In academic circles, it’s an article of faith that summer means backsliding for some students, especially low-income students.
Noel K. Gallagher
Noel Gallagher covers K-12 and higher education issues statewide. Her stories are a mix of breaking news and trend stories. In recent years, they’ve ranged from why college costs so much, the launch of the state’s first charter schools, how a school welcomed a transgender student and why Maine schools have a hard time finding teachers. She’s enough of a news nerd to enjoy sitting through legislative education committee meetings and hours-long school board meetings so you don’t have to.
The Maine Press Association has honored Noel’s work, but she says she writes for the readers, in the firm belief that an informed citizenry is key to a healthy democracy.
Noel is a California native who has worked at wire services, online websites and newspapers across the country. She was in Washington D.C. during the early Clinton years, covering AIDS activism in 1990s San Francisco, documenting the business of wine in Sonoma County and riding out the boom and bust cycle of the early Internet era in early 2000s Silicon Valley. She arrived in Maine at the beginning of the recession and wrote quite a bit about the downturn here.
In her free time, Noel writes the occasional cookbook review, spends an inordinate amount of time at the Portland Public Library and hangs out with her three fabulous kids and wonderful husband. She is not a former member of the band Oasis.
Portland charter school on track to open this fall
The Baxter Academy for Technology & Science meets the required enrollment and begins renovations at 54 York St.
LePage tells man ‘I’ve done my part’ in response to Lewiston fires letter
LePage also says he’s forgiven Lewiston for $400,000 in loans, which city officials say they know nothing about.
Portland schools hurry to spend $1.2 million surplus
Teachers and staff order supplies for next year in an annual ritual to use the money by the end of June.
Board endorses Portland school improvement plan
A combination of state money and $39.9 million in borrowing could upgrade five schools.
First Portland layoffs include 12 teachers, five assistant principals
It was only the first of what will ultimately be approximately 49 full-time positions cut in the school district.
Official: Funds will be approved for Portland school replacement
Deputy Education Commisioner Rier says most of the $20 million cost would be covered.
Tuition increase approved for Maine’s community colleges
In-state rates at Maine’s two-year schools have risen 7 percent in the last five years, compared with a 29 percent increase at the state’s four-year universities, according to a report.
Official: Portland will get $30 million to replace, fix schools
The state funds will go toward replacing Hall Elementary and fixing Longfellow Elementary, says Portland’s finance director.
Portland voters OK increased school budget
The decision will raise city taxes and force layoffs, but officials are pleased with the support for education.