School plans get mixed reviews

 By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

October 27, 2011 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20111027-NEWS-110270366

KENNEBUNK — Residents of RSU 21 took in a $51.4 million plan to renovate three school facilities, some questioning whether the work is in the best interest of those facilities and taxpayers, others supporting the need during a hearing held Tuesday, Oct. 25.

The hearing was the first in a series of three planned on the RSU 21 Master Facilities Plan, and was held at Kennebunk High School. Approximately 75 community members attended.

Under the plan, Kennebunk High School would undergo a $43.5 million renovation, while Kennebunkport Consolidated School would see work to the tune of $4.2 million and Mildred L. Day School would face renovations totalling $3.7 million.

The impact of the projects on the local taxpayer is estimated at $175 for Arundel residents, $74 for those in Kennebunkport and $134 for those in Kennebunk. These numbers show the impact for the second year of the $51.4 million bond, with the impact decreasing slightly each year after. The bond would be paid off in 20 years.

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Public Forums specifically designed to invite community input on a recently adopted Master Facilities Plan

We are pleased to remind you that the RSU 21 Board of School Directors has scheduled three upcoming Public Forums specifically designed to invite community input on a recently adopted Master Facilities Plan. The first forum will be held tonight, Tuesday, October 25 at Kennebunk High School, with tours beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the forum starting at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Child care will be available in the gymnasium.

Additional forums will be held on November 3 at Mildred L. Day School at 7:00 p.m. and November 17 at Kennebunkport Consolidated School at 7:00 p.m. On each evening, individuals may take tours beginning at 6:00 p.m., and childcare will be provided.

We hope to see you at one or more of these public forums!

Local Notes

Walk-a-thon this Friday!
The students at ML Day will be participating in the PTA walk-a-thon this Friday morning.   This will be the only major fundraiser we run all year.  Please send in all pledge forms and checks any time this week ~ checks should be made payable to the Arundel PTA.  All of the funds will go to support programs and activities for our students in kindergarten through grade 5!   The temps are due to be in the 40's so please send jackets with the children.

Halloween Party!!
This Saturday, October 29th  from 12:00-2:00pm the PTA will sponsor there annual Halloween Party.  Some of the events will include a Magic Show, games, a huge obstacle course, hayrides, and much more.  Come join us for this very special and fun event ~~ don't forget to wear your costumes!!


BEAN SUPPER!!!
Support the Arundel Historical Society and fill your belly at the same time.  Come enjoy the Bean supper on Saturday, October 29th from 4:30-6:00pm in the Gym.  

Exchange rates don't favor public schools

Posted: October 17
Updated: Today at 10:07 PM

http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/unfavorable-exchange-rates-in-public-schools_2011-10-16.html

Private institutions’ financial advantage helps them attract foreign students to Maine, some educators say

By David Robinson drobinson@onlinesentinel.com
Staff Writer, Morning Sentinel 

STRONG -- More foreign exchange students have been coming to Maine in recent years to attend private high schools, but many public schools also interested in expanding their cultural diversity have struggled to keep pace.

Some educators believe the public schools are being left behind because they can't compete financially with private institutions, which are reaping educational benefits for their students by tapping into the increasing number of student exchange programs looking for partners in America.

The biggest difference recently has been the growing divide between schools' abilities to find places for the exchange students to live when they get here, according to the Maine Principals' Association Executive Director Dick Durost.

Public school districts, which are taxpayer-supported and have open enrollment, rely on community members who let exchange students live in their homes while they study at nearby high schools.

Private school institutions, where students pay tuition to attend, can offer the same option. But, over the last five years, many of those institutions statewide have also been adding to their on-campus housing facilities to attract more students from abroad, Durost said.

DISTANCE LEARNING: Exchange student Eduardo Ojeda, 17, of Valencia, Venezuela, center, poses with Sarah and Isaac Stone at the Stones’ Winslow home on Friday. Eduardo is attending Winslow High School as a junior this year. More foreign exchange students have been coming to Maine in recent years to attend private high schools, but many public schools also interested in expanding their cultural diversity have struggled to keep pace.

Staff photo by Michael G. Seamans

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Lowe's shuts stores in Biddeford, Ellsworth

Posted: 9:58 AM
Updated: 1:47 PM

By Tux Turkel tturkel@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

Sunday's abrupt closing of the Lowe's home improvement stores in Biddeford and Ellsworth is the latest example of national retailers pulling the plug on underperforming outlets in small markets, local real estate professionals say.

An unidentified store employee today directs vendor David Lamb of Blue Rock Industries to a back entrance at the now-closed Lowe's in Biddeford.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

The Lowe's stores in Biddeford and Ellsworth were anchor tenants clustered in and around so-called power centers, part of a fresh wave of big-box retail development that washed across Maine just prior to the 2008 economic collapse. Both were located across from existing Home Depot stores.

Lowe's may have been especially hard hit by the ongoing malaise in housing and construction, commercial brokers say. But they also note that the big retailers anchoring power centers in Maine's smaller markets such as North Windham, Augusta and Waterville, also may be under pressure.

"Some got built," said Drew Sigfridson, a broker at CB Richard Ellis/The Boulos Co. "In hindsight, maybe some shouldn't have been built."

Lowe's announced today that it's closing 20 underperforming stores in 15 states, throwing 1,950 people out of work. They will receive pay and benefits for 60 to 90 days, according to Lowe's.

A total of 101 workers lost their jobs at the Biddeford store, according to city officials. They have asked laid-off workers to contact the mayor's office for help connecting to assistance. A City Hall meeting is being planned for later this week.

Customers arriving at the Lowe's in Biddeford early today were surprised to find the store closed.

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November 8, 2011 Election

 

Absentee Ballots are now available for the November 8, 2011 State Referendum Election and Municipal Referendum Election (click on either election above to view the ballot). You can vote absentee at Arundel Town Hall from 8 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday until November 3 at 4:30 PM.  Click here for an absentee ballot application.  Polls will be open from 8 AM through 8 PM on November 8, 2011 at the Arundel Fire Station, 468 Limerick Road.