truth to that statement.  If the next governor does not focus on improving Maine’s schools, our economy, as well as our children, will pay the price. (more…)

Maine is not the only state going through lean budget times.  Across the country states are agonizing over what programs to cut and save in order to come to terms with revenue shortfalls.  The education budget took a big hit, leaving districts scrambling to make ends meet.  A lot of folks want to raise taxes in some capacity.  That certainly is one way the state to mitigate education funding loss.  Cutting programs, increasing class sizes (ie. firing teachers), and mandatory pay freezes are a few of the other ideas being tossed around.  Times like these often spur great innovative solutions.  I’m not sure if I would call this plan from Washington state one of those, but it’s still worth discussing.   (more…)

That’s it.  Governor Baldacci’s last “State of the State” has been given.  The Governor touched on a number of expected topics, including the economy, taxes, and energy.  Baldacci also discussed how his final year in office would be spent dealing with education policy.  The speech contained tough language on education.  Baldacci is attempting to end his term with fireworks, but will he light more than a sparkler in ed reform? (more…)