The Maine Citizens' Assembly on Education Priorities brought delegates together for two intensive days in Bangor — a day of learning followed by a day of deliberation — bookended by virtual sessions before and after.
The two days in Bangor each followed a full agenda. Expand a day below to see the detailed schedule.
Day One · Wednesday, June 17
Learning Events
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Learning Events
Day One's plenary sessions were open to observers. The afternoon breakout tracks and delegate-only events were held privately.
Welcome
Opening words: Jacqueline Edmondson, President, USM · Introduction to the Legislators Education Strategy Team: Reps. Holly Sargent, Kim Haggan, Sheila Lyman, Dan Sayre · Framing of the Day: Jennifer Chace, CEPARE/MEPRI, USM
Followed by delegate team-building activities.
Contours of Maine Education
Amy Johnson, MEPRI; Denham Ward, Maine State Board of Education; Rep. Holly Sargent; Rep. Sheila Lyman; Jennifer Chace
Governance in Maine's Education System
Host: Jacqueline Edmondson · Panelists: Steve Bowen, Denham Ward, Eric Waddell, Ben Sirois, Allen Sarvinas, Emma Dorian, Moon Tussing
Curriculum in Maine Schools
Host: Cathie Fallona, University of Southern Maine · Panelists: Jon Doty, Jesse Hargrove, Leslie Smith
Student Engagement and Personalized Pathways
Host: Holly Blair, Maine Principals Association · Panelists: Heather Anderson, Rene Neuner, Christopher Betts, John Hawley, Huey Sheffler, Jacob Klein
Funding Maine's Schools
Host: Robbie Feinberg · Panelists: Amy Johnson, Maura Pillsbury, Jeremy Ray, Eric Waddell, Cat Biddle, Rebecca Millett
Delegates split across three rooms in three rounds (with a short break at 4:05). The livestream shows a break card during this window.
Round A · 3:00 Reading (Peter Lancia, Cathie Fallona) · Special Education (Sarah Wilkinson, Rebecca Millett) · Technology Use in Teaching and Learning (Matt Pines, Ruth Kermish)
Round B · 3:35 Civics Education (Emilia Toth, Sen. David Haggan) · The Opioid Epidemic and Student Outcomes (Jessica Drescher, Leslie Smith) · Rural Schools (Val Peacock)
Round C · 4:15 Career and Technical Education (Amanda Peterson) · Pre-K Education (Erica Palmer, Rhonda Kaiser) · Maine's Teacher Workforce (Jason Judd, Cathie Fallona)
Delegate Debrief
Meet & Greet
Delegates, legislators, stakeholder organizations, and presenters. Informal discussion and follow-up Q&A with light refreshments.
Delegates' Dinner
Day Two · Thursday, June 18
Deliberation
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Deliberation
The morning small-group deliberation was held privately. The afternoon plenary brought all delegates together for pitches, final revisions, and voting.
Small-Group Deliberation Not livestreamed
Delegates work in facilitated small groups to draft, test, and refine the proposals they will bring to the full Assembly.
Pitches
Groups present their proposals to the full Assembly.
Final Revisions
Preliminary Voting
Decision Process
Delegates voted to advance two priorities, each carried with 84% support.
Closing
Times reflect the agendas as run; some sessions adjusted slightly on the day.