2026 Inside the Classroom Understanding Maine’s Education Challenges

Join Maine Policy Institute and its Maine Education Initiative on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay, Vermont Room, 88 Spring Street, Portland, Maine, for Inside the Classroom: Understanding Maine’s Education Challenges.

This timely event will take an in-depth look at the challenges facing Maine’s K–12 education system and the need for greater transparency, accountability, and a focus on student outcomes. Attendees will be among the first to see Inside the Classroom, a newly released documentary examining Maine’s education system from inside the classroom. 

The event will also feature a presentation by Jason Sharpe, Co-Founder of Dirigo Strategic Advisors, on the Maine School Budget Analysis Tool Pilot, demonstrating how school spending, staffing, and student outcomes can be examined together to provide a clearer picture of educational performance and fiscal responsibility. 

Speakers include:

Matt Gagnon — Chief Executive Officer, Maine Policy Institute

Matt Gagnon has served as CEO of Maine Policy Institute since 2014, when he returned to Maine after working in Washington, D.C. He previously served as Director of Digital Strategy for the Republican Governors Association, Director of New Media Communications for U.S. Senator Susan Collins, and Deputy Director of Digital Strategy for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He also worked in public affairs and has been a longtime Maine political commentator and columnist. Gagnon is a Maine native and graduate of the University of Maine. 

Heidi Sampson — Executive Director, Maine Education Initiative

Heidi Sampson is the Executive Director of the Maine Education Initiative, a project of Maine Policy Institute focused on improving K–12 education in Maine. A former educator and scientific researcher, Sampson homeschooled her children and others for nearly three decades. She was appointed to the Maine State Board of Education and later served four terms in the Maine Legislature, including as a ranking member of the Education Committee. She has continued her work on education policy through MEI, with a focus on student achievement, parental involvement, school board engagement, and accountability. 

Jason Sharpe — Co-Founder, Dirigo Strategic Advisors

Jason Sharpe is the Co-Founder of Dirigo Strategic Advisors, a Maine-based advisory firm. His professional background includes experience in financial and strategic advisory work, and he has been involved in community service in Maine, including serving as chair of the Hampden Recreation Committee and coaching youth soccer. Sharpe is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College.