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Maine Education Commissioner Says It Could Cost State $328 Million More To Reopen Public Schools

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Tom Porter
/
Maine Public File

State Education Commissioner Pender Makin told legislators Tuesday it could cost the state $328 million more to reopen public schools this fall.

Makin said some of the extra expense would go to keeping students socially distant and safe: "the possible need for leased space, for schools, additional cleaning supplies, professional development, additional buses."

Makin said it is still unclear how many schools will be able to open in the fall, so her Department is developing an online learning platform that will be ready for students to use by September 7. 

Update 5:20 p.m. July 1, 2020