Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maine Citizens’ Assembly on Education Priorities?

The Maine Citizens’ Assembly on Education Priorities is a structured public deliberation that brings together a representative group of Maine residents from all 16 counties to learn about the state’s education landscape, deliberate across differences, and identify shared education priorities. The assembly is designed to generate informed, policy-relevant public judgment that can be considered by legislative, executive, and local decision-makers. USM’s CEPARE is the organizer in partnership with USM’s MEPRI. 

Who are the delegates and how are they chosen?

Delegates are 64 Maine residents aged 16-years+ selected to reflect the state’s diversity. Delegates are selected from a volunteer pool using stratified random selection to ensure balance across rural and urban communities, age, educational attainment, gender, race/ethnicity, and political leaning. Together, delegates bring a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives. Where needed, CEPARE will reach out to community organizations to support targeted recruitment efforts.

What role do elected leaders play?

A Legislative Strategy Team led by Rep. Holly Sargent and including Rep. Kim Haggan, Rep. Sheila Lyman, and Rep. Dan Sayre contributes bipartisan political expertise to support the connection of the Assembly’s final recommendations to the appropriate legislative committees and the connection of political and content experts to the assembly process itself.  They have committed to take the recommended priorities into focused strategy work this fall. Gubernatorial candidates will be invited to respond to Assembly recommendations in September 2026.

What role do stakeholder/community organizations play?

Invited stakeholder/community organizations comprise USM’s Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) Steering Committee plus several statewide education-focused organizations. They contribute educational materials and participate in opportunities for dialogue that inform delegates.

How is balance across perspectives supported?

Balance across perspectives is supported through curated panels with moderation guidelines and learning materials vetted for accessibility and educational rather than advocacy intentions. Our goal is to ensure delegates are exposed to a range of concerns and perspectives on education issues in Maine. 

How is deliberative technology used?

Deliberative technology is used to support delegates’ structured engagement, documentation of assembly processes, involvement of community organization feedback, and synthesis of input at defined points in the process. The platform, Comhairle, is not used for open-ended advocacy or real-time debate and does not enable organizations to participate in delegate deliberations or decision-making. 

How are high school delegates supported specifically?

25% of the delegates to the Assembly will be high school students! We will have a teacher on-site to ensure the 16 delegates of high school age have dedicated support in whatever way they may need. Reach out to jennifer.chace@maine.edu with any questions. 

What the deadlines and who should we contact with questions or interest in participating?

By May 10, invited organizations interested in participating in delegate learning opportunities.

By May 10, individuals wishing to volunteer to serve as a delegate. (~May 11 notification date.)  

Contact: usm.cepare@maine.edu