What has school consolidation done for us?

Our property taxes went up even though we had about $600,000 in surplus. That was money frozen by the superintendent and therefore not used to educate our students, providing basic needs like books, paper, etc.

Our students went without while others had everything they needed and more.

Where did that money go, Chelsea? Although the taxes in Chelsea went up they didn't go up as high as others -- 50 percent or more in Alna for example.

It seems to me that the only "people" saving money with consolidation is the Maine government because it is no longer providing our money to educate our future.

Voting to repeal school consolidation will allow those districts that wish, to stop being a part of a state dictated grouping. It doesn't stop those that want to, from continuing.

It doesn't mean that schools won't share costs. It does mean more local control and opportunities for our students.

I plan to vote "yes" on repealing the school consolidation for the benefit of my children and urge you to do the same. I still wonder, where did all that "extra" money go?

Jil Crochere

Chelsea