DEM LAWMAKERS RESPOND TO EDUCATION COMMISSIONER’S RESIGNATION

AUGUSTA – Democratic lawmakers on Friday released the following statements on the resignation of Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen.

“I offer my congratulations to Commissioner Bowen and wish him the best of luck in his new position. While we certainly had disagreements, we were able to work together in some areas important to Maine students,” said House Majority Leader Seth Berry of Bowdoinham, a former teacher. “Democrats look forward to working with the acting commissioner to ensure Maine classrooms are the best that they can be.”

During his tenure as Education Commissioner, Bowen implemented the controversial A-F school grading system, which primarily used standardized test scores in determining a school’s letter grade.

“Although many of Commissioner Bowen’s initiatives and proposals were misguided and unproductive, he is an intelligent and committed public servant who worked well with members of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.  I wish him well,” said Sen. Rebecca Millett, Senate Chair of the committee. “It is my hope that we can use this opportunity to find an Education Commissioner who is committed to strengthening Maine’s public schools.”

Nearly 190,000 students attend public school in Maine. Maine has more than 600 public schools, and more than 16,000 public school teachers.

“I think this commissioner really did try to improve public education. We parted ways on how to do that at times. I’m not in favor of using public funds for religious schools, for instance,” said Rep. Mary Nelson, D-Falmouth, a member of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. “I hope the governor will be very thoughtful as he considers Commissioner Bowen’s replacement. We spend a lot of tax dollars on our public education system and we owe it to our students, communities, taxpayers and businesses to have a first-class education system in the state of Maine.”

The two-year budget approved by the Legislature in June restores previous cuts to education, provides an additional $35 million for education, and creates a path for the state to meet its goal to fund 55 percent of K-12 education, per the will of the voters.

“Commissioner Bowen’s departure provides Maine with the opportunity to find someone to lead the department who can really improve public schools,” said Sen. Christopher Johnson, D-Somerville, a member of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. “Commissioner Bowen’s approach put far too much stress on charter and private schools at the expense of public schools. We need someone who recognizes the importance of public schools and will lead educators in strengthening them.”

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