Education is a complex issue, but vitally important to all of us, even those who no longer have children or grandchildren who are school-age. Young people are our future. They are our future doctors, nurses, caretakers, fisherman, farmers, scientists, caretakers, and stewards of this land.

​

I would like to see a renewed belief in the importance of education. No matter what career path one chooses, fundamental skills in math, science, and language arts are critical. To run your own business, as many fisherman do, those core skills are essential to success and to the creative thinking that is needed to address the many challenges all of us face in work and our daily lives.

 

Schools should integrate more in the community. While Lincoln Academy has a public service requirement for students, Medomak Valley High School does not. Many of our local groups need volunteers to meet needs, and younger generations need to see the value of this work first hand. Older students should go to a couple of town Select Board meetings in their community and see how local government works. 

​

Perhaps this could be a state-wide initiative to support greater youth involvement as stewards of our beautiful state and how each and every one of us can make differences big and small. We each play a role in the future success of this state. For example, people need to understand the impacts of small actions on an our environment. Citizens need to be reminded that voting is something everyone should do as being part of a community, a state, and a nation.

​

I went to the small elementary school in Bremen, followed by Medomak Valley High School and Region 8 Technical School. After high school graduation, I followed up with an Associates in  business and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Maine. I credit my education not with teaching me everything I need to know in life, but rather laying the foundation for lifelong learning. I know how to get information, gathering from all sides, and I enjoy continuing to learn and grow as a person. 

 

Education is another space where Federal and State regulations often challenge small local schools and school districts. This is not to say that all of these laws are bad, but they are often unfunded mandates that can be very demanding on a local school district. Every single child deserves a free and appropriate education, but some children have enhanced needs and the State and Federal governments should share the burden more fully so that meeting these mandates as the local level doesn't mean losing teachers or educational opportunities for all students.

​

How a Maine State Legislator Can Support Schools

​

A Maine legislator can strengthen public schools by improving funding, supporting student mental health, reducing administrative burdens, investing in workforce development, and ensuring schools have the resources to provide a safe, high‑quality education. Maine’s education system faces challenges ranging from staffing shortages to rising special‑education costs, and legislators play a central role in addressing them.

 

Ways Legislators Can Support Maine Schools

​

1. Strengthen School Funding & Reduce Local Burdens

​

Maine’s schools rely heavily on local property taxes.

 

Legislators can help by:

 

• Ensuring the state meets or exceeds its 55% school funding obligation.

• Increasing support for special education, which is one of the fastest‑growing costs for districts.

• Expanding funding for school facilities, including HVAC upgrades, safety improvements, and energy efficiency.

• Supporting predictable, stable funding so districts can plan long‑term.

 

2. Support Student Mental Health & Well‑Being

​

Maine schools are seeing increased student mental health needs.

A recent legislative proposal (LD 1123) highlighted how many districts struggle to access federal Medicaid funds for school‑based services, with only 45% of districts participating in eligible reimbursements.

​

A legislator can:

​

• Fund school‑based mental health professionals, including counselors and social workers.

• Improve MaineCare reimbursement support, helping districts access federal funds for services students already receive.

• Support partnerships with community mental health providers.

 

3. Reduce Administrative Burdens on Schools

​

Schools often struggle with complex state and federal requirements.

​

A legislator can:

​

• Streamline reporting requirements.

• Fund positions (like the proposed MaineCare coordinators) that help districts navigate complex systems.

• Ensure new mandates come with funding (“no unfunded mandates”).
   

4. Support Safe, Healthy Learning Environments

​

Legislators can help schools create environments where students can focus and thrive.

​

Examples include:

​

• Funding school safety upgrades and emergency preparedness.

• Supporting nutrition programs and access to healthy meals.

• Supporting programs such as Farm and Sea to School, which benefits students, fisherman, and farmers.

 

5. Invest in Teachers & School Staff

 

Maine faces teacher shortages, especially in rural areas.

​

A legislator can:

​

• Support competitive salaries and benefits.

• Fund professional development and mentorship programs.

• Support pathways for ed techs and paraprofessionals to become certified teachers.