Thursday, July 7
When: Thu, July 7, 9am – 10am
Where: Kennebunk Elementary School - Room A102
This blog is dedicated to posting news and information on key issues and opportunities which may have an effect on our way of life in Arundel, Maine
USA. The goal is to provide insight into key issues and opportunities while providing the community a knowledgebase for self directed education while creating a public forum for constructive comments and open sharing of ideas.
Please send ideas for topics to arundelmaine@roadrunner.com.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Towns split on I-95 spur
Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 11:10 am
ALFRED – While Sanford officials hope a new transportation study will result in construction of a spur connecting it to the Maine Turnpike, officials in Alfred will “absolutely not” support such a proposal, according to Selectman John Sylvester.
Sylvester said he understands Sanford’s desire to be directly connected to the state’s primary north-south highway, but he also believes the town can be well served by existing roadways.
“I understand where (Sanford) is coming from,” Sylvester said. “(A spur) would probably be a good thing for Sanford, but it wouldn’t be good for Alfred and is something we would absolutely not support.”
Sylvester is a member of the steering committee for the Central York County Connections Study, which includes representatives from all 10 municipalities in the study area – Alfred, Lyman, Waterboro, Sanford, Arundel, Biddeford, Kennebunk, Ogunquit, North Berwick and Wells. The study, which is funded by the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority, is aimed at enhancing transportation corridors among towns in central York County and Route 1 and the Turnpike....
read the complete story @ http://www.keepmecurrent.com/reporter/news/article_b71740f4-9ce1-11e0-952f-001cc4c002e0.html
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
New law to allow earlier RSU opt-out for towns
By LIZ GOTTHELF
Staff Writer
A new law will allow communities that wish to opt out of a regional school unit to begin the process six months earlier.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, residents of a municipality that has been a member of an RSU for at least 30 months may petition to withdraw from the unit. The current minimum time is 36 months.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, residents of a municipality that has been a member of an RSU for at least 30 months may petition to withdraw from the unit. The current minimum time is 36 months.
read the complete story @ http://www.journaltribune.com/articles/2011/06/18/news/doc4dfbf02ad2429403382467.txt
Monday, June 20, 2011
Posting Comments and or ideas...
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Saturday, June 18, 2011
What are your thoughts and concerns regarding LD 139?
State of Maine Legislature
Summary of LD 139 Bill Info |
| LD 139 (HP 121) |
| "An Act To Eliminate the Penalty for Schools That Did Not Reorganize" |
| Sponsored by Representative Peter Edgecomb |
| Status Summary | ||
| Reference Committee | Education and Cultural Affairs | |
| Last House Action | 6/8/2011 - PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. | |
| Last Senate Action | 6/8/2011 - Under suspension of the Rules PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence | |
| Last Engrossed by House on | 6/7/2011 | |
| Last Engrossed by Senate on | 6/7/2011 | |
| Governor Action | Signed by the Governor | |
| Chapter | 328 | |
| Final Law Type | Public Law | |
| Date | 6/14/2011 |
Friday, June 17, 2011
What are your thoughts, ideas and feedback for improving relations with the RSU21 Board and our communities?
What are you thoughts, ideas, recommendations on improving the working relationship with the RSU 21 Board of Directors and Our Communities | Arundel, Kennebunk & Kennebunkport?
- Communications & Messages
- Presentations & Open Dialogue
- Public Forums
- Social Media Forums and Communications
- Understanding Citizens & Students Concerns
- Listen & Respond with Empathy
- Creative Problem Solving
- Sharing of Knowledge & Ideas
- Information Access
Oceans Day tradition has taken hold as posted on http://blog.kennebunkpost.com
By Rachel H. Goldman
Staff Writer
More than 250 Thornton Academy Middle School students spilled from school buses into the Ferry Beach parking lot last Friday as the sun broke through the morning haze.
The classmates, equipped with sanitary gloves and trash bags for the 18th annual World Ocean Day, were prepared to leave Saco’s Ferry Beach cleaner than they found it.
About 1,000 schools worldwide participated in World Oceans Day, a celebration of oceans around the world and what they provide. Aquariums, zoos, museums, conservation organizations, universities, businesses and schools since 1992 have organized events to preserve the bodies of water and enjoy their offerings. More than 300 events in 45 countries participated in the event last year.
What are your thoughts, ideas and feedback concerning the local RSU 21 Unity and Concerned Arundel Citenzen Facebook Group Pages?
If you use the following sites and have thoughts, ideas and feedback on improving them please post your comments below:
Parents building bridges for RSU 21 UNITY.
open group - anyone can see the post, active members and published post.
We are here to provide accurate and factual information about the district. If you are not interested in the facts or bringing this district together, this is not the group for you.
We are here to provide accurate and factual information about the district. If you are not interested in the facts or bringing this district together, this is not the group for you.
Concerned Arundel Citizens
closed group - anyone can see the active members yet all post are private.
Manufacturing recruits | New strategies capture skilled manufacturers in southern Maine as posted on mainebiz.com
By Jim Kozubek
06/13/11
The 1 million-square-foot Pratt and Whitney Corp. plant in North Berwick is cavernous. Industrial fans hum throughout the floor hushing the din of computerized machines that churn out sparkling engine components for commercial aircraft and jet fighters such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The ceiling is vaulted high with three-prong fans that spin at a languid pace, and just about everyone in sight seems to be beyond the distance of conversation. A black tricycle is parked to deliver parts to distant sectors of the plant. Of the 1,329 people who work in this factory, 1,000 are full-time machinists. The plant, one of the largest buildings in the state, is growing; operators expect to add 100 to 200 more hires over the next few years. Yet plant manager Peter Borgel and communications officer Steven Howe see a dearth of young workers prepared to take on manufacturing jobs in southern Maine. “The pool of trained machinists available for hire has dwindled to nonexistent,” says Howe.
Pratt and Whitney Corp., a United Technologies Corp. owned-company, reported a $1.99 billion operating profit on $12.94 billion in revenues last year. Even so, the North Berwick plant took a hit in the recession, dropping from 1,600 employees in 2005 to its current level. About two-thirds of those who left had reached retirement age. Now the plant is preparing to ramp back up, thanks to new projects, including the exclusive right to make engines for the F-35 fighter.
Pratt will release its first work-ready F-35 engine this month, and is scheduled to make 40 to 50 F-35 engines a year by 2016.
Borgel says he has recalled all workers from the recession-driven layoffs, and conceding retirements, will have to put some effort into recruiting machinists. The plant gets 100 applications a month, but very few have the associate-level training required to operate Computer Numeric Controlled machines, the digital machines that can mill and lathe parts to 1/5000th of an inch. “From this point, we are going to be growing a work force that begins with some level of technical training,” Borgel said.
Borgel says he has recalled all workers from the recession-driven layoffs, and conceding retirements, will have to put some effort into recruiting machinists. The plant gets 100 applications a month, but very few have the associate-level training required to operate Computer Numeric Controlled machines, the digital machines that can mill and lathe parts to 1/5000th of an inch. “From this point, we are going to be growing a work force that begins with some level of technical training,” Borgel said.
Pratt isn’t alone. Other Maine manufacturers, including nearby Arundel Machine Tool, are grappling with the shortage of trained workers, while at the same time opportunities to grow beckon — a situation industrialists and educators say is most problematic in southern Maine. The problem has led to a new program from the state’s manufacturing trade association, and increasing pressure on Maine’s technical schools and community colleges to rise to the challenge of raising a new work force.
Voters approve RSU 21 budget as posted on the journaltribune.com
$35.6M budget is passed despite Arundel’s rejection
By MATT KIERNAN
Staff Writer
In the second go-round for the Regional School 21 budget, the district’s voters cast their ballots in favor of the $35.6 million proposed education budget Tuesday and chose school board candidates.
Despite failing in Arundel, the budget won a majority of votes from the district’s three towns combined, with 1,662 residents voting in favor of, and 1,219 voting against.
Arundel residents voted 189 yes to 368 no; Kennebunk, 1,024 yes to 675 no; and Kennebunkport voted 449 yes to 176 no.
Of the school board candidates elected for three-year terms, Diane Robbins was chosen to represent Arundel with 376 votes to Leia Lowery’s 198 votes. Kevin Knight and Arthur Leblanc both won seats for Kennebunk, with 749 and 1,042 votes, respectively, to beat out Robert Higgins’ 728 votes. For Kennebunkport, Maureen King won a one-year term with 372 votes against Alicia Kellett’s 185 votes.
Brad Huot of Kennebunk, with 965 votes to Edward Karytko’s 660 votes, will hold a one-year term on the 14-member board to take the place of Ed Geoghan.
Despite failing in Arundel, the budget won a majority of votes from the district’s three towns combined, with 1,662 residents voting in favor of, and 1,219 voting against.
Arundel residents voted 189 yes to 368 no; Kennebunk, 1,024 yes to 675 no; and Kennebunkport voted 449 yes to 176 no.
Of the school board candidates elected for three-year terms, Diane Robbins was chosen to represent Arundel with 376 votes to Leia Lowery’s 198 votes. Kevin Knight and Arthur Leblanc both won seats for Kennebunk, with 749 and 1,042 votes, respectively, to beat out Robert Higgins’ 728 votes. For Kennebunkport, Maureen King won a one-year term with 372 votes against Alicia Kellett’s 185 votes.
Brad Huot of Kennebunk, with 965 votes to Edward Karytko’s 660 votes, will hold a one-year term on the 14-member board to take the place of Ed Geoghan.
The budget was reduced by $100,000 after the Finance Committee reported to the school board that health insurance costs for school employees would be raised 6 1/2 percent, rather than 10 percent, which was estimated during the last referendum on May 24.
“We have to estimate that each year because the budget is developed prior to those numbers coming to us from Anthem (insurance company),” said Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of schools, at the June 6 school board meeting.
In addition to lowering costs, approximately $668,000 of the budget will be paid for by the district using undesignated funds to decrease residents’ taxes.
“I don’t think they cut enough out of the budget,” said Beth Gillespie of Arundel, adding that she voted for Diane Robbins for school board because she believes Robbins will speak well for the people of Arundel.
“I didn’t vote for the budget because it’s much too high,” said Michael Frost, resident of Arundel. Frost said he voted for Arthur Leblanc and Brad Huot for school board because of how personable they are.
“We have to estimate that each year because the budget is developed prior to those numbers coming to us from Anthem (insurance company),” said Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of schools, at the June 6 school board meeting.
In addition to lowering costs, approximately $668,000 of the budget will be paid for by the district using undesignated funds to decrease residents’ taxes.
“I don’t think they cut enough out of the budget,” said Beth Gillespie of Arundel, adding that she voted for Diane Robbins for school board because she believes Robbins will speak well for the people of Arundel.
“I didn’t vote for the budget because it’s much too high,” said Michael Frost, resident of Arundel. Frost said he voted for Arthur Leblanc and Brad Huot for school board because of how personable they are.
Others thought the school board did all they could to cut down costs.
“I voted for the budget because I believe that education is important,” said an Arundel resident who declined to give her name. The woman said she has grandchildren in the RSU 21 system and that its unfortunate the towns have to pay such a high cost, but that it’s worth it for the kids.
From the budget, Arundel property owners are estimated to see an increase in taxes of $59.87 per $100,000 in property value, Kennebunk $16.45 and Kennebunkport $8.41.
Among the articles passed will be funding for regular instruction costs, transportation, technical education and facilities maintenance.
The budget was forwarded to the referendum after voters accepted the it during the RSU 21 budget meeting June 7.
— Staff Writer Matt Kiernan can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 326, or at mkiernan@journaltribune.com
“I voted for the budget because I believe that education is important,” said an Arundel resident who declined to give her name. The woman said she has grandchildren in the RSU 21 system and that its unfortunate the towns have to pay such a high cost, but that it’s worth it for the kids.
From the budget, Arundel property owners are estimated to see an increase in taxes of $59.87 per $100,000 in property value, Kennebunk $16.45 and Kennebunkport $8.41.
Among the articles passed will be funding for regular instruction costs, transportation, technical education and facilities maintenance.
The budget was forwarded to the referendum after voters accepted the it during the RSU 21 budget meeting June 7.
— Staff Writer Matt Kiernan can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 326, or at mkiernan@journaltribune.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Arundel elects Robbins, rejects school budget as posted on seacoastonline.com
Arundel elects Robbins, rejects school budget
ARUNDEL - Voters in Arundel sent a clear message asking for change, electing Diane Robbins to a three-year seat on the RSU 21 Board of Directors over incumbent Leia Lowery and for a second time rejecting the district's proposed budget.
Robbins took 370 votes to Lowery's 198, and voters rejected the budget 189 to 368.
Voters also elected a new selectman, with Tom Danylik beating Michael Drew 369 votes to 184.
Voters approve RSU 21 education budget as posted by the pressherald.com
Voters approve RSU 21 education budget
By Emma Bouthillette ebouthillette@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Voters of Regional School Unit 21 approved a $35.6 million education budget for 2011-2012 during a second referendum Tuesday.
According to election results from the town clerks, Kennebunk voted 1,024 in favor to 675 opposed and Kennebunkport 449 in favor to 176 opposed, while residents in Arundel voted 368 opposed to 189 in favor.
Each town also elected officials for the district's school board. Maureen King was elected to represent Kennebunkport and Diane Robbins was elected to represent Arundel. Kennebunk's results regarding elected officials were not readily available.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Police checking motorcycles in Arundel as posted by the morning sentinel.com
AUGUSTA — Police in southern Maine have organized a checkpoint in Arundel to make sure motorcycles have been inspected and are in compliance with state laws.
The checkpoint is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. today between Limerick Road and Campground Road. Sheriff Maurice Ouellette says the checkpoint is being run by the York County Sheriff's Office and the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport police departments.
The checkpoint is the first of three planned this summer. Others will be conducted in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport at times and dates to be announced.
Voters decide on local issues as posted by pressherald.com
Voters to decide on local issues, spending plans
One of the most contended proposals is on Falmouth's ballot: turning two schools into a community center.One of the most contended proposals is on Falmouth's ballot: turning two schools into a community center.
By Kelley Bouchard kbouchard@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
From Kennebunk to Freeport, voters in many southern Maine communities will go to the polls Tuesday to decide a variety of local referendum questions, consider multimillion-dollar school budgets and elect town councilors, selectmen and school board members.
CONTESTED MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL RACES
ARUNDEL: Thomas Danylik and Michael Drew are running for a selectman's seat; Leia Lowery and Diane Robbins are running for a seat on the RSU 21 school board.
CUMBERLAND: Michael Edes, Thomas Gruber Jr. and Sally Leavitt are running for one Town Council seat.
FALMOUTH: Jonathan Berry, Patricia Kirby, Chris Orestis and Teresa Pierce are running for two Town Council seats; Jan Andrews, Michael Doyle, Karyl Hazard, Analiese Larson, Eydie Pryzant and Lucy Tucker are running for three School Board seats.
KENNEBUNK: Brad Huot and Edward Karytko are running for a one-year term on the RSU 21 school board; Robert Higgins, Kevin Knight and Arthur LeBlanc III are running for a three-year term on the school board.
KENNEBUNKPORT: Alicia Kellett and Maureen King are running for a seat on the RSU 21 school board.
NORTH YARMOUTH: Mark Girard, Darla Hamlin and Andrew Walsh are running for two selectmen's seats.
YARMOUTH: Randall Bates, Mark Hough, Leslie Hyde, Andrew Kittredge, James Macleod and William Schaffer are running for three Town Council seats; Margaret Groban, J. Philip Jones and Judiann Smith are running for two School Committee seats.
Falmouth voters face one of the most contentious ballot issues: whether to redevelop the Plummer-Motz and Lunt elementary schools into a community center and public library. The schools will soon be vacant because the town has built a new elementary school, set to open this fall.
Supporters say the proposal is a chance of lifetime to create a "town campus" in a community that lacks a distinct town center. Opponents have a variety of concerns: whether it's an appropriate use of town funds; whether the buildings should be sold, and whether the library needs to double in size.
The referendum calls for converting Motz into a community center, renovating Lunt into a new home for the Falmouth Memorial Library and fixing up Plummer to be leased to a private group or company.
The $5.65 million project would be financed with $1.5 million from the town's reserve funds; $1.25 million to be raised by library trustees; and money to be generated from the sale of several town properties, including the current library, Pleasant Hill Fire Station and land behind the schools.
Falmouth voters also will consider a $26.2 million school budget and a $1.2 million bond referendum to install a wood boiler at Falmouth Middle School.
Cumberland voters will decide whether to ban commercial gravel operations in rural residential neighborhoods following a recent controversy over excavation in West Cumberland.
The town halted a gravel operation in September on land owned by Elvin and Randy Copp on Upper Methodist Road because excavation was being done without proper permits. The Town Council imposed a six-month moratorium on new gravel pit applications in November, then extended it through June to allow for the referendum.
Neighbors and others gathered more than 600 signatures to get the question on the ballot. It's the first citizen-initiated referendum to change an ordinance in the town's history.
If the referendum fails, the council will consider an ordinance change that would restrict gravel operations through contract zoning.
Cumberland and North Yarmouth voters will consider a $28.9 million budget for School Administrative District 51, which includes North Yarmouth. They'll also vote on a proposal to close the Drowne Road Elementary School in Cumberland, which now serves third-graders.
The district's board of directors voted last year to close Drowne and move third-graders to the Mabel Wilson School in Cumberland. It would cost $481,000 per year to keep Drowne open, according to the ballot question.
Voters in the three towns that make up Regional School Unit 5 -- Freeport, Durham and Pownal -- will consider borrowing $3 million to build a stadium complex at Freeport High School. It would feature an eight-lane track surrounding a synthetic-turf field with lights, bleachers, a press booth and concessions.
RSU 5 voters also will consider the district's $23.9 million school budget.
Kennebunk voters face 21 referendum questions, many of them related to the municipal budget and zoning ordinance. They'll also consider borrowing $600,000 for improvements to the Lower Village, including new sidewalks, curbing, lighting and benches.
Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel voters will consider a $35.6 million budget for Regional School Unit 21.
Gorham voters will decide whether to borrow $3 million to make improvements to Narragansett Elementary School and build a multipurpose stadium with a synthetic-turf field at routes 25 and 202. They'll also vote on a $31.2 million school budget.
Windham and Raymond voters will consider a $37.2 million budget for Regional School Unit 14. Yarmouth voters will decide on a $19.3 million school budget.
And voters in Buxton, Hollis, Limington, Standish and Frye Island will consider a $42.3 million budget for School Administrative District 6.
Staff Writer Kelley Bouchard can be contacted at 791-6328 or at:
kbouchard@pressherald.com
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Get out and VOTE!
ARUNDEL ~ KENNEBUNK & KENNEBUNKPORT MAINE
Tuesday June 14, 2011 From 8:00am - 8:00pm or by absentee ballot
LePage is right to send gambling issues to the voters as posted in the journaltribune.com
Gov. Paul LePage deserves the applause of all Mainers for stating recently that he would veto any bill that would skirt the voting process for new racinos or casinos in Maine.
His resolve to veto LD 1203 and LD 985, which would allow a racino in Biddeford and Washington County; and a slot casino in Lewiston, respectively, is good news for residents who would like to have a say in deciding whether Maine takes on a significant increase in its number of gambling facilities.
Both of the bills, which are citizen-initiated, recently received approval in the legislature, with a 94-49 vote of support in the house for LD 1203 and a 78-61 endorsement in the house on LD 985, setting them up for possible approval without another statewide vote.
Whether one agrees with gambling or not, we agree with LePage that letting the voters decide is the right thing to do rather than giving the house and senate final say on whether or not Maine becomes a state with five gambling centers or remains at the current two – Hollywood Slots in Bangor and the newly-approved Black Bear Entertainment casino under construction in Oxford.
His openness about vetoing these bills should be particularly heartening to residents of Biddeford and nearby towns who feel that Ocean Properties, the company proposing a racino in Biddeford, has an unfair advantage in influencing legislators because of its wealth and organization. The developers have several lobbyists in Augusta pushing for their proposal to be approved without what they know will be a costly and time consuming public vote.
We can certainly see their side as they tout the construction jobs and later service jobs that will come with Scarborough Downs’ move and expansion in Biddeford. Ocean Properties argues that voters already approved two harness racing/slot machine “racinos” in the state, allowing for one in Biddeford and in Washington County. Hollywood Slots in Bangor doesn’t count, they say, because it has it is not a “fully integrated” racino – horse racing is on one side of the road, while the slots are on the other.
This seems to be a stretch of wording and a twist of logic, without acknowledging the underlying purpose of the 2003 vote. As well, it’s been eight years since that vote and many things have changed. Voters deserve a chance to cast their ballots this year, “yay” or “nay,” for the racino proposals currently before them, in Biddeford and Washington County and for the proposed casino in Lewiston.
These projects should not be given a thumbs up or down by the legislature alone, since casinos and racinos are unique types of development that have varied impacts on the regions in which they are built.
Though Biddeford voters approved the racino last fall, the surrounding towns of Arundel, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and others never got a say, despite the fact the Biddeford Downs development will significantly impact the traffic and character of the entire area.
This voting process will give them that chance.
And, as LePage said himself, the legislature has more important work to do. Let’s leave this one to the voters.
His resolve to veto LD 1203 and LD 985, which would allow a racino in Biddeford and Washington County; and a slot casino in Lewiston, respectively, is good news for residents who would like to have a say in deciding whether Maine takes on a significant increase in its number of gambling facilities.
Both of the bills, which are citizen-initiated, recently received approval in the legislature, with a 94-49 vote of support in the house for LD 1203 and a 78-61 endorsement in the house on LD 985, setting them up for possible approval without another statewide vote.
Whether one agrees with gambling or not, we agree with LePage that letting the voters decide is the right thing to do rather than giving the house and senate final say on whether or not Maine becomes a state with five gambling centers or remains at the current two – Hollywood Slots in Bangor and the newly-approved Black Bear Entertainment casino under construction in Oxford.
His openness about vetoing these bills should be particularly heartening to residents of Biddeford and nearby towns who feel that Ocean Properties, the company proposing a racino in Biddeford, has an unfair advantage in influencing legislators because of its wealth and organization. The developers have several lobbyists in Augusta pushing for their proposal to be approved without what they know will be a costly and time consuming public vote.
This seems to be a stretch of wording and a twist of logic, without acknowledging the underlying purpose of the 2003 vote. As well, it’s been eight years since that vote and many things have changed. Voters deserve a chance to cast their ballots this year, “yay” or “nay,” for the racino proposals currently before them, in Biddeford and Washington County and for the proposed casino in Lewiston.
These projects should not be given a thumbs up or down by the legislature alone, since casinos and racinos are unique types of development that have varied impacts on the regions in which they are built.
Though Biddeford voters approved the racino last fall, the surrounding towns of Arundel, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and others never got a say, despite the fact the Biddeford Downs development will significantly impact the traffic and character of the entire area.
This voting process will give them that chance.
And, as LePage said himself, the legislature has more important work to do. Let’s leave this one to the voters.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
June 6, 2011 Candidates Night RSU 21 School Board
Steaming video of the meeting, the Candidates Night portion of the meeting starts @ 27:30 on the time line.
Thumbs down for Domine, up for Ogunquit as posted by seacoastonline.com
June 09, 2011 2:00 AM
Thumbs down to RSU 21 Board of Directors member Bob Domine for his inappropriate, outlandish behavior at a May 27 meeting. Domine alternately yelled, pounded on the table, talked over his fellow board members and the gaveling of Chairman Norm Archer, and launched into a rambling football analogy, all in an attempt to voice his displeasure over both questions posed by his fellow directors and the May 24 public vote. Domine also pushed back from the table, refusing to participate further, and said those who believed the vote on the Thornton Academy Middle School was a mandate from the entire community must have "rocks in their head." By acting in this way, Domine showed his disrespect for both his fellow directors and the voting public. He also did a great disservice to the Kennebunkport residents he purports to represent by repeating, more than once, "I have wasted my time" in discussions with the board over issues they declined to put before voters again. If Domine truly feels this way, he is welcome to step down from the board and allow someone interested in serving to take his place. At the very least, Domine owes a public apology to his fellow directors and the public that was forced to watch the spectacle that was the May 27 meeting. Things are strained enough in the district right now without Domine adding his drama to the mix. Let's leave the acting like children to the children.
Thumbs up to the town of Ogunquit for being such a good friend to the environment. The town recently was recognized by Maine Audubon for its ongoing efforts to protect the piping plovers nesting along its beaches. Cindy Douglass, the plover monitor coordinator for Ogunquit, along with her cadre of volunteers has done a stellar job of keeping people and their pets away from the endangered birds. Town officials have also been supportive, even finding a creative solution allowing for both the birds to nest and the town's annual fireworks to coexist. And speaking of town officials, kudos to Town Manager Tom Fortier for receiving the Green Apple award for public policy for an ordinance passed in November to keep cigarettes and hazardous litter from smokers off the beach. Prior to the new ordinance, Ogunquit officials estimated there were 22 cigarette butts per square foot along the beach. Anything that takes both cigarettes and the second-hand smoke they produce away from people, and keeps pollution off the beach, deserves to be recognized.
Thumbs down to Kennebunk Town Manager Barry Tibbetts for his comments at a recent meeting that the discussion of a proposed regional high school was "public" because the media was present and that notice of the meeting — held in Kennebunk Town Hall — wasn't his responsibility because it was initiated by officials from Ogunquit and Wells. Given that Tibbetts was one of the officials who initially asked the Coast Star to leave the meeting, and then invited us back, and that it was held a floor above his own office, his reasoning seems disingenuous at best.
Thumbs up to the graduates from Kennebunk High School and the soon-to-be graduates from Wells High School on their accomplishments so far. Aim high — the sky's the limit.
And a final thumbs up to all of the candidates running for election in our towns June 14. All are willing to give of their time and themselves to serve others. Let's honor their dedication by taking the time to vote.
— York County Coast Star
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Second version of RSU 21 budget OK’d as reported by the JournalTribune.com
By MATT KIERNAN
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Published:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 12:06 PM EDT
KENNEBUNK — Community members from Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport approved all 18 articles of the Regional School Unit 21’s proposed budget Tuesday night.
The articles will be listed on the ballot of the June 14 budget referendum at designated polling stations in the three towns.
“We need as many people as possible to come out for the referendum June 14,” said school board member Maureen King after the meeting in the Kennebunk High School gymnasium.
On the proposed budget will be whether the district should expend $35.6 million for the 2012 fiscal year to fund public education; if the school board should be authorized to spend federal or state grants; appropriate funding for adult education; and authorize the school board’s ability to transfer 25 percent of undesignated funds to the School Capital Reserve Fund.
The budget to be listed on the referendum was voted in favor, 206-12.
From the budget, Arundel property owners are estimated to see an increase in taxes of $59.87 per $100,000 in property value, Kennebunk $16.45 and Kennebunkport $8.41.
“It sort of pained me to vote ‘no’ through this entire process,” said Bob Stewart of Arundel, addressing the 218 people who attended the meeting.
Stewart said the proposed budget doesn’t reflect the choice voters made during the May 24 referendum, when the last proposed budget was rejected. He asked the voters at the meeting to vote against the budget to make the school board re-evaluate the articles in order to lower taxes.
He also commented that voters need to be more knowledgeable of the issues before they cast their ballots.
An article allowing the school board to appropriate $3.74 million in additional local funds for school programs not included in the state’s funding model was also passed to be listed on the referendum. The vote in favor was by written ballot, 201-30.
The proposed appropriation of funding for adult education will come from the designation of $100,000 by the RSU and the raising of $54,000 as the local share.
The newly proposed budget is $100,000 less than the budget proposed last month, and allocates $668,000 in undesignated funds toward the budget to lower the residents’ taxes, according to Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of schools.
Compared to the May 10 budget meeting, there was little participation in the way of comments given for each article.
“I have to express slight disappointment with the voter turnout,” said Brad Huot, Kennebunk physician and candidate for the school board, pointing out the significant difference in attendance from the last meeting, which saw a turnout of more than 700 people.
Although he would have liked to see more people, he said, Huot thanked those who participated in the meeting.
— Staff Writer Matt Kiernan can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 326, or at mkiernan@journaltribune.com.
The articles will be listed on the ballot of the June 14 budget referendum at designated polling stations in the three towns.
“We need as many people as possible to come out for the referendum June 14,” said school board member Maureen King after the meeting in the Kennebunk High School gymnasium.
On the proposed budget will be whether the district should expend $35.6 million for the 2012 fiscal year to fund public education; if the school board should be authorized to spend federal or state grants; appropriate funding for adult education; and authorize the school board’s ability to transfer 25 percent of undesignated funds to the School Capital Reserve Fund.
The budget to be listed on the referendum was voted in favor, 206-12.
From the budget, Arundel property owners are estimated to see an increase in taxes of $59.87 per $100,000 in property value, Kennebunk $16.45 and Kennebunkport $8.41.
“It sort of pained me to vote ‘no’ through this entire process,” said Bob Stewart of Arundel, addressing the 218 people who attended the meeting.
Stewart said the proposed budget doesn’t reflect the choice voters made during the May 24 referendum, when the last proposed budget was rejected. He asked the voters at the meeting to vote against the budget to make the school board re-evaluate the articles in order to lower taxes.
He also commented that voters need to be more knowledgeable of the issues before they cast their ballots.
An article allowing the school board to appropriate $3.74 million in additional local funds for school programs not included in the state’s funding model was also passed to be listed on the referendum. The vote in favor was by written ballot, 201-30.
The proposed appropriation of funding for adult education will come from the designation of $100,000 by the RSU and the raising of $54,000 as the local share.
The newly proposed budget is $100,000 less than the budget proposed last month, and allocates $668,000 in undesignated funds toward the budget to lower the residents’ taxes, according to Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of schools.
Compared to the May 10 budget meeting, there was little participation in the way of comments given for each article.
“I have to express slight disappointment with the voter turnout,” said Brad Huot, Kennebunk physician and candidate for the school board, pointing out the significant difference in attendance from the last meeting, which saw a turnout of more than 700 people.
Although he would have liked to see more people, he said, Huot thanked those who participated in the meeting.
— Staff Writer Matt Kiernan can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 326, or at mkiernan@journaltribune.com.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
8 seek election to RSU 21 school board as posted by the JournalTribune.com
MATT KIERNANStaff Writer
KENNEBUNK — Regional School Unit 21 held its candidates’ night Monday at Kennebunk Town Hall, allowing prospective school board members to answer questions on key topics affecting the district and build platforms for their candidacies.
Eight candidates are vying for the 14-member board’s five open spots: Arundel’s Leia Lowery and Diane Robbins; Kennebunk’s Robert Higgins, Brad Huot, Ed Karytko, and Arthur Leblanc; and Kennebunkport’s Alicia Kellett and Maureen King. The positions will be filled in voting on June 14 at polling stations, the same day as the district’s scheduled budget referendum.
Of the five spots open on the board, one is for Arundel, three for Kennebunk and one is for Kennebunkport.
York County Coast Star managing editor Laura Dolce hosted the event, asking four main questions that focused on whether it is possible to give a world-class education for students without burdening the taxpayers, if the Thornton Academy Middle School contract buyout should be pursued, if consolidation has worked for the district, and how they would handle the district’s multi-million dollar construction projects.
Whether for or against the buyout, the majority of the candidates said the district should move on from the topic.Karytko, who has four children who have graduated from Kennebunk High School, added that he feels the TAMS issue has divided the community and that the money could be used toward supporting arts and sciences in schools.
On what the board could improve upon, communication was the prominent answer given.
If the board explains better to the public what they would like to approve for the district, said Robbins, they will have a better chance of having it passed. Robbins has lived in Arundel for 30 years and is a former Budget Board Committee in Arundel member.
Many of the candidates said they were unsure if the consolidation of the three towns’ schools was the best choice to make, but realized that the formation is most likely here to stay, barring a complicated withdrawal process.
“Consolidation is absolutely working,” said Lowery, who has been on the school board for more than two years.
King, who has been on the board since 1999, was equally optimistic about the consolidation.
“They (students) don’t really seem to be suffering,” she said, adding, “Adults seem to be getting in the way of consolidation more than children.”
A concern for some of the candidates was how community members could vote on issues if they couldn’t understand the proposals because of not knowing the meaning of abbreviations and full effects of budgets.
“The budget needs to be a lot more transparent than it is,” said Higgins, a member of the board of selectmen and resident of Kennebunk since 1960.
Kellett said she was also unsatisfied with the forming of budgets.
“Once you’ve sat down and explained it (a proposal) to them, they will support it,” she said.
Commenting on the passing of renovation funds for the Middle School of the Kennebunks and KHS, Leblanc voiced his support for their constructions.
“We’ve long ignored our high school,” he said.
During his closing remarks, Huot recommended the board become more visible and listen more carefully to residents.
During the forum, questions were submitted by community members to RSU 21, to be read by Dolce. Entering a term of three years, the school board hopefuls who are voted in will take office July 1.
— Staff Writer Matt Kiernan can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 326, or at mkiernan@journaltribune.com.
Eight candidates are vying for the 14-member board’s five open spots: Arundel’s Leia Lowery and Diane Robbins; Kennebunk’s Robert Higgins, Brad Huot, Ed Karytko, and Arthur Leblanc; and Kennebunkport’s Alicia Kellett and Maureen King. The positions will be filled in voting on June 14 at polling stations, the same day as the district’s scheduled budget referendum.
Of the five spots open on the board, one is for Arundel, three for Kennebunk and one is for Kennebunkport.
York County Coast Star managing editor Laura Dolce hosted the event, asking four main questions that focused on whether it is possible to give a world-class education for students without burdening the taxpayers, if the Thornton Academy Middle School contract buyout should be pursued, if consolidation has worked for the district, and how they would handle the district’s multi-million dollar construction projects.
Whether for or against the buyout, the majority of the candidates said the district should move on from the topic.Karytko, who has four children who have graduated from Kennebunk High School, added that he feels the TAMS issue has divided the community and that the money could be used toward supporting arts and sciences in schools.
“I think it was something that could have been avoided,” said Karytko.
On what the board could improve upon, communication was the prominent answer given.
If the board explains better to the public what they would like to approve for the district, said Robbins, they will have a better chance of having it passed. Robbins has lived in Arundel for 30 years and is a former Budget Board Committee in Arundel member.
Many of the candidates said they were unsure if the consolidation of the three towns’ schools was the best choice to make, but realized that the formation is most likely here to stay, barring a complicated withdrawal process.
“Consolidation is absolutely working,” said Lowery, who has been on the school board for more than two years.
King, who has been on the board since 1999, was equally optimistic about the consolidation.
“They (students) don’t really seem to be suffering,” she said, adding, “Adults seem to be getting in the way of consolidation more than children.”
A concern for some of the candidates was how community members could vote on issues if they couldn’t understand the proposals because of not knowing the meaning of abbreviations and full effects of budgets.
“The budget needs to be a lot more transparent than it is,” said Higgins, a member of the board of selectmen and resident of Kennebunk since 1960.
Kellett said she was also unsatisfied with the forming of budgets.
“Once you’ve sat down and explained it (a proposal) to them, they will support it,” she said.
Commenting on the passing of renovation funds for the Middle School of the Kennebunks and KHS, Leblanc voiced his support for their constructions.
“We’ve long ignored our high school,” he said.
During his closing remarks, Huot recommended the board become more visible and listen more carefully to residents.
During the forum, questions were submitted by community members to RSU 21, to be read by Dolce. Entering a term of three years, the school board hopefuls who are voted in will take office July 1.
— Staff Writer Matt Kiernan can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 326, or at mkiernan@journaltribune.com.
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