AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval on Monday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, that would analyze the state's education funding formula to explore ways to more equitably fund economically diverse districts.
Maine's Essential Programs and Services (EPS) Funding Formula was first implemented in 2005 and includes a requirement that individual components of the formula be reviewed on a rotating basis every three years. The last comprehensive review of the entire formula was conducted in 2013. While the formula was designed to ensure Maine public schools have the funding needed to provide essential programs and services so that all students have equitable opportunities to meet Maine's learning standards, not all communities feel the current formula addresses this adequately.
"The current education formula provides less per student to Rockland than to other service centers and much less when compared to more rural districts," said Geiger. "The average cost per Maine student in 2021 is estimated to be $14,145. Rockland receives $3,408 per student, which equates to roughly 24% of that amount. That discrepancy translates to real disparities in educational and career outcomes. Its past time we re-examine the ways this formula can be improved to serve all communities in Maine."
As amended, LD 1160 would direct the Department of Education and the Maine Education Policy Research Institute to conduct a study and report back to the Legislature's Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs no later than Jan. 15, 2024.
The bill faces further votes in the Senate.
Geiger is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents District 42, which includes Rockland, Owls Head, North Haven and part of Matinicus Isle. She is a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee and the Labor and Housing Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Geiger], c. 305-965-2744