Maine Education

With the announcement Wednesday, more than half of Maine colleges and universities have now come out with policies mandating COVID-19 vaccination for the upcoming school year.

After a tumultuous school year that included remote and hybrid classes, many districts are looking at a more normal schedule resuming this fall. That means in-person classes, five days per week. But one policy is dividing administrators, parents, and teachers: whether to require masks.

Now, the amount students receive from the Maine State Grant has increased by more than 66% - from $1,500 to $2,500 a semester, due to an increase of $10 million in state funding. Students say that extra $1,000 can make a big impact on easing the burden of paying for college.

Some schools are adding a few positions here and there, such as keeping on custodians they hired during the pandemic. But by far, the biggest way that schools say they’re spending this money is by indirectly giving some -- or all of it -- right back to the taxpayers.

Portland Superintendent Xavier Botana says about a quarter of those funds will be used to eliminate any tax increases in this year's budget.

The college is also planning to open a new technical institute on the campus of Pineland Farms in New Gloucester offering certificates and associates degrees.

Unvaccinated students and employees at Maine's public universities will still be required to wear masks, quarantine and be tested this fall.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill that will reinstate the Commission to Study Collège Affordability and College Completion, which previously met in 2014.

The proposal, from Democratic Sen. Nate Libby, would change state law to help such students build a portfolio for high school graduation.

Maine is one of the first states in the country to take this step. Reporter Robbie Feinberg spoke with Amy Regan Gallant, the vice president of public policy and research at Good Shepherd Food Bank about the legislation.