The St. George School District is receiving $1 million in federal community project funds for a new career and technical education center in Tennant Harbor.
In 2021, the House Select Committee on Congressional Modernization determined that Congressional-directed spending increases bipartisan bonding, fosters cooperation among members, and gives members an equal stake in the success of spending bills. In response, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee reestablished community project funding. .
“This funding will be transformational for our schools and community,” St. George Superintendent Mike Felton said in a March 6 news release. “This will allow us to realize our vision of completing and delivering the construction of a CTE/Makerspace building.” all Career and technical education is available to PreK-12 students. ”
Representative Cherry Pingree helped secure funding, along with more than $15.7 million in CPF for 14 other District 1 projects, in the FY2024 government funding package passed by the full House today.
“Congresswoman Pingree’s confidence in our vision and the great support she has provided for this project is a testament to our desire to re-engage students in learning and build a more skilled and diverse workforce.” “It will help develop a model for communities in Maine and across the country, and promote local economic development.” Felton said. “We continue to be grateful to the congresswomen for their confidence in our vision and their support of our work.”
Pingree said in the release: “St. George's Career Technical Education/Maker Space Building will bring trade, technology and innovation back to the center of public education, giving students in kindergarten through eighth grade access to a hands-on curriculum.” Previously only available in high school It was available. The first career and technical education center of its kind in Maine not only engages students in learning, but also develops the critical technical and social-emotional skills needed to succeed in life and improve their communities. Helpful. Teachers, parents, and members of the St. George community have been working for years to make the Makerspace project a reality. We are very happy to have been able to help bring this project closer to the finish line. ”
The funding secured by Pingree will allow St. George MSU to complete construction, equip the new building with the necessary equipment, furniture and technology, and operate the Makerspace.
For fiscal year 2024, each House member was allowed to submit 15 projects for consideration, which had to be thoroughly vetted and published on the website.
Pingree has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2013 and is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.