Help MSAD 41 Maximize School Funding: Complete the Economic Status Form
MSAD 41 is asking families to complete the Alternative Economic Status Form for the 2026–2027 school year. The information collected through this form plays an important role in determining the amount of state education funding our district receives through Maine’s Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding formula.
Even if you believe your family may not qualify, we encourage every household to complete the form. Accurate participation helps ensure that the State has the most complete picture possible of the economic needs of the students and communities served by MSAD 41.
Why is this especially important this year?
Beginning with FY28 (2027–2028), changes to Maine’s EPS funding formula will make economic status data even more important.
Under the new funding model, the State will use a variable required local mill rate to determine how much communities are expected to contribute toward education. Rather than relying solely on property valuation, the calculation will incorporate 90% property valuation and a 10% poverty measure. The poverty measure is based on the percentage of students identified as economically disadvantaged.
This means that the economic status information reported for our students can directly affect how the State calculates the district's required local contribution and State share. Under the new formula, municipalities with higher levels of student poverty may have their required local mill rate adjusted downward to better reflect their ability to pay.
The State's analysis explains that this change does not increase the total cost of education through this portion of the formula; instead, it changes how the existing State and local shares are distributed. Communities with higher levels of student poverty may receive a greater share of State funding and contribute less locally, while communities with lower poverty levels may receive a smaller share of State funding and contribute more locally.
Your participation matters
Completing the Alternative Economic Status Form helps MSAD 41:
Accurately report the economic needs of our student population.
Receive the State education funding for which our district is eligible.
Ensure the new FY28 EPS calculation is based on accurate economic status information.
Help provide a more accurate picture of our communities' ability to support education locally.
Protect resources available for student programs, services, and educational opportunities.
The information provided is used for school funding purposes, and completing the form can benefit the entire district.
Complete the Form
Please take a few minutes to complete the MSAD 41 Alternative Economic Status Form:
Complete the Alternative Economic Status Form
Every response matters. Strong participation helps ensure MSAD 41's economic status is accurately represented when State funding is calculated. Thank you for helping us maximize the resources available to support our students, schools, and communities.