This year's finalists for the 2025-26 National Principal of the Year award all have one thing in common: a proven strategy to improve student outcomes.

Students and local leaders are backing House Bill 3012, which would lower the voting age to 16 in nonpartisan school board elections. They say it would give students a voice in decisions that impact their education. If approved Tuesday, the law would take effect in 2029.

The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funding for Maine's K12 schools. Rural districts that depend on federal funds for staffing, special education, meals and mental health services could lose critical support.