Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

This blog has gone quiet in recent weeks as I wind down my duties as education reporter here at the Kennebec Journal.

I've accepted a new job working for the agency that's been the subject of many of my stories over the past three years: the Maine Department of Education. The department has hired me, using a federal grant, to write and manage content that will be used as part of a major reorganization of the Department of Education website.

Friday is my last day at the Kennebec Journal. I start with the department on Monday. I've recused myself from covering state education stories since the job opportunity arose.

The idea behind my job is that the Department of Education's website will become more useful and user-friendly for teachers, administrators, parents and the general public. Easy accessibility to the reams of data on the Department of Education's website should make the agency more transparent and accountable.

Those stores of data should grow as the Department of Education continues work on its state longitudinal data system -- a tool that promises to provide insight into whether educational resources are being deployed effectively.

I'll miss my position as a reporter covering public education in Maine, but I'm excited to put my education writing to use in a new capacity.

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