Maine public school enrollments drop amid pandemic
More families are choosing to home-school or send their children to private schools, and the drop in public school enrollment can have financial implications for districts.
Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer
Enrollment in Maine’s public schools dropped by more than 4 percent this year, a significant decrease that comes as the coronavirus pandemic is driving more families to enroll in private school or home-school their children.
Numbers for homeschool enrollment have not yet been finalized, but to date the state has already seen an increase of more than 40 percent in home-school students. In 2019-20, about 6,880 Maine students were home-schooled, but that number is now at more than 10,100. Additionally, the state has had more than 860 students withdraw from public school to attend private schools this year, compared with about 290 last year.
Bishop names new director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry
Fr. Michael Sevigny to take on new role effective immediately.
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PORTLAND Bishop Robert Deeley has appointed Fr. Michael Sevigny, OFM Cap., as the Diocese of Portland’s new director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry, effective immediately.
A Sanford native, Sevigny has served in the office since August. He succeeds Sr. Patricia Pora, RSM, who stepped down as director on Nov. 27 after more than a decade of service. Pora will continue as a member of the Hispanic Ministry team on a volunteer basis, according to a news release from Dave Guthro, communications director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.
Drive-in lends helping hand to St. Joseph’s Parish Social Ministry efforts
Farmington s Narrow Gauge Drive-In to offer movies Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20.
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St. Joseph Parish in Farmington, as well as its sister parish, St. Rose of Lima in Jay, will hold a fundraising event offering showings of “Elf” on Dec. 11-13 and “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18-20 at The Narrow Gauge Drive-In, 15 Front St. in Farmington. Admission will cost $10 per carload. To purchase tickets, visit narrowgaugecinema.net.
“The event is a fundraiser for our parish social ministry’s work as we continue our efforts to feed the hungry during the pandemic and beyond,” said Fr. Paul Dumais, pastor of both parishes, according to the release. “Franklin Savings Bank is offering a matching donation of up to $2,500 in addition to the proceeds from the movies,” according to a news release from Dave Guthro, communications director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.