Room to Grow
Maine spends more per student than almost anyone. The results don't show it.
The Marshalls live in rural Sagadahoc County. Their closest school is a 40-minute bus ride away, and it's been struggling for years — declining test scores, teacher turnover, classes that don't challenge their kids.
They've thought about homeschooling. Their oldest is curious, loves science, devours books. Their youngest needs more structure and hands-on learning. Both kids would thrive with something different. But the curriculum costs, the materials, the enrichment programs — it would wipe out what little savings they have.
So they do what most Maine families do: they send their kids to the school they're assigned to and hope for the best. Not because it's the right fit. Because it's the only option they can afford.
The Problem
Spending more, getting less
Maine spends $19,310 per student — 16th highest in the nation. But we rank 50th in educational efficiency. More money hasn't meant better results.
Only 33% of Maine's 4th graders read at grade level. NAEP scores have declined 15 points over the past decade.
Rural families have the fewest options. Geography limits their choices, and the assigned school may be the only school within a reasonable distance.
Meanwhile, families who can afford alternatives — private schools, tutoring, moving to a different district — have them. The families who can't are stuck.
“Parents know their kids best. A child who thrives in a Montessori program and a child who thrives in a vocational academy shouldn't be forced into the same box.”
Ideas Worth Exploring
Let education dollars follow the student
These aren't campaign promises — they're conversations we need to have. Real change takes coalition-building, and I want to bring these ideas to the table.
Expand educational choices for every family
Whether it's public, private, charter, or homeschool — families should have options. Education savings accounts that let parents direct funding toward the best fit for their child would put every family on equal footing, not just those who can afford alternatives.
Invest in vocational education
Not every kid needs a four-year degree, and pretending otherwise fails the students who'd thrive in the trades. More CTE programs, apprenticeship pathways, and career-focused charter schools would give students real options.
Support homeschool families
Maine already has a strong homeschool community. Giving these families access to educational funding for curriculum, tutoring, and enrichment activities would transform homeschooling from a financial sacrifice into an empowered choice.
Lift the charter school cap
Maine artificially limits the number of charter schools, restricting innovation and competition. Removing the cap while maintaining quality standards would let new models emerge — STEM academies, classical schools, trade-focused programs.
This matters to you?
Then let's do something about it. Every yard sign, every conversation, every bit of support moves the needle.