[September 08, 2009] Union backs public schools Tweet AUGUSTA, Sep 05, 2009 (Kennebec Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Maine's largest teachers' union is taking to the airwaves and the Internet to extol the virtues of the state's public schools. The Maine Education Association this week launched a Web site, www.greatpublicschoolsformaine.com, and began airing cable TV and radio advertisements. "We're promoting the good work that our members do in our schools every day and what they believe in, and what a good teacher is," Maine Education Association President Chris Galgay said. The Web site outlines six traits the union says are shared by the best public schools: parent and community involvement; qualified teachers committed to students and learning; adequate funding and resources; collaboration among school leaders; challenging curriculum; and safe, supportive environments. "We do understand that sometimes, like any organization, you've got to talk about what you're for," Galgay said. The Web site also has links allowing users to contact legislators and write letters to editors of Maine publications. Down the road, the site might also show video segments featuring people talking about what makes a good school, Maine Education Association Executive Director Mark Gray said. Gray said the campaign launch was designed to coincide with "a back-to-school period when people are thinking about school." The campaign launch also coincides with a fall season that could spell difficult news for schools' financial situations. Lawmakers this month are determining how to cut at least $30 million from the two-year, $5.8 billion budget they passed in May; and if revenue projections don't hold, they'll be looking to cut more. In the coming months, school superintendents are expecting the state will ask their districts to curtail spending -- a move that would force them to forfeit a portion of their state aid. Voters in November will weigh in on two ballot initiatives the Maine Education Association opposes. One would institute a taxpayers' bill of rights that would limit the state's ability to raise taxes. Another would cut excise tax rates paid by vehicle owners, limiting a local source of funding for schools. While the Maine Education Association is campaigning against those measures, Galgay said the Great Public Schools campaign isn't a part of those efforts. But the campaign could lead to discussions about school funds, Gray said. "If it starts a conversation about how to fund schools adequately, I think that would be a good conversation to have." To see more of the Kennebec Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.kjonline.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]