July 15, 2025
Augusta— Maine Education Association (MEA) President Jesse Hargrove released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s action today:
“The U.S. Department of Education plays a vital role in supporting public schools across Maine. Its programs directly benefit students from low-income families, students in rural areas, and students with disabilities, guaranteeing all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
“Currently, thousands of Maine educators and tens of thousands of Maine students benefit from federal funding and Department of Education programs. The disruption of these supports has already caused harm, and the Supreme Court’s decision Monday—which blocked relief ordered by lower courts—will only compound that harm and increase uncertainty for students, educators, and communities who rely on these programs. Funding from the Department of Education allows educators to provide academic support, after-school and summer programming, and expand access to higher education. For instance:
- 2,038 staff positions are supported by K-12 state formula-allocated Department of Education programs in Maine.
- According to Maine DOE, there are over 5,500 Title I Ed Techs in Maine.
- Hundreds of Maine school districts receive Title I grants, which are funds set aside to help schools with low-income students. This money supports more than 50,000 students in Maine.
- Hundreds of Maine school districts also receive funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive free and appropriate public education. More than 35,000 Maine students with disabilities benefit from funding allocated to school districts through IDEA.
- Another 17,990 Maine college students receive Pell Grants, which help the neediest students afford higher education.
“These programs are not optional. They are essential. Efforts to weaken the Department of Education have already disrupted support for students and schools in Maine. If they continue, thousands of educators across Maine could lose their jobs, and students will lose access to the critical support and programs they need—just as the school year is about to begin. The Maine Education Association will continue to advocate for strong, well-funded public schools that serve every student—from early learning through higher education.”
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The Maine Education Association is the largest professional association and union in the state of Maine representing more than 23,000 teachers, support staff, professors, pre-service teachers and retired educators. The MEA is an organization for educators, run by educators and is here to support and strengthen educators in their careers. When educators are in a strong position, our kids thrive. At MEA, we work hard so educators can focus on inspiring the passion for knowledge in the minds of Maine’s students.
To learn more about the MEA, visit the MEA About page.
For more information on the impact of ED funded programs in Maine visit Federal Education Funding for Selected Programs by State and Program | NEA
