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LD 973

An Act To Establish The Community Partnerships With Public School Systems Grant Program

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Brennan and 9 co-sponsors

Establishes a one-time grant program pairing public schools with community partners to fund mental health, public health, and staff development services.

Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)
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Bill Summary · LD 973

Summary: LD 973 — An Act To Establish The Community Partnerships With Public School Systems Grant Program

Overview

  • Bill Number: LD 973
  • Title: An Act To Establish The Community Partnerships With Public School Systems Grant Program
  • Introduced: March 7, 2025
  • Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
  • Status: Carried over in the same posture to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature (pursuant to Joint Order SP 800)
  • subject: Community partnerships, health care, school programs

Purpose and Intent

LD 973 would create a grant program designed to strengthen collaboration between public schools and community partners to address student and school needs. Specifically, the program targets services and initiatives related to mental health, public health, staff development, and other issues identified by the community or schools. The aim is to support public schools in creating healthier, better-supported learning environments through partnerships with community organizations.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment of the Community Partnerships With Public School Systems Grant Program.
  • Grants would be awarded to public schools and eligible community partners to offer services addressing identified needs (e.g., mental health, public health, staff development, etc.).
  • The program emphasizes collaboration between schools and community partners to respond to local needs as determined by the schools and communities involved.
  • The bill contemplates a one-time General Fund appropriation to fund these grants.

Funding and Fiscal Impact

  • Original bill (as introduced): One-time General Fund appropriation of $500,000 in FY 2025-26 to the Department of Education for grants.
  • Bill as amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H-181): One-time General Fund appropriation of $250,000 in FY 2025-26.
  • Both versions indicate the funding is a one-time allocation with no ongoing FY 2026-27 or later appropriations projected in the notes.
  • Net cost to General Fund (FY 2025-26):
    • Original: $500,000
    • Amended: $250,000
  • Appropriations/Allocations:
    • Original: $500,000
    • Amended: $250,000
  • Fiscal notes indicate the grants would be administered by the Department of Education.

Implementation and Partners

  • Implementing Agency: Maine Department of Education
  • Eligible recipients: Public schools and community partners (organizations or entities capable of delivering services identified as needs by the school or community)
  • Scope of services: Mental health supports, public health initiatives, staff development, and other locally identified issues.

Affected Parties

  • Public school systems and school districts
  • Community-based organizations and partners (service providers)
  • Students, families, and school staff who benefit from improved mental health, health services, and professional development

Timeline and Procedural notes

  • Introduced and referred to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee in March 2025.
  • The bill underwent committee amendment (H-181) and advanced through readings and a potential enactment path in May 2025.
  • As of the latest actions, the bill was approved for enactment but carried over to a future session, remaining in the same posture and subject to consideration in a special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature (pursuant to Joint Order SP 800).

Potential Implications

  • If enacted, the program would formalize school-community partnerships as a state-funded grant mechanism.
  • The focus on mental health, public health, and staff development aligns with broader educational support goals and could improve student well-being and school capacity.
  • Given the one-time funding, long-term program sustainability would depend on future appropriations or program redesign in subsequent sessions.

Note

This summary reflects the bill text and fiscal notes available for LD 973 as of the latest legislative actions. The bill’s status indicates it has not yet become law and may be reconsidered in a future session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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