Morning Sentinel
School consolidation isn't
worth the disruption
Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Tuesday, January 30, 2007

As a school committee member, I was offended by Gov. John Baldacci's comments blaming school officials for high taxes. Education is the most important investment we can make. Mainers recognize this; 81 percent of school districts statewide chose to support spending for sports, drama, music and other co-curricular offerings that may not be deemed "essential programs and services" by the state.

These programs are "critically important to the healthy development of students," says the Maine Principals' Association. Instead of blasting school officials for failing to live within the means, Baldacci should be applauding citizens for choosing education as a priority.

School boards work conscientiously to produce affordable budgets that provide quality education and comply with federal and state mandates. The Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding model has motivated districts to look ahead and find future cost-saving measures.

But Baldacci hasn't given EPS enough time to have its full effect. It will be two years before the state contributes its full share. To restructure the administration now would be hugely disruptive, and a new regional board might have very different priorities. Schools would end up in districts with an average of 20 towns. "Local control" would be lost, superintendents would lose touch with their schools, and class sizes would increase due to the 650 teacher layoffs predicted. The cost of disruption isn't worth it, and students should not be the ones to pay.

Janet Preston

China


Reader comments

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SARGE of AUGUSTA, ME
Jan 30, 2007 1:24 PM
Once again, Randall has rambled on about something he knows very little about. He voted for the liberal government we must now suffer through so he has little room to complain. He reminds of the spoiled little brat that takes his ball and goes home if things don't go his way. A very sad, bitter, little man.report abuse
Bill Randall of Winthrop, ME
Jan 30, 2007 12:40 PM
How I wish Ben Franklin was still alive to help us out with this contentious and complex issue. I doubt he would be impressed by this fiscal mess our state and local agencies have created that even educators cannot resolve or agree on.

Please let us not save the cost of yellows pencils at the expense of our children's education.report abuse
Paul of China, ME
Jan 30, 2007 11:03 AM
Mrs.Preston I think the school boards are responsable for the situation we are in now. If the boards were to find ways to save money and not rubber stamp the school unions budgets we would be better off. I think the Gov's idea will work if the school boards and unions would inbrace it and work with it. The school boards and unions will not even try because they will not lisen to other ideas that will work. report abuse

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