AUGUSTA - The supplemental budget passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Janet Mills last month will provide a significant infusion of new funds to school districts across the state that have seen an increase in students who are English Language Learners (ELL).
In total, the budget includes $3.5 million for the ELL Hardship Fund, which was established last year by the Legislature. According to Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, the Portland School System will receive an additional $784,174.25 in state funds to assist ELL students. The funds will be available at the end of October.
"Since last September, the Portland School System has experienced a significant increase in the number of students needing ELL services," said Brennan, House chair of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. "This additional funding will allow Portland to hire staff and provide important services to assist these students. However, the city isn't alone there are school districts across the state that are working hard to meet the influx of new students, and the Legislature recognized their efforts and stepped up to help. This funding will have a major impact, and I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues to continue funding the program in the coming years."
A partial list of other school districts receiving funds include: Biddeford at $192,784.56, Brunswick at $50,245.57, Freeport at $109,468.98, Lewiston at $630,689.35, Saco at $110,008.94, South Portland at $302,065.63 and Westbrook at $93,365.58.
Brennan is serving his third consecutive term in the Maine House, having previously served four terms in the House and three in the Senate. He represents House District 115, which includes a portion of Portland, and serves as House chair of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Brennan], 305-965-2744