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