The final bell has rung, and summer is in full swing for schools across the state —a much-needed break for students and teachers alike. While summer vacation is here, I can promise you that in Augusta, prioritizing our students, teachers and school administrative support staff continues to be one of the Legislature’s top priorities.
The state is continuing to meet our obligation to fund 55% of public education costs, and we recognize how important it is to ensure that school funding keeps pace with rising expenses. This continued investment will not only increase equity in education across the state but will also work to alleviate the burden that education costs place on local property taxpayers. We’re committed to passing measures that will provide meaningful tax relief for residents without letting our school systems suffer.
Another initiative that the Legislature continued is funding free school breakfasts and lunches for all public-school students in grades K-12. Not only has it been shown that kids can learn and comprehend more effectively on a full belly, but they are also happier.
Another example of our continued commitment to Maine’s students is reflected in the increased funding within the supplemental budget for special education and related services for children between the ages of three and five. Early intervention and inclusive support services for kids with developmental disabilities have been proven to have long-term benefits. Addressing disparities in our early education and development system can have lasting impacts on our students as they grow, become adults and enter the workforce, particularly in terms of potential future income. This is a significant step towards preventing such inequality and ensuring a brighter future for our state.
To better assist local schools, we also passed legislation directing the Maine Education Policy Research Institute to review the education funding process. This measure will ask the Institute to examine methods by which the state can continue supporting retention and recruitment efforts while improving salaries and benefits. When the state commits to fair and equitable school funding, it ensures a sustained investment in our student’s academic success, directly contributing to the long-term prosperity of our state.
And finally, to further bolster the workforce behind our public K-12 education system, my colleagues and I passed a supplemental budget this year that includes language that will support the future wage increase for educational technicians and other school support staff. These crucial staff members are invaluable to student success, often performing various tasks beyond what is in their job description, and they deserve better pay.
This wage increase, funded entirely by the state during its first year of implementation, is an investment in our educational workforce, aiming to ensure that everyone feels valued and fairly compensated at work.
These measures are only a sampling of what the Legislature accomplished for K-12 education this past session. While it is important progress, my colleagues and I are all too aware that more must be done to improve our support for our educators and schools across the state. We recognize the ongoing challenges faced by our education system and remain committed to addressing them through sustained efforts and additional initiatives. Our goal will always be to ensure that every student has access to a quality education and that our teachers receive the resources and support they need to excel.
Rep. Jim Boyle, D-Gorham, is serving his second and final term in the Maine House of Representatives after serving two years in the Maine State Senate. He is a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.