[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6255943,"mediaKeyId","3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a","parentId",3161025,"title","Superintendent warns 'people's veto' could pause state subsidy; district monitoring federal grant disruptions","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3423000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a&start=3423&end=3423","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a/thumbnail_3423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6255943/Maine/Superintendent-warns-peoples-veto-could-pause-state-subsidy-district-monitoring-federal-grant-disruptions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255943-4b44dca24542092d3cc93618f0942619/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556747&Signature=FlBT5f8DLzT81PNbXKL0LZAn1Y9D~A7AJ1827rsodxxWtpVGcCLxZYeN4yYm6a9jLdROpK~~u~6ss5EnTJ45lIJ26EVp1fEVFt2vLnp~ZYS9VCgJQsaE2VkgFlBPRiFoe5H8yPY4g93keujVGQR2U0SyPIZhab5D~8kCbeAAnU1UJbBiwuYq2QBXcoPFr~58s2BRCoUSMEW3oq1-J0wPgxjQaULyjH-mt4ceK5HvOi8Vg8FNgfS~YuhzmR9nv3AazfVolTnJL8FEGiNOhahKMmHlbnZHur-0wx2f1LvUgFRb-Atw-X~JihoaSQ5t5rISXnGzAl4TaiwJLTOzQqRp~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lewiston Public Schools","date","2025-04-29T12:11:29Z","article","Superintendent Jake Linge told the Lewiston School Committee on April 28 he was monitoring several state and federal funding risks that could affect the district’s finances.

Linge described a potential people’s veto petition that, if it qualified with roughly 67,000 valid signatures by June 18, could pause state subsidy starting July 1 until a vote on the measure — in the scenario he described, at the November ballot — unless another legal step intervened. “If that happens, it could or it will pause subsidy to the entire state from July 1 until it can be voted on November 8,” Linge said, calling the possibility “very concerning” for school districts.

Linge also reported a small, temporary reduction in lunch reimbursement that was restored quickly, and a federal adult-education grant he described as paused (about $107,000) that raised questions about running an ongoing program. He emphasized the district’s exposure when federally reimbursed programs are paused: “We are a fully federally reimbursed school nutrition program. We do not carry, other than a small contingency, I think of, like, $5,000 for nutrition, in our budget at all.”

Committee members asked clarifying questions and Linge described scenarios tied to Title I funds and other federal streams, including hypothetical staffing impacts if funds were cut. He said the district would monitor developments daily and report back as needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lewiston Public Schools School Committee Meeting 4/28/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Jake Linge told the committee April 28 that a proposed \"people's veto\" petition could pause state subsidy to municipalities if 67,000 signatures are certified by June 18, and the district is tracking several federal grant interruptions.","taxTitle","Lewiston Public Schools, School Districts, Maine","taxId",38543,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255948,"School committee debates public-comment preamble and 30-minute limit; translation and nonresident participation raised",54,574000,628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a&start=574&end=628","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a/thumbnail_574000.jpg","/articles/6255948/Maine/School-committee-debates-public-comment-preamble-and-30-minute-limit-translation-and-nonresident-participation-raised","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255948-25c452badd638308315d6422713f8ee1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556747&Signature=mQ~ojueqY2nrPdO3yqwo8re5LvrhbIkJQBgD2bpYyrR9Kx6lBL1y~nBDX3fsti9uOzv781jiZFAXve2GvY8ITCR7ovZclPTiQtdonifA~DNV9Cmq1Afka5UxYjixhEsxPx-Wx1YqfjLDYH11zxsmGwNcRF4vdlBd6m6bCIyStfr1jYr6dC2Rmg~whyoI5X5krEzYkF8Xm-ot15ohJggRX2UWv4HBlySR0PVhNvd1t86f12FBaCXE0TK7EY~RbAPMHEVtGahby-kiK1LUTVK1uaZJnFRsxUcTDQ3ZjhZT57S-bR9KtGIsUgQqhyeNLqGHlGwVCiT1LGZhnNWjP-DZGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lewiston School Committee discussed a proposed public-comment preamble April 28 that the policy committee drafted to be read at every meeting. The suggested preamble is a condensed summary of an existing policy and would be posted at meetings; the policy committee proposed it to clarify expectations for public participation.

At the meeting, members debated whether a written limit of 30 minutes for public comment should be retained and whether the preamble should note that the committee may extend time at its discretion. Member Amber Boden asked whether the statement that the public-comment period is “limited to 30 minutes” should include a formal exception; another member suggested adding the phrase “unless extended by the committee.” Several members said the two-page full policy would be available on the back table, and one member said the short preamble is based on language used in other districts.

During public input, resident Matthew Egren criticized recent rule changes that reduced public-comment time, called the committee’s recent procedural change “authoritarian” and asked how translation would be handled under a strict three-minute-per-speaker limit: “My question is, does the school system set up a public comment email like the city does for the city councilors?... if someone needs translation service standing up here to talk to you, how does this work? Does the 3 minutes start when they start talking and end 3 minutes later? Or does it get extended for that person because translation?” Egren said the committee’s new rules limit who may speak and voiced concern they were adopted without sufficient notice.

Another public commenter who identified as part of the policy subcommittee said the draft preamble was intended in part to discourage out-of-town speakers from treating the committee as a forum for non-Lewiston business and to protect safety and decorum.

Committee members emphasized that the full policy remains in the policy manual and that the short preamble is a summary to explain how public comment will be conducted; they did not adopt the preamble as a binding rule at this meeting. Several members asked that the language be shortened and that the committee consider small edits (for example, explicitly noting the committee may extend the 30-minute presumption). No formal motion or vote on adopting the short preamble was taken at the April 28 meeting.","Committee members discussed a proposed short public-comment preamble to be read at meetings, debated the 30-minute limit and chair discretion, and heard public concern about translation access and how rule changes were adopted.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255953,"Lewiston school committee votes to cut $400,000 from proposed budget, reducing local mill-rate increase",1786,823000,2609000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a&start=823&end=2609","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a/thumbnail_823000.jpg","/articles/6255953/Maine/Lewiston-school-committee-votes-to-cut-400000-from-proposed-budget-reducing-local-mill-rate-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255953-649eb9fbb25fa76d318fdb01206036a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556747&Signature=aD2s3I4MhMlHE5uQUvV4D9pEWCtFOZX55cIQrHMMJbMyhkIjaur7wldl6taHxjP0ZYye6~FLXdl~fbO1XCkYUwnv8a3t47VzbLMKdYjAwKuQo~YsWW8KgDhB8DIox2svgNbTut0lxrHfLE0Hof3ET9wsrMmgGpy~oIBlh9uDgrQyZd6jXP8hjAa3g-n87UWBMX6mgZl-Mv1sBcx2OWJu--rJQVEx4-H0K-mi7B~GwTvQjiSE478fa9GqliRtOQ41EP7F9WytAVEcSqJqI7voD~iB96ekEzzK-MZwh9wN8l~ZxbajEb9~YpLyCUtuxo0fKWwvSaa5swBEuMxaI9uEtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lewiston School Committee voted unanimously April 28 to reduce the proposed school budget by $400,000, a move described by members as a compromise between holding funds for federal funding uncertainty and returning savings to taxpayers.

Superintendent Jake Linge recapped why the committee had room to consider reductions: the district budgeted a large increase for insurance but actual insurance costs came in well below worst-case expectations. Linge said insurers signaled a possible 17% rise earlier but the district’s final renewal was 3.3%, producing approximately $847,000 in savings compared with the higher estimate. “That was an $865,000 savings in the budget, but it’s actually, $847,000 in savings,” Linge said, noting the figures were detailed in a memo distributed to the committee.

Member Janet Bowden argued the district should return a substantial portion of the savings to taxpayers and proposed cutting $400,000 from the budget. Bowden said putting part of the savings back “would be a giant disservice to the taxpayers of the city, to not at least take half of that and put it back.” Member Hurd, Councilor Herriman and others said they supported splitting the difference between retaining contingency funds and reducing the tax increase. Superintendent Linge warned that some federal and state funding lines remain uncertain — including Title I and certain adult-education grants — and that any cuts to positions funded by grants could trigger contractual payouts or require staff transitions.

Linge outlined risks if federal streams changed: “If title 1 went away, hypothetically…we would be over 30 positions that we would be immediately not able to fund,” he said, adding that contract provisions and potential retirement accruals complicate precise cost estimates. He also cited a recently paused adult-education grant of about $107,000 that prompted operational questions, and a brief pause then restoration of school nutrition funding.

On distribution of the savings, the superintendent suggested prioritizing regular instruction and special education if the committee wanted to hold contingency while returning some funds to taxpayers — roughly “200 [thousand] article 1, 200 [thousand] article 2, and 47 for CTE,” he said when describing one middle-ground allocation. The committee discussed that breakdown and other program impacts; members repeatedly cited the need to protect special-education services and career-technical education supplies.

After debate, Member Bowden moved to reduce the budget by $400,000. The motion was seconded and the committee voted unanimously to approve it. Committee staff reported the cut would change the district’s local mill-rate increase from 3.44% to about 2.15% (presented as the local ask) and equate to approximately a 29¢ change in the local rate figure described by staff during the meeting. Members and speakers urged voters to support the school budget referendum on May 13.

The vote was recorded as unanimous; no amendments to the motion were adopted.","On April 28 the committee voted unanimously to reduce the proposed school budget by $400,000, lowering the local mill-rate increase from 3.44% to approximately 2.15% and reallocating contingency funds across instruction and special education.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255958,"Lewiston School Committee unanimously approves three administrative appointments",124,135000,259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a&start=135&end=259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3161025-8b50e719ef302114c7de687f63c69f5a/thumbnail_135000.jpg","/articles/6255958/Maine/Lewiston-School-Committee-unanimously-approves-three-administrative-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255958-7163b1dd7ef0fab803196ce050c71a90/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556747&Signature=WqklSvVhTW91AUiGMPJ5~W2lr6mUqLKhIYbzGN8xXqHUp-gghR0Gv2CPmaHiq3AYSufHGkjSI1dYqNjEWFzrhlc2fNRBkbXdhIjVqhJbITc6araykgHWj9aNCrc~LApabd~ned6iERwywVWEw~d9WJ09oJQ~YelsQH9tIjs9OmWPw4Kk7-A5fbaoZ6v8IlnOOQN-RJuqNg6o5MBl4xfKgZS8~7-zJZSfH60u1sWuRpgX5bIsc5jqcYh0Y6VHx-ztrjxi4oGSkX~AlsQgC6WnSQYktPwLpb-xHfX55q5M88B8BwoTWCQpGO61v1q6at-gNGBsNTmP1-fP7El1Y1c5TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lewiston School Committee on April 28 unanimously approved three administrative nominations: Gabrielle (Gabby) Blaise and Emily Shaner as assistant principals at Lewiston High School, and Hayden Tittle as assistant director of the district’s multilingual learner program.

Principal Radke introduced Blaise to the committee, calling her “a phys ed teacher at Lewiston High School” who has also taught biology and middle-school science, coached softball, advised student groups and served on NEASC committees. Radke said Blaise is a graduate of Lewiston High School and praised her academic background and fit for the role: “I could not be more excited. She’s gonna be a great addition to the team at the high school.”

Blaise told the committee she is grateful and called Lewiston “my second home,” noting family ties to the district and saying she is “super excited to take on this new challenge, and hopefully create a culture that everybody loves to walk into the doors of LHS.” Member Janet Bowden moved to nominate Blaise; Megan Herriman seconded the nomination. The committee voted and the nomination was approved unanimously.

Superintendent Jake Linge presented Emily Shaner, noting she has worked with Lewiston Public Schools since 2018, began at the high school as a Spanish teacher, has served as dean of students and filled the interim assistant principal slot this year. Linge highlighted Shaner’s work with multilingual students and her certification coursework through the Maine Educators Consortium. Shaner told the committee, “I’m really lucky that I landed in Lewiston when I first moved to Maine. I’ve learned a lot here, and I hope to help others do the same and continue to serve the kids because that’s why we’re here.” Member Hurd moved to approve Shaner; the motion was seconded and the committee approved the nomination unanimously.

Linge also introduced Hayden Tittle for the assistant director position in the multilingual learner program, noting Tittle has worked in Lewiston since 2018, served as a multilingual teacher and team leader at the high school, coached soccer and runs the school chess club. Tittle said, “As Liza mentioned, I do love Lewiston. I’ve loved teaching here the past 7 years, and I’m excited to continue serving our community.” A committee member moved to approve Tittle’s nomination, it was seconded, and the committee voted unanimously to confirm the appointment.

The committee’s recorded actions were the formal approvals of the three nominations; no dissenting votes or abstentions were recorded on the floor.","On April 28 the Lewiston School Committee unanimously approved nominations for two assistant principals at Lewiston High School and an assistant director for the district's multilingual learner program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent warns 'people's veto' could pause state subsidy; district monitoring federal grant disruptions

School committee debates public-comment preamble and 30-minute limit; translation and nonresident participation raised

Lewiston school committee votes to cut $400,000 from proposed budget, reducing local mill-rate increase

Lewiston School Committee unanimously approves three administrative appointments