Bill > LD513

This bill allows the spouse of a school board member to serve as a stipend employee or volunteer within the school board's jurisdiction under specific conditions. A "stipend employee" is defined as someone who receives limited monetary payment for personal services in an advisory, mentoring, or coaching role. The bill permits school boards to hire a board member's spouse as a stipend employee if the action is in the best interest of students, and requires documenting potential conflicts of interest and steps to mitigate risks in the employment contract. School boards are also authorized to develop written nepotism policies that discourage favoritism and political patronage, ensure fair and equal opportunities for qualified applicants, and prioritize students' best interests. Similarly, the bill allows school boards to accept volunteers who are spouses of board members, with the same principles of fairness and merit-based selection. These provisions are temporary and will be automatically repealed on July 1, 2028, which allows the legislature to reassess the policy after a set period.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=513&snum=132