School funding formula
topic of statewide forums
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Maine legislators want to know what residents think about the system to fund public schools. As part of its comprehensive evaluation of the Essential Programs & Services (EPS) school funding formula, there will be four public stakeholder forums throughout Maine July 16-18. Educators, parents, taxpayers and residents are encouraged to attend.
In Aroostook County, the forum will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 in the Presque Isle High School auditorium.
The Legislature has contracted with Lawrence O. Picus and Associates to conduct the EPS evaluation, and representatives of the firm will attend the forums. Information on the study, as well as copies of their initial report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs are available on the Legislature’s website at www.maine.gov/legis/opla/EPSfundingmaterials.htm or at www.lpicus.com.
Input is being sought on any topic related to the operation of the EPS funding system including, but not limited to:
• The specific resources included (or that should be included) in the EPS funding system to determine how much revenue each school district receives.
• The way revenues are raised and distributed to school districts in Maine and the equity of the funding system.
• The relative state/local share of school costs and the overall level of education spending in Maine.
• Teacher compensation.
The information provided at the forums will help Lawrence O. Picus and Associates develop its final recommendations to the Legislature. For more information, e-mail lpicus@lpicus.com.
