Issue Position: Improving Education for Maine Students

Issue Position

Matt knows that to grow Maine's economy, we need a competitive education system. Education can provide a pathway from poverty to prosperity for so many Mainers. Matt believes we must continue to support reforms that will improve education in Maine. As a result, he supports permanently repealing the failed 1 - 4 grading system, which jeopardizes Maine kids applying to colleges and universities out of state. Too often Maine teachers, parents, and students are being asked to provide classroom supplies out of their own pockets. Matt believes that we must prioritize our precious education dollars to ensure the money is spent where it belongs - in the classroom. We must work to find ways to reduce bloated overhead and administrative costs. The highest priorities in education are our students and teachers, and we must ensure they have the resources they need to be successful. For decades, Maine has turned its back on career technical education. Our small businesses cannot find enough people to fill the jobs that are available, particularly in the trades. Matt understands this problem and will support efforts that place an emphasis on our career technical education. Often times, the trades provide students with competitive job opportunities that pay good-paying wages, and we must educate and encourage our students about these opportunities.

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