Teacher ratio proposal pulled from education reform bill

Associated Press, February 28, 2007

(excerpt) The Baldacci administration is withdrawing its proposal to increase the state´s student-teacher ratio _ and to eliminate funding for 650 teachers _ as part of his school reform package designed to slash costs.

Education Commissioner Susan Gendron said the administration dropped the provision that would reduce funding for teachers because Mainers opposed the concept.

"It became clear in meeting people throughout the state that they were concerned (that) a cut in funding allocation for teaching would result in loss of art, Advanced Placement classes and other areas," Gendron said in a statement.