Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To Convene a Stakeholders Group To Analyze the School Funding Formula
Maine Legislature, Session 124, LD 0190
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: JOHNSON, SMITH, BROWNE, GIFFORD, LEWIN, PINKHAM, SARTY, SCHATZ, TILTON

MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE 
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124th MAl 
LEGISLATURE 
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FIRST P...EGULAR SESSION-2009 
Legislative Document 
No. 190 
RP. 155 
House of Representatives, January 21, 2009 
Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To Convene a 
Stakeholders Group To Analyze the School Funding Formula 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed. 
Presented by Representative JOHNSON of Greenville. 
Cosponsored by Senator SMITH of Piscataquis and 
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1/1. 7J71LC~{ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: BROWNE of Vassalboro, CRA Y of Palmyra, GIFFORD of Lincoln, LEWIN 
of Eliot, PINKHAM of Lexington Township, SARTY of Denmark, SCHATZ of Blue Hill, 
TILTON of Harrington. 
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Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, the school funding formula that provides for state aid to local public 
education is inequitable; and 
Whereas, the school funding formula is responsible for unjustified funding shifts 
from many communities to other communities; and 
Whereas, it is necessary to rectify this inequity as soon as possible; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
II 
therefore, be it 
Sec. 1. Stal{eholders group. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall 
convene a stakeholders group to analyze the school funding formula. The stakeholders 
group must include participation of the Maine School Superintendents Association, the 
IS 
Maine Principals' Association, the Maine Education Association, special education 
experts;the University of Maine arid members of the Senate appointed by the President of 
the Senate and members from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives. The Department of Education shall submit an analysis 
plan and a proposed timeline tothe Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural 
Affairs by May I, 2009; and be it further 
Sec. 2. Issues to review. Resolved: 
That the stakeholders group convened 
under section I shall identify: 
I. The funding shifts caused by the school funding formula; and 
2. 
How the funding shifts identified in subsection I sup.port overall educational 
excellence and affect disadvantaged segments of the public education system by using as 
guides the Maine Educational Assessment results, annual yearly performance data and 
high-performing school analysis as well as other data selected by the Department of 
Education for rural and urban schools; and be it further 
29. 
Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall submit a 
report'with its recommended changes to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and 
Cultural Affairs by November I, 2009. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and 
Cultural Affairs may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th 
Legislature based on the report. 
Emergency clause.. 
In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
Page I - 124LR066t(Ot)-t 
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SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Department of Education to convene a stakeholders group to 
analyze the school funding formula. The department must present a plan and timeline to 
the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by May 1, 2009 and a 
report with its recommendations by November 1, 2009. The Joint Standing Committee 
on Education and Cultural Affairs may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session 
of the 124th Legislature.