LD 2109 seeks to codify a specific definition of “public education” and impose a requirement that private schools seeking approval to receive public tuition funds must be located within the State of Maine. While framed as a clarifying measure, the bill would constrain families’ ability to choose out-of-state schools that may better fit their children’s educational needs and could limit competition in the education sector.
This sort of government micromanagement restricts parental choice and entrenches the status quo rather than supporting innovation and quality in schooling. Instead of tightening definitions to restrict access, policymakers should focus on expanding genuine school choice and ensuring that public dollars follow students to the best available educational option.