AUGUSTA - Today, Gov. Janet Mills signed an Executive Order establishing the Governor's Commission on School Construction, which will better identify new construction and renovation needs to update substandard facilities in Maine public schools.
Since 2019, $580 million has been approved by the Maine Legislature to help finance school construction and renovation. However, more assistance is needed. The 13-member commission will be charged with conducting a comprehensive review of school construction and renovation needs throughout the state and identifying how other states fund their school facilities, working alongside school administrative units, municipal leaders, legislators, experts in school construction and the general public.
The commission will then publish a report of their findings to be reviewed by the governor's office and the Legislature's Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
"It has become apparent that our communities need help when it comes to new school construction and renovation," said Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, House chair of the Education and Cultural Affair Committee." Our outdated and sometimes dilapidated classrooms are not conducive to learning, and our students deserve better. I strongly support the governor's Executive Order to establish this new commission, and I look forward to reviewing their findings particularly in regards to alternative pathways to fund this work during the upcoming legislative session."
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.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Brennan], c. 305-965-2744