The Maine attorney general's office says the LePage administration violated Maine's Freedom of Access Act by holding the first blue ribbon education commission hearing behind closed doors.

Assistant Attorney General Brenda Kielty, who handles FOA issues for the attorney general, said she's aware of no exemption that allowed the closed meeting on Monday.

The Blue Ribbon Commission to Reform Public Education Funding and Improve Student Performance held its first meeting Monday in the governor's mansion. Commission member Sen. Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat, said LePage barred reporters and two state lawmakers from attending.

A spokeswoman for Republican Gov. Paul LePage, Adrienne Bennett, said the meeting was an informal, "get-to-know-you gathering" before the commission starts its work at a later date.

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