Development News for Portland, Maine

Portland Public Schools FY27 Budget Discussed, EdTech Positions Highlighted

The Finance Committee held a public hearing and discussed the Portland Public Schools recommended budget for fiscal year 2027. Dr. Scallon, Superintendent, presented updates since the last meeting, highlighting an increase in revenue from a supplemental budget of approximately $420,000 and an additional $315,000 from main care revenue and a foundation contribution. These additions lowered the needed tax levy. Adjustments were made to positions, resulting in an overall tax levy increase of 6.457%, which translates to a 5.67% increase for a local homeowner based on a $150 million increase in property valuation. Carrie Doughty, a Portland resident and President of the Portland Education Association, spoke during the public hearing advocating for the reinstatement of six special education educator support positions (EdTechs) that were cut from the budget. She emphasized that these positions are crucial for students with disabilities, supporting their IEPs and providing essential student-facing services. Doughty requested the committee send the budget back to the school board for reconsideration due to the committee's inability to make line-item changes. Councilor Pelletier inquired about the EdTech positions, and Dr. Scallon explained that while they advocate for EdTechs, budget challenges led to reductions. He noted that the EdTech contract renewal included a significant pay increase, and retention rates have improved from 61% to 74%. The district plans to hire additional EdTechs if a student with an IEP requires one-to-one support, adjusting the budget as needed.