Fast Facts:

Law enacted: 1873

Most recently amended: 2022

Law passed: 2011

Number of charter schools: 9

Number of charter students: 2,300

Cap on the number of schools allowed: Yes, 10.

Virtual charters allowed: Yes

Charter Law Analysis:

AUTHORIZERS: The law provides that school districts, and the Maine Charter School Commission, which is managed by the state board of education, may authorize charters. There is no appeals process for decisions made by either type of authorizer, which removes the ability for charter applicants to fight back against arbitrary or capricious application decisions.

GROWTH: A cap is set at no more than 10 charter schools at any time.

OPERATIONS: Maine law exempts charter schools from most regulations that apply to districts. However, the state heavily regulates charter applicants, which adversely affects the ability of successful charter schools to expand. The charter commission is the only entity that can authorize virtual charters.

EQUITY: The state ensures parity in charter funding. "State and local operating funds follow each student to the public charter school attended by the student, except that the school administrative unit of the student's residence may retain up to 1% of the per-pupil allocation described in this subsection to cover associated administrative costs." Transportation costs are also provided for.

Fast Facts:

Number of programs: 1

Statewide participation: 4,100

Types of programs: Voucher

Choice Laws & Analysis:

Voucher
Town Tuitioning Program
Law Enacted: 1873
Most Recently Amended: 2022
Maine's voucher program was enacted in 1873, and is the second oldest private school choice program in the country. Through Maine's voucher program, students that live in small towns without public elementary or high schools can use vouchers to attend public schools in different towns, or non-religious private schools. Approximately students utilize this program, with a voucher limit of $9,272 for K-8 and $11,093 for high school. This program does not have income limitations or enrollment caps.

USE OF STUDENT DATA IN EVALUATING TEACHER PREP

"Maine does not currently use student achievement or growth data to hold teacher preparation programs accountable."

This is just one indicator from The National Council on Teacher Quality, which collects and analyzes states on how well their policies and practices lead to well-prepared teachers. They collect data on state laws and regulations concerning the preparation of teachers, the policies that govern their oversight and the contracts that guide their employment. Learn more about your state here.