For years students across the district have enjoyed their schools’ respective maker spaces for all sorts of personal projects. The maker spaces came loaded with sewing machines, 3D printers, and a full time staff member to help with students’ needs. For some students, the maker space stood as their only access to these resources.
The McDaniel website describes the program as a welcoming paradise of innovation, stating: “The MakerSpace welcomes all McDaniel students and staff; the space inspires creativity & collaboration. Some activities will make you think critically, others will turn your thoughts into action.”
However in the past year, following a district wide rebudget, all of these spaces have all been closed indefinitely, leaving the rooms locked and the equipment to collect dust.
Principal Adam Skyles attributes the decision to cut the program to the Portland Public School’s district leadership. District officials often get the final say over school admin when it comes to budget allocation for schools.
“I think the unfortunate reality is that we had to make cuts last year, that was not the only cut made across the district, or at this building, but it was ultimately a decision made at the district level,” Skyles said.
Last November’s teacher strike led to a restructured PPS budget, leaving little funding for “non-essential” programs, like the maker space. Non-essential programs include those which do not contribute to students’ graduation requirements.
“The restructuring, the lack of state funding, all of those components have led to the need for the district to make cuts based on our current state allocation,” Skyles said.
The closure left many students disappointed.
“It made me pretty sad. I used to use sewing machines for fun. Now without the maker space, I have no access to a sewing machine since new ones are like 100 dollars,” junior Katlyn Peterson said.
It is important to note that the maker spaces were not permanently closed but funding was removed from them.
“We receive direct funding for the maker space from the district for that specific position. That funding was removed, and we at the building level didn’t have enough to keep it going,” Skyles said.
This is an important distinction to make since the removal of funding leaves open the possibility for the maker space to reopen in the future. This is a goal Skyles hopes to reach.
“We have a hope that yes it can be [reopened]. The district going into next year is facing more cuts under the state funding model. If we’re in a position where we have to make more cuts, then not,” Skyles said.
While nostalgic students and staff may stay hopeful for the return of their cherished maker spaces, the future seems uncertain.
