LePage cuts funding for all school health coordinators

By Tom Bell tbell@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

http://www.pressherald.com/news/focus-on-health-cut-from-schools_2012-07-06.html

The LePage administration has eliminated funding for all school health coordinators in the state, a move that will save $2.1 million annually but will leave Portland and 30 other school districts without the staff members. Most have already left their jobs.

Chanda Turner, health coordinator for Portland schools, is losing her job along with 30 others around the state because the state Department of Health and Human Services cut funding for the positions. Posters in the foreground were part of teaching about healthy eating.

John Ewing/Staff Photographer

DISTRICTS AFFECTED

State funding for school health coordinators has been eliminated for the following school districts:

Portland
Westbrook
Wells/Oqunquit
Kittery
SAD 75 (Topsham, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell)
SAD 57 (Alfred area)
SAD 3 (Jackson area)
RSU 1 (Bath area)
RSU 2 (Hallowell area)
RSU 5 (Freeport, Durham, Pownal)
RSU 9 (Farmington area)
RSU 10 (Rumford area)
RSU 11 (Gardiner area)
RSU 13 (Rockland area)
RSU 14 (Windham, Raymond)
RSU 16 (Poland area)
RSU 17 (Oxford area)
RSU 18 (Oakland area)
RSU 21 (Arundel, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport)
RSU 22 (Hampden area)
RSU 25 (Bucksport area)
RSU 34 (Old Town area)
RSU 53 (Pittsfield area)
RSU 54 (Skowhegan)
RSU/SAD 61 (Lakes Region)
RSU 79 (Presque Isle area)
AOS 95 (Fork Kent area)
AOS 77 (Calais area)
AOS 91 (Mount Desert Island)
AOS 93 (Damariscotta)
Union 60 (Greenville area)

The decision was made in mid-June and took effect July 1, too late for most local districts to make up for the shortfall because voters and municipal boards have already approved school budgets for the 2012-2013 school year.

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