SENATOR MILLETT FOCUSES ON STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Posted: September 26, 2014 | Front Page, Senator Millett

AUGUSTA – Democratic Senator Rebecca Millett of Cape Elizabeth co-hosted two community school forums at Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor and York County Community College in Wells to provide more public information and discussion on the concept of community schools.

Both the southern and central Maine events were well attended, with approximately 140 guests in total, including superintendents, principals, school board members, health care providers, representatives from Congressman Michaud and Congresswoman Pingree’s offices, state representatives, special education teachers, case managers, vice principals, public health administrators, school counselors, school bus drivers, school nurses, behavioral health specialist, social service agencies, experts on community schools and other interested community partners.

“I am delighted at the diverse turnout and interest for these events and excited to see that a strong interest exists in Maine to provide a more comprehensive approach to education,” said Senator Millett. “In this challenging economy, we need to be strategizing better ways to ensure that all Maine children have the opportunity to succeed.”

Poverty among Maine children has increased, with more than one in five children living in poverty in 2012 and nearly 70 percent of all children under age 6 in Maine living in households where both parents work.

The concept of community school partnerships seeks to address the fact that poverty matters for student success and that schools and community organizations can partner to offer programs that extend beyond academics.

Penquis has announced it will have a full time staff person partially funded through the federal AmeriCorps VISTA program to help build partnerships between schools and community organizations.

“Attendees left the forums excited and ready to discuss the next steps,” added Senator Millett. “I look forward to helping facilitate new partnerships that will help level the playing field for all Maine students.”

Senator Millett and Kara Hay, chief executive officer of Penquis, are scheduled to offer another session on community schools at the Maine School Board Association’s annual fall conference October 23, 2014.

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