Cuddy and Curry work with Department of Education to clarify the Maine Ocean School funding formula

AUGUSTA – Rep. Scott Cuddy, D-Winterport, and Sep. Chip Curry, D-Belfast have been working with representatives from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to address confusion around the Maine Ocean School’s funding structure. In a meeting Cuddy and Curry organized with DOE representatives on Feb. 17, they were able to clarify the statute and secure more funding for the Maine Ocean School. 

Despite the school’s mission to support Maine’s maritime economy by training students in skills transferable to careers involving the ocean, the Maine Ocean School has faced funding challenges due its unique funding model. Though a public magnet school, by statute the Maine Ocean School receives funding through the charter school model. 

Cuddy has been working actively over the past two years to support the school’s continued success. Through the work and advocacy of Cuddy and Curry, the DOE determined that procedures for new charter schools are also applicable to the Maine Ocean School. More specifically, in the first five years of operation, the school will receive funding based on the number of students enrolled in that academic year. 

“This is a big win for the school. We were able to cut through the bureaucracy for the benefit of children in Waldo County and across the state who are interested in maritime education,” said Cuddy. “The Mills administration looked at the circumstances, reviewed their policy and came to the right conclusion. Moving forward, I’m dedicated to continuing to work with the department to ensure the school receives the funding it deserves.” 

“The Maine Ocean School, with its emphasis on hands-on learning focused on our ocean-based industries, fulfills a unique need in preparing our future maritime leaders,” said Curry. “This innovative school based in Searsport is young but growing. I am proud to play a role in ensuring the school has the funding it needs to continue educating our future leaders.”  

This clarification in statute will provide the school with greater financial stability through the remainder of this year as well as an opportunity to increase the availability of programs to students in years to come. 

Cuddy, a member of the Labor and Housing Committee and the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, is serving his second term in the Maine House of Representatives. He represents House District 48, which includes Frankfort, Searsport, Swanville and Winterport.

Chip Curry is a first-term state senator serving all of Waldo County. He chairs the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business. Curry is a longtime educator, academic advisor and youth development advocate.