Fixing What Matters Most: Education That Works for Maine

Fixing What Matters Most: Education That Works for Maine

Let’s talk about something that affects every parent, teacher, and student in this state: our education system.

Maine is home to some truly amazing teachers—hardworking, passionate people who show up every day not for the paycheck, but because they care about our kids. But the truth is, the system they’re working in is broken. We’ve created an environment that drives great teachers out and leaves families frustrated. And if we don't fix it, our children—and our future—will pay the price.

Right now, less than 50% of Maine students are proficient in core subjects like math, science, and reading. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a red flag. And instead of acknowledging the problem, the current administration is spending money trying to cover it up. In 2024 alone, Governor Janet Mills paid $60,000 of taxpayer dollars for three articles to paint a rosy picture of our schools. That’s not leadership. That’s spin.

Maine families deserve better.

Putting Parents Back in the Picture

The backbone of our state has always been the family. And families should be empowered—not pushed aside—when it comes to education. Parents should know what their kids are being taught, and schools should respect the values being taught at home. That partnership between school and parent? It’s what raises strong, capable adults. Right now, that connection is being lost.

I believe in education—deeply. I have an MBA, and I’ve even considered pursuing a doctorate. But I’ll be the first to tell you: most of the wisdom that shaped me came from my parents, mentors, and lived experience. That balance between formal education and real-world life lessons is exactly what we need to restore.

Back to Basics—And Beyond

Our schools need to get back to what they’re meant to do: teach the basics—and teach them well. Reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and practical life skills. That’s the foundation every child deserves. Our schools are not the place for pushing political or social agendas. They’re places for learning, growth, and preparation for real life.

We need to prepare our students to balance a budget, understand the value of saving, and develop critical thinking skills. Let’s give them the tools to succeed after graduation—not just a diploma.

Robert Wessels lays out a bold plan to fix Maine’s broken education system with real solutions, school choice, and a focus on parents and students.

It’s Time for School Choice

Every child is different. Every family is different. So why are we still treating education like a one-size-fits-all system?

As governor, I’ll champion school choice, so parents can choose what’s best for their children—whether it’s public, private, charter, homeschool, or something innovative and new. Imagine small schools all across Maine, tailored to the needs of their communities, giving every child a chance to thrive. That’s not a dream—it’s a goal worth fighting for.

We’ve stuck to the same old systems out of habit. But it’s time to shake things up—not for the sake of change, but for the sake of our kids.

Our children deserve better. Our teachers deserve support. And Maine deserves an education system we can trust.

Let’s stop covering up the problems and start fixing them—together.

– Robert Wessels Candidate for Governor of Maine