Students across Maine are back in school, and the fall season is now in full swing for many students, parents and teachers. 

One of my top priorities during this year’s legislative session was to ensure that every kid in Maine has access to a quality public education. This year, we made important progress toward that goal by passing a new statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban during the school day. I was proud to support this policy and the funding for school districts to implement it. 

After hearing from parents, teachers and students throughout our district, it became clear that constant access to phones and social media during the school day was making it harder for students to focus on learning and connect with their peers. This new policy will help create healthier learning environments, improve academic outcomes and ensure students can build a strong community at school instead of endlessly scrolling on their phones.

The cell phone policy is just one part of our broader commitment to support public education in Maine. This session, I also voted for a supplemental budget that increases starting salaries for teachers and makes important changes to the K-12 funding formula to make education funding fairer and help reduce the burden on local communities. 

Additionally, no child should have to learn while they are hungry. In a state where one in five children experiences food insecurity, universal school meals are critical to the health, well-being and academic success of students across Maine. That is why I supported continued funding for free school meals and additional investments to expand meal access for preschool children. 

Student safety is also a top priority as our roads become busier during the school year. The budget included $6 million to equip school buses with new safety technology designed to prevent tragedies like those that claimed the lives of Maine children in Rockland and Standish last year. I encourage everyone to drive carefully, stay alert around school buses and help keep our children safe.  

I also know how challenging the back-to-school season can be for working families. That is why the budget I supported includes funding to help reduce childcare waitlists and expand access to care. It should be easier for working families to raise their children in Maine. Whether families need care for younger children or after-school programs, it is important that they can access the support they need. 

These investments put students first and will strengthen public education across Maine. While there is still a lot more work to do to improve academic outcomes and support our schools, I believe investing in students, educators and families is one of the most important things we can do for our communities and our future. 

As always, please feel free to contact me at Wayne.Farrin@legislature.maine.gov with your questions, concerns, or ideas.

Rep. Wayne Farrin is serving his first term in the Maine House, representing Jefferson, Alna, Whitefield and Wiscasset. He serves on the Marine Resources Committee and the State and Local Government Committee.