Should Maine students have to learn cursive? Some lawmakers think so.

A public hearing was held Thursday on Rep. Heidi Sampson's bill to require cursive instruction in grades 3-5 of Maine public schools.

Four groups intend to apply for last charter school slot in Maine

Proposals range from a preschool program in public schools to a 700-student middle and high school in Topsham.

Jerome Powell: U.S. economy remains solid, but rural towns aren’t feeling the effects

The Fed chairman stresses that poorer communities need extra tools to bolster businesses and talent.

Truancy law may soon cover Maine’s youngest students

After falling short after vetoes by Gov. Paul LePage the past two sessions, legislators this year are likely to push through a measure to extend truancy laws to 5- and 6-year-olds enrolled in school.

Committee rejects Maine bill requiring parental notification of ‘obscene material’ in classrooms

Lawmakers were uncomfortable with the prospect of teachers facing criminal charges for failing to notify parents when using books that have literary value but contain descriptions of sexual situations.

Maine school leaders applaud Mills for prioritizing education in budget

The governor's proposal includes more money for pre-kindergarten, raising minimum teacher pay to $40,000 and increasing support for higher education.

Committee backs hybrid plan to expand pre-K in Portland schools

The school board's curriculum committee recommends 'Pathway 2," which would add five pre-K classrooms in district buildings and four more at community partner sites.

Maine bill to limit ‘obscene material’ in classrooms draws passionate testimony

Rep. Amy Arata of New Gloucester wants to require teachers to obtain consent from parents before using classroom material with 'obscene content,' but opponents say decisions are best left to local school boards.

Auburn students raise funds in memory of teacher

This year’s legislative session may pit Mills against her own party on taxes

Maine's new governor has vowed not to raise taxes in her first 2-year budget proposal, but Democratic lawmakers' agenda calls for more state spending.