Maine Schools Consider Remote Learning Option Amid ICE Activity

Portland school officials are considering a limited remote learning option for students as concerns grow over increased ICE activity in Maine.

According to WGME, The Portland Board of Education reviewed the proposal during its meeting Tuesday night after hearing from families who say fear surrounding immigration enforcement is keeping students out of classrooms.

Superintendent Ryan Scallon said some parents have requested a transition to remote learning. On Friday alone, more than 1,000 students were absent from Portland schools, with district leaders attributing many of those absences to fear tied to recent ICE operations.

Educators told The news station the impact is being felt across the community.

“Schools cannot function at their best when this kind of fear is present,” said School Board Chair Sarah Lentz. “Learning breaks down when children are worried about whether their parents will be home at the end of the day or if showing up to school puts their family at risk.”

According to the WGME 13, absence rates at both middle and high schools climbed to roughly 20 percent beginning last week.

School leaders say they will spend the next several weeks determining which students could benefit most from a remote learning option before making any decisions.