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

Federal funds allotted to state's school districts

By Matthew Stone mstone@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA -- Maine's Department of Education on Wednesday told school districts across the state how much federal money is in store for them as part of a $10 billion federal funds infusion meant to restore school jobs.

Maine's education agency is distributing the state's $39 million allotment through the funding formula it relies on to distribute most other local school aid.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci last week opted for that method over disbursing the funds through the federal Title I formula, which is aimed largely at schools with high percentages of low-income students.

"The most equitable way to distribute these new resources is through that (standard) formula," Baldacci said in a statement released by his office.

The funding amounts released Wednesday range from nothing for some of the state's tiniest school units -- such as Glenwood and Kingsbury plantations -- to more than $2.6 million for Portland's schools.

In central Maine, Augusta's schools are slated to receive nearly $495,000 while $543,000 is headed to the school district that serves Waterville, Winslow and Vassalboro schools. The Farmington-based Mount Blue Regional School District will receive nearly $362,000.

The money can be used to pay the salary and benefit costs for virtually any school-level position. It can't be used to pay for central office administrators, according to guidance from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds must be used by Sept. 30, 2012.

Superintendents interviewed over the last week largely said they have yet to make plans on spending the money.

Patricia Hopkins, the incoming superintendent of Gardiner-based Regional School Unit 11, said discussions about spending the $284,000 headed RSU 11's way haven't begun.

"I just need to learn more about where the money's coming from, any restrictions that are on the money," she said.

Under federal guidelines, districts would have the option of setting their money aside for the 2011-12 school year, when schools will no longer have federal economic stimulus funding.

"I would certainly be willing to entertain that discussion knowing that there's a potential for loss of subsidy next school year," Hopkins said.

In Winthrop, Superintendent Briane Coulthard said the $195,000 payout is coming at just the right time. The town's schools are grappling with a $180,000 funds shortfall.

"If I can apply that to five or six of those accounts that are in the red toward individuals and preserving their jobs, I would certainly try to do that," Coulthard said. "I think that would be a tremendous help."

Matthew Stone -- 623-3811, ext. 435

mstone@centralmaine.com