Finding #8 — Gorham Middle School Is Last in Cumberland County for Student:Teacher Ratio (23.8:1)

Severity: high · Category: staffing · Last updated: Feb 27, 2026 · Dollar amount: 23.8:1

Summary

Gorham Middle School ranks 14th of 14 in Cumberland County for general ed teacher staffing. The Q&A (Q13, originally Q9) confirmed the 23.8:1 ratio — and that Gorham Middle School stays last even after the bubble class moves on.

Detail

Gorham Middle School 2026-27 Staffing Proposal, Cumberland County rankings:

• General Education Teachers: 23.8:1 (county avg: 20.3:1) — 14th of 14 • Allied Arts Teachers: 86.3:1 (county avg: 58.4:1) — 14th of 14 • Special Ed Teachers: 115.0:1 (county avg: 76.4:1) — 14th of 14 • Administrators: 342.0:1 (county avg: 261.1:1) — 14th of 14

Q&A Q13 (originally numbered Q9) confirmed: 'In 2026-2027 our projected ratio will be 23.8, the highest in the county. Even after the bubble class moves on in 2027-2028, our projected ratio will be 23.2 — still the highest in the county.' The district stated the challenge is 'not simply tied to one large cohort, but to overall staffing levels relative to enrollment.'

Impact

Dead last in county across 4 of 5 staffing categories — even after FY27 addition

Source

Document: Budget Workshop Q&A + FY27 Budget Book
Reference: Q&A Question 13 (originally Q9) · Budget Book p.53 — Gorham Middle School Summary
Q&A: School Committee Q&A Document (gorhamschools.org) — Q13 (was Q9 in the February Q&A)

Verified sources

Maine Department of Education — Public School Staff Count Reports — Cumberland County student-to-teacher ratio averages (general ed: 20.3:1; allied arts: 58.4:1; SpEd: 76.4:1) were verified against Maine Department of Education's published staff count and enrollment data for Cumberland County schools. Gorham Middle School ranks 14th of 14 in all four categories.

Q&A

Asked: Q13 (originally Q9): With the Middle School Enrollment being down from its peak, is there an opportunity to make shifts in staffing either up or down based on grade level needs?

District answer: The district confirmed the Gorham Middle School ratio is 23.8:1 — the highest in Cumberland County. Even after the bubble class moves on in 2027-28, the projected ratio of 23.2:1 will still be the highest in the county. The district stated the challenge is 'not simply tied to one large cohort, but to overall staffing levels relative to enrollment.'

Analyst note: The district answered honestly and thoroughly. However, the answer confirms the core concern rather than resolving it: Gorham Middle School is last in the county and will remain last in the county even after the bubble class graduates. No plan to reach county average was presented.

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