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As a longtime Maine school administrator, special education advocate, and parent of a son with disabilities, I have spent years working alongside teachers and families navigating our educational system. I have seen firsthand the dedication of Maine educators and the commitment parents make every day.
I have also watched schools struggle under an increasing number of regulations and administrative mandates. While education spending rises, too much funding is consumed by bureaucracy instead of reaching classrooms and the students who need support most. Schools face significant challenges recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, particularly in special education. Students depend on critical services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized instruction. Every dollar diverted to unnecessary administrative requirements is a dollar not used to help children learn.
That is why I am supporting Bobby Charles for governor. I appreciate his belief that parents, teachers, principals, and locally elected school boards should have the strongest voice in educational decisionmaking. The people closest to students understand their needs far better than state bureaucracies.
Bobby Charles has pledged to reduce unnecessary administrative spending, eliminate burdensome regulations, and direct more funding into classrooms. I believe this election is about restoring local control and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent where they make the greatest difference for children. Maine’s children deserve an education system that prioritizes academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and local decisionmaking.
Beth Anne Lorigan
Brewer