President Donald Trump’s recent promises to sign an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education have raised concerns about the potential impacts on Maine schools. With federal funding totaling approximately $250 million for programs such as special education, school nutrition, multilingual education, and technical schools, the uncertainty around future funding has added new challenges for school districts as they enter budgeting processes for the next fiscal year.
Maine’s largest school district, Portland Public Schools, received $10.59 million in federal funding in fiscal year 2025, making up about 6.6% of its total budget. Superintendent Ryan Scallon expressed concern about the status of federal funding sources at a recent budget forum, emphasizing the need for a healthy fund balance to offset potential negative adjustments.
Federal funds in Maine primarily support programs for students with disabilities, school meal programs, career and technical education, and adult and family literacy. Title funding, distributed through five programs, addresses educational gaps and provides resources for staff positions, technology, and professional development.
The intersection of federal and state funding in Maine can be complex, with the state covering 55% of public education costs, while the rest is raised through property taxes. If federal funding is lost, districts could face significant impacts, particularly in areas such as special education covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Maine Department of Education is closely monitoring the situation and has not received direct communication from the U.S. Department of Education. As the situation unfolds, the department is committed to providing accurate information to schools and districts to navigate the potential changes.
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