The Education Research Institute, referred to in this section as the “institute,” is established to collect and analyze education information and perform targeted education research for the Legislature.  The institute shall create and maintain an education information system that tracks important education data for kindergarten and grades one to 12.  The institute shall also conduct targeted education research at the request of the Legislature.

1.    Legislature to direct institute.  The Legislature, through the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters, shall direct the institute.  The Legislature may appoint a University of Maine System employee to serve as Director of the Education Research Institute.  The director shall consult with and act on behalf of the Legislature, performing such data collection, analysis and research as the Legislature may require.

2.    Steering committee.  The Education Research Institute Steering Committee, referred to in this section as the “steering committee,” is established to advise the Legislature and the Director of the Education Research Institute on all matters related to the institute.  Steering committee members must be appointed by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters for a term of 2 years.  The steering committee shall meet at least 4 times each year and must include, but is not limited to, at least one member of the following:

A.  The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters;
B.  The Department of Education;
C.  The State Board of Education;
D.  The University of Maine System;
E.  The Maine School Management Association;
F.  The Maine Education Association;
G.  The Maine Municipal Association; and
H.  The Maine Principals Association.

A member of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters shall serve as Chair of the Education Research Institute Steering Committee.  The chair shall serve for a 2-year term.

3.    Location and access.  The education information system and research results must be maintained by the Director of the Education Research Institute at the University of Maine System.  The education information system and research results must be available for use by any interested group or individual.  The institute shall charge a fee for use equal to the cost of providing documents, data tapes or other material.