An Act To Improve the Essential Programs and Services Funding Formula
Maine Legislature, Session 124, LD 0551
Committee Amendment CA_A_H793 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 389, L.D. 551, Bill, "An Act To 
Improve the Essential Programs and Services Funding Formula" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'Resolve, To Direct the Commissioner of Education To Review the Essential 
Programs and Services Funding Formula' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the title and before the summary and 
inserting the following: 
'Sec. 1. Review. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Education, in conjunction 
with the Maine Education Policy Research Institute, shall conduct a review of certain 
education finance and policy issues associated with The Essential Programs and Services 
Funding Act established under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, chapter 606-B. In 
conducting this review, the Commissioner of Education and the Maine Education Policy 
Research Institute shall: 
1. Analyze the components of the essential programs and services funding formula, 
including analyses of: 
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A. The original policy goal or educational objective established for each of the 
essential programs and services cost components and a detailed description of the 
original and current methodology used to calculate the resources determined to be 
adequate for each cost component; 
B. 
The subsidy distribution methodology originally established for the essential 
programs and services funding formula and the subsidy distribution methodology 
currently included in the school funding formula; and 
C. The practices found in schools identified as higher-performing, more efficient 
schools and schools identified as lower-performing, less efficient schools by the 
Maine Education Policy Research Institute, including the best practices found in 
higher-performing, more efficient schools where the actual educational performance 
of specialized student populations exceeds the expected performance for these 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 'A" to H.P. 389, L.D. 551 
specialized student populations as compared to the actual and expected educational 
performance of similar students in other schools in the State; 
2. 
Evaluate the CUlTent statutory framework related to the Commissioner of 
Education's annual funding level computations and funding level recommendations as set 
forth in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, chapter 606-B, as well as the provisions 
that provide for reviewing and updating certain essential programs and services cost 
components using infolTnation provided by a statewide educational policy research 
institute; 
3. Propose any necessary changes to the CUITent mechanisms that would permit the 
joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters the 
opportunity to review the most recent data available as the Legislature considers the 
enactment of legislation to appropriate the necessary funds for the State's share of the 
general purpose aid for local schools program and any changes to the essential programs 
and services funding formula necessary to respond to changing conditions; and 
4. Make recommendations on the components and issues included in this section and 
on other matters relating to the essential programs and services funding formula; and be it 
further 
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 3, 2011, the Commissioner 
of Education and the Maine Education Policy Research Institute shall submit a report that 
includes their findings and recommendations, including any suggested legislation, to the 
joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment strikes the concept draft and replaces it with a resolve that requires 
the Comm,issioner of Education, in conjunction with the Maine Education Policy 
Research Institute, to review and report on the components and subsidy distribution 
mechanisms of the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act. The Commissioner of 
Education and the Maine Education Policy Research Institute are directed to submit their 
report by January 3, 2011 to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having 
jurisdiction over education matters. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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Approved: 03/26/10 Mac:.. 
LD551 
LR 1058(02) 
An Act To Improve the Essential Programs and Services Funding Formula 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment A" 
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Additional costs to the DepaJlment of Education associated with conducting the required review and issuing the 
required report can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources. 
LRI 058(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1