Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eastern Trail parking debated

By Samantha Stephens

yccs@seacoastonline.com

May 31, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120531-NEWS-205310335

ARUNDEL — There was much debate regarding potentially allowing parking on Limerick Road for the Eastern Trail at the Board of Selectmen meeting held on Tuesday, May 29.

Catherine Rush, an Arundel resident, was first to voice her concerns, questioning whether any measures have been made to make sure children and families parking on Limerick Road, and inevitably stepping onto the road, will be protected.

Sam Rush, Catherine's husband, also voiced his concerns about the parking proposal and called it a "poor idea."

"I don't think there is safe access for parking on Limerick Road," Rush explained.

Resident John Bell disagreed, saying he doesn't see the harm in allowing at least a temporary parking option for residents who want to use the trail.

Dan Dubois, Arundel resident and member of the Planning Board, agreed with Bell and said it's safer to park at the trail than have people park at M.L. Day School or the Town Hall and walk down the busy road.

Tad Redway, Arundel Town Planner, proposed the idea of increased signage to warn drivers of bikers and pedestrians.

New cost sharing formula could go to board soon

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

May 31, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120531-NEWS-205310352

KENNEBUNK — A new cost sharing formula could be presented to the RSU 21 Board of Directors in the coming weeks and then head to voters.

The Cost-Sharing Review Committee is nearing the final stages of its process in negotiating a new cost-sharing formula between Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel, and anticipates voting on a proposal during a Monday, June 18 meeting. If the committee supports the formula, it would head to the Board of Directors, which would then determine whether or not to take it to voters. The formula would need to pass by a 2/3 majority of total voters within the district.

ARUNDEL — The FBI has joined the York County Sheriff's Office

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

May 31, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120531-NEWS-205310346

ARUNDEL — The FBI has joined the York County Sheriff's Office in investigating an armed robbery of the Infinity Credit Union on Tuesday morning and they are seeking the public's help.

Police are searching for the suspect who fled on foot after displaying a handgun and demanding money when he entered the credit union, located at 1298 Alfred Road in Arundel, at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The gunman fled with an undetermined amount of money and the credit union is currently conducting an audit. It is not known if the suspect had an accomplice.

Board seeks feedback on withrawal

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

May 31, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120531-NEWS-205310350

KENNEBUNKPORT — The Board of Selectmen has accepted the report from the committee studying withdrawal from RSU 21, which found that while the cost for leaving is not significantly different than staying in the district, there are other changes to contemplate.

The Kennebunkport Educational Options Study Committee has reviewed a variety of elements surrounding potential withdrawal, including elementary education options, general administration, transportation, special education, capital needs, and more. The group found that the preliminary projected cost of operating an independent Kennebunkport school department totals $6.6 million, compared to the projected cost for FY '13 within RSU 21 of $6.7 million.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Withdrawal Committee Agenda May 30, 2012 - 4:30 p.m.

Withdrawal Committee Agenda
May 30, 2012 - 4:30 p.m.

Kennebunk Elementary School – Room A102

Arundel Members: Diane Robbins, Tom Danylik, Jon Renell, Jack Turcotte
RSU Members: Norm Archer, Maureen King, Art LeBlanc, Frank Drigotas,
Brad Huot, Matt Fadiman
Staff: Andrew Dolloff

I. Review minutes of May 15 meeting

II. Deliberations regarding Draft 1 of Separation Agreement

III. Next Meeting Date – June 5, 7:00 p.m.

IV. Adjournment

Attachments:
1. Minutes of May 15 meeting
2. Special Education Information
3. Fund Balance and Revolving Renovation Fund Data
4. Arundel School Employee Data

click on the following to view the listed attachments: http://rsu21.net/Withdrawal/Withdrawal%20Meeting%20Agenda%205.30%20copy.pdf

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Armed robbery reported at Arundel credit union

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120529-NEWS-120529706

May 29, 2012 10:58 AM

ARUNDEL, Maine — The Infinity Federal Credit Union on Alfred Road/Route 111 in Arundel was the scene of an armed robbery at 9:39 a.m. Tuesday, two deputies on the scene said.

WITHDRAWAL COMMITTEE MEETING

TOWN OF ARUNDEL, MAINE
WITHDRAWAL COMMITTEE MEETING

http://arundelmaine.org/vertical/Sites/%7B59869D99-BF8C-4BB4-B531-4D501803061C%7D/uploads/05-29-12_Withdrawal_Committee_Agenda%281%29.pdf

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

ML Day School Conference Room
6:30 PM REGULAR MEETING

Agenda

I. Call to order

II. Approval of Agenda

III. New Business:

A. Review 11 points to be addressed per 20-A MRS 1466.

IV. Adjourn

Monday, May 28, 2012

Cost analysis the focus of withdrawal agreement draft

http://post.mainelymediallc.com/news/2012-05-25/Front_Page/Arundel_group_listens_to_proposal.html

By Adam Chabot

Staff Writer

The Arundel Withdrawal Committee met with Charles Lawton, chief economist of Planning Decisions, to discuss plans for what type of research and data the committee will require. The committee is currently in the process of drafting a proposal to withdraw from Regional School Unit 21.

Throughout Lawton’s proposal, the committee determined that because of a tight deadline, Lawton’s immediate role will focus on cost-analysis and the financial implications until a draft agreement is put together.

“We have a lot of experience within the company, in regard to municipal affairs, across the whole range of activities,” Lawton said about the Portland-based consulting agency. “(We) focus on municipal land use, zoning, economic development, school enrollment projections and a whole range of community and economic development.”

The data will include cost-analysis between the two scenarios, including) the costs for capital improvements such as renovations at Kennebunk High School, Kennebunkport Consolidated School and Mildred L. Day School.

Lawton also said Planning Decisions has partnered with Judith Haggerty, a former superintendent of schools from Thomaston. Lawton said Haggerty’s experience in consolidation and dismantling of school districts can provide valuable insight.

According to a timeline proposed by the withdrawal committee, in order to allow the maximum amount of time for an agreement to be moved to voters for November elections, a withdrawal agreement should be drafted by June 15.

RSU withdrawal plans reviewed

Committee faces June 15 deadline to submit agreement

http://post.mainelymediallc.com/news/2012-05-25/Front_Page/RSU_withdrawal_plans_reviewed.html

By Adam Chabot

Staff Writer

The Regional School Unit 21 Withdrawal Committee has until June 15 to submit a withdrawal agreement to Maine Commissioner of Education Stephen Bowen, to ensure the plan can go before Arundel voters on Nov 6. Committee members said Nov 6 is being targeted so the vote can coincide with Election Day.

RSU 21 Superintendent Andrew Dolloff provided the committee with a potential timeline of dates, with each step leading to Nov 6. Dolloff said his timeline based on the state’s withdrawal statute and allows the maximum amount of time for Bowen to review the plan in two different stages.

Dolloff said when the withdrawal committee submits an initial agreement to the commissioner, a maximum of 60 days will be allowed for the Bowen to review the plan. Dolloff also said he built in four weeks of time for Bowen to conduct a final review of the agreement, when that stage is reached.

“I have no way of predicting better than anyone else how long it will take (Bowen) to review the plan each time,” Dolloff said. “But I think it would behoove us, if we are shooting for Nov. 6, to allow the maximum amount of time that the law allows for him to review the plan.”

Committee member Matthew Fadiman, who also serves on the RSU 21 Board of Directors from Kennebunk, said this timeline will also force everyone on the committee to put together a solid plan that won’t require heavy review and scrutinizing from Bowen.

“Even if they’re not trying to drag their heels, I think the better agreement we have, the more likely it is that Augusta can say ‘Yes,’” Fadiman said.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Gilliam Field gets new sign

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120524-NEWS-205240338

Top Photo

Photo provided Gilliam Field in Arundel

May 24, 2012 2:00 AM

Press release

ARUNDEL — "Youth died giving aid to motorist" was the headline of an article written by Doug Bailey in the Nov. 7, 1979 edition of the Journal Tribune. On a fall afternoon in 1979, 14-year-old Donald E. Gilliam III and some of his friends were playing basketball in the back parking lot of the Mildred L. Day School in Arundel when a car broke down on the Maine Turnpike adjacent to the school property.

In the spirit of giving aid to someone in need, Gilliam walked out to the turnpike to offer help to the stranded motorist. During Gilliam's attempt to offer help, a passing motorist fell asleep at the wheel and struck him.

The resulting death of this young boy was felt throughout the community. Shawn Labbe of Arundel, a childhood friend and teammate of Gilliam's, said Gilliam had been raised to be involved in his community, to be active in sports, and to help others. Labbe recalled many weekends spent on the town-owned property behind the school with Gilliam, their friends, and their fathers, as they worked to build the ball fields for the children of the community to play on.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Arundel Parking Ordinance

The Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 7 PM in the ML Day School Library for comments on a proposed revision to the Arundel Parking Ordinance.

Click on WARRANT to view.

Is $4 worth the fight?

May 17, 2012 8:31 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120517-OPINION-120519764

To the Editor:

Thursday, May 10, Portland's Channel 6 aired a segment on several proposed town withdrawals from school districts in Maine. The primary focus was on a withdrawal initiative by Arundel from RSU 21.

The main withdrawal proponent cited as the principal reason an unfairly high tax increase compared with its school district consolidation partners, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The numbers stated were $177 vs. $35 and $2, respectively. At first blush that might seem inequitable. Yet the great bulk of that cost difference stems only from complying with state education law — computations using each town's number of students and valuation.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Reward offered for information about stolen lawnmower

As posted in the Kennebunk Post

To the editor:

I am continually amazed at the selfishness and entitlement attitude of people today and this past weekend something occurred that reinforces my experience.

So many people seem to see something they want and think it is OK to just take it. They never consider how their actions might hurt or impact others.

My mother recently passed on. She was well known and liked by many people. On Mother’s Day, her grandchildren went over to her house to mow the lawn and found that someone had stolen the lawnmower from her Hill Road home. You can only imagine how upset they were. I hope you’re happy and enjoy the use of the lawnmower.

The lawnmower, an 18-horse John Deere, was an older model and had seen better days, but was working well. It had a 52-inch mowing deck and a front bucket. Whomever took it had to drag it out of the garage because the bucket was down and there were no keys.

The funny thing is, if you really needed it that bad, I would have let you use it.

I am offering a reward of $1,500 if information leads to the arrest and prosecution of the people involved. This information has to be given to me. I can be reached at 284- 9911.

Kip Temm Arundel

Conn. subsidies spur home solar power

Yesterday at 1:17 PM

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Conn-subsidies-spur-home-solar-power-.html

The Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. — Dmitri Donskoy figures he'll save only $20 a month on his electricity bill after solar panels are installed on the roof of his home under a state-subsidized program. But he shrugs it off because the green energy appeals to his environmental concerns.

Donskoy, a software developer in Prospect, said he was motivated to go solar after Connecticut officials killed a wind turbine proposed for the town last year.

"It was partly sparked by my annoyance of the cancellation of the windmill project," he said. "There must be a way for us to contribute."

Installing solar panels could cost, on average, $35,000, according to a state energy agency spokesman. Donskoy says he's leasing because he doesn't have thousands of dollars to spend, instead paying a solar company $58 a month for his electricity.

"The savings didn't motivate me. It's really the environmental aspects," Donskoy said.

Solar energy is seen as one way to save in Connecticut, where residential electricity costs were the third highest in the United States in 2010, exceeded only by Hawaii and New York, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar represents a fraction of the state's overall energy supply, but backers hope it will grow.

Connecticut ratepayers are subsidizing a state solar power initiative that has spent $2.5 million to install rooftop solar panels for 209 homes. At least one solar energy company has set up shop in Connecticut to scout for business.

On Friday, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority announced it will spend $10 million for 5.6 megawatts of additional residential solar panels.

Spokesman David Goldberg, said state subsidies represent about one-third of the total cost of solar panel installations. Homeowners and businesses pay $4.3 million to install or lease solar panels.

The goal is to generate up to 30 megawatts of residential solar power in 10 years — with a potential cost of $90 million. Goldberg says backers believe that can be achieved sooner.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Take a Listen if you can not attend the meetings...a great resource for the information as it unfolds.

http://www.rsu21.net/Podcasts/RSU21Podcasts/Podcasts/Podcasts.html

Withdrawal Committee

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Please join us for the Withdrawal Committee Meeting.

High School Building Project

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Please join us for a meeting of the HS Building Project Committee.

Withdrawal Committee

Monday, April 30, 2012

Please join us for the Withdrawal Committee Meeting.

Memorial Day Celebration

The Arundel Historical Society will host a Memorial Day Celebration
on Sunday, 5/27, 11AM, at the Veteran’s Memorial at the fire Station.

Building a future....... Students at The Landing School get hands-on with boats

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

May 17, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120517-NEWS-205170372

ARUNDEL — When Casey Layton looks at the wooden boat he helped to create, he sees beauty.

"To have such shape and beautiful lines, it's easy to fall in love with. It draws people in, I think," he said looking at the pea pod he's creating with partners in the wooden boat building program at The Landing School in Arundel.

The post-secondary educational institution, which offers diploma and degree programs to prepare students for careers in the marine industry, is meeting the needs of students seeking a hands-on education or an alternative to the traditional four-year college education. Administrators say students at The Landing School are moving away from increasing tuition costs, fewer loan options, and a lack of job opportunities in their majors, say those at The Landing School, where students build boats, design yachts, and repair and maintain marine systems — all by hand.

It's passion like Layton's that The Landing School students surely have in common.

"I love every second of this. I can't imagine doing something I love more," said Layton, originally from Arizona.

The Landing School, located on River Road in Arundel, was founded in 1978 by John Burgess and Helen Tupper, who sought to keep the fine art of building Maine wooden boats alive at a time when faster and more efficient forms of production were coming about. Now, the school that had its first class in a cow barn provides courses not just in wooden boat building, but also yacht design, marine systems, and composite boat building. Students learn first-hand how to custom build a boat, restore engines, and more, with the items they create sold to school supporters for use in waters around the country.

Hearing explores response to complaints of abuse

Posted:Today
Updated: 5:40 AM

http://www.pressherald.com/news/hearing-focuses-on-response-to-abuse-complaints_2012-05-17.html

In the wake of an infant’s death in Arundel, state officials want to identify weaknesses in the system.

By David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

Responding to the death of Ethan Henderson, the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing Wednesday to discuss how the state Office of Child and Family Services responds to abuse complaints and why few details have been released about Ethan's case.

Related headlines

Details of Arundel baby's medical care emerge

One obstacle to intervention, identified by a state panel that studies deaths and serious injuries to children, is the failure of professionals who are mandated to report suspected abuse, state officials testified.

A day-care worker told the state Department of Health and Human Services about suspected abuse in Ethan's home in Arundel, according to a police affidavit, which also said that Ethan's arm was broken six weeks before he died.

The committees's House chair, Meredith Strang Burgess, R-Cumberland, said she thought it was important for the committee to be briefed on the state's response to suspected abuse.

"The Health and Human Services Committee, as the committee of oversight for DHHS, clearly had an interest in what was going on," she said, referring to the circumstances of the death of Ethan, who allegedly was killed by his father in a fit of frustration.

Strang Burgess worked with Senate Chair Earle McCormick, R-West Gardiner, to hold the hearing after a reporter with The Portland Press Herald asked why more details about the case were not forthcoming.

The committee heard from a representative from the Attorney General's Office, who said state law prohibits the DHHS from discussing specifics of a case that is under investigation.

DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew told legislators that caseworkers have been deeply affected by the incident.

"To state that their jobs are not easy and thankless would be a vast understatement," Mayhew said. "I cannot think of any type of work where the stakes are so high and the performance so scrutinized."

Mayhew said that whenever a child suffers abuse, caseworkers are emotionally affected.

"I know that staff throughout our state are feeling that pain today," Mayhew said.

Withdrawal talks continue

By Samantha Stephens

yccs@seacoastonline.com

May 17, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120517-NEWS-205170376

ARUNDEL — An estimated date of June 15 was set by the Arundel Withdrawal Committee at a Tuesday, May 15, meeting as the deadline for a withdrawal proposal to be sent to the state commissioner of education.

With both the Arundel and RSU 21 withdrawal committees hoping to put the Arundel withdrawal proposal before voters on the Nov. 6 ballot, RSU 21 Superintendent Andrew Dolloff explained an agreement would likely have to be sent to by mid-June.

Dolloff described the plan as "an aggressive time line," but noted that it was his interpretation and he considered the time frame in which the agreement is within state hands.

The universal appeal for placing the withdrawal proposal on the November ballot is pairing it with the presidential election since more residents turn out for national elections than state and local elections.

RSU 21 Director Matt Fadiman said that everyone is interested in preserving the integrity of the process and to best represent the interests of Arundel.

Dolloff also presented a preliminary draft for a withdrawal agreement that was modified from the approved agreement between the town of Starks and RSU 59.

Suggesting that they negotiate and edit the agreement "section by section," the conversation quickly shifted to questions regarding special education, the issue of "pre-marriage," "marriage" and "post-marriage" to RSU 21, and student enrollment at the district after withdrawal.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Kate’s Butter requests Route 111 speed limit reduction

By JEFF LAGASSE
Staff Writer

http://www.journaltribune.com/articles/2012/05/16/news/doc4fb3c9a7e7441996937791.txt

Published:

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 11:55 AM EDT

ARUNDEL — The Town of Arundel has agreed to draft a letter to the Maine Department of Transportation requesting that the speed limit on Route 111 be lowered as it passes the new, work-in-progress Kate’s Butter facility.

Chris Patry, project manager for Kate’s Butter, made the request Monday to the board of selectmen, which voted unanimously to approach the DOT with the proposal. The requested change would lower the speed limit from 50 mph to 40 mph.

Patry said he noticed that traffic speed was an issue after his business moved a farmhouse on the property farther back from the road. The farmhouse was moved to provide a clear sightline to the business’ driveway – a DOT requirement – which Patry claimed unleashed motorists’ propensity for speed.

“Watching supply trucks come and go, it’s evident that the 50 mph speed limit is usually exceeded,” he said. “People moving (west) from the Holly’s (gas station) direction are going at a pretty good clip because now they can see what’s coming.”

His concern, he said, was for the people traveling in smaller cars, not the supply trucks going to and from Kate’s Butter.

RSU 21 budget passes

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120515-NEWS-120519821

May 15, 2012 9:56 PM

KENNEBUNK – The $35.9 million RSU 21 budget passed Tuesday by 361 votes.

Combining all three towns, 965 residents of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel voted Tuesday with 663 supporting the proposal and 302 voting against it.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Vote Today! Education Budget Validation Referendum

Monday, May 14, 2012

VOTE in Tuesday's Education Budget Validation Referendum

This is a quick reminder encouraging all citizens to vote in Tuesday's Budget Validation Referendum. Polls will be open in each community from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Please access (www.rsu21.net) for explanation of the proposed budget for next year, and head to the polls to cast your vote.

Budget Information - FY 2013

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Enjoy the Day!

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDzoOXou41bj0UwvCrUSPE8NdPGqqbrsNFUboITMUj0h1bWlyW2ECxl_smkSKf4r654Sgk0mcdSPASrhq6SZw_Ify3W_FrN77pD1b_pIqdNnEYGqWiZ2lqUUwXwBOG_e-9D7lQ9mdCCQ/s400/happy+mothers+day+1.jpg

Friday, May 11, 2012

School budget is ready for May 15 voting day

RSU 21 budget increase is less than 1 percent

By Adam Chabot

Staff Writer

http://post.mainelymediallc.com/news/2012-05-11/Community/School_budget_is_ready_for_May_15_voting_day.html

The $35.9 million fiscal year 2012-2013 budget was cleared by voters at a Regional School Unit 21 budget meeting May 1, and will proceed to a budget validation referendum vote May 15.

The budget reflects an increase of .69 percent or approximately $246,000 from the current budget and includes 12 staff cuts.

Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of RSU 21, said there has been such little discussion about the budget because of the hard work the administration and the board of directors did to create a solid budget.

“What we saw here tonight was at least a group of individuals in this room who realized that the administration and the board have done what they can to control spending,” Dolloff said.

The RSU 21 Board of Directors approved the budget on April 2, trimming a total of 12 positions, including a Kennebunk High School art teacher; three special education technicians; a development officer in charge of public relations; one part-time math-science teacher; one part-time counselor at Kennebunk High School; three office positions; one custodian and a bus driver.

Death of infant: Did system miss a sign of abuse?

After the child's arm was broken weeks earlier, it's unclear if those who knew followed reporting laws.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/collins-faunce-will-face-charge-of-murder-today_2012-05-11.html

By David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

Gordon Collins-Faunce is scheduled to appear in court today to face a murder charge in the death of his infant son, which has raised questions among child welfare advocates about whether signs of abuse in the household were ignored.

Collins-Faunce, 23, will face a charge of depraved indifference murder during his initial appearance in York County Superior Court in Alfred. He is accused of assaulting 10-week-old Ethan Henderson and causing the brain injuries that killed him.

Six weeks before Ethan died, Collins-Faunce broke the baby's arm after getting frustrated while changing his diaper, police say.

Health care professionals who treated that injury were obligated to report it to the state Department of Health and Human Services if they had any suspicion that it was the result of abuse or neglect, under state law.

"Any health care provider that looks at that kid -- that means the medical assistant who takes the kid back or the nurse who takes vital signs in an ER -- and even has an inkling of abuse and neglect is mandated to report it," said Gretchen Pianka, a pediatrician who works at the York County Community Health Care Center in Sanford.

"There should have been at least half a dozen people who should have seen that (broken arm). One must have said, 'God this is strange,'" she said. "It's supposed to be a safety net. It sounds like that safety net just broke down here."

It isn't clear exactly what treatment Ethan received for the broken arm, or who treated him.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

'Bully' making its Maine debut

Posted:Today
Updated: 7:42 AM

http://www.pressherald.com/news/bully-making-its-maine-debut_2012-05-10.html

As a PG-13 version of the documentary begins screening locally, a wider audience can get the message about the effects of cruelty.

By Ray Routhier rrouthier@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

The 15-year-old from Oakland, near Waterville, says he has been taunted and bullied over the years, including having horrible language directed his way. So he was bothered initially when he heard that some of the language in the documentary film "Bully" was being edited so the film could get a PG-13 rating instead of an R.

Even so, when the film finally opens in Maine on Friday -- more than a month after its initial release -- Meader plans to see it.

"I've heard good things, and I definitely want to see it. I think it can help," said Meader. "I just think, personally, it's not as powerful when you don't see what's actually going on (with the bad language). Kids are seeing these things and hearing these things every day."

Maine teenagers and educators who work to stop bullying have lauded the trailers and previews of "Bully," and have waited eagerly for it to come here. The film follows several students as they face consistent verbal and physical bullying.

Many anti-bullying advocates have said the uncut version would probably be more powerful. But reviewers of the edited PG-13 version say the film was not substantially changed.

Board hears update on withdrawal proceedings

By Mike Fillyaw

yccs@seacoastonline.com

May 10, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120510-NEWS-205100365

KENNEBUNK — The RSU 21 Board of Directors gave an update on its various committees during its Monday night meeting, including the committee tasked with negotiating with Arundel representatives their potential withdrawal from the district.

Frank Drigotas was appointed chairman of the RSU 21 Withdrawal Committee, which is rounded out by directors Maureen King, Art LeBlanc, and Matt Fadiman. On April 30 they had their initial meeting with the Arundel Withdrawal Committee consisting of director Diane Robbins, Arundel Selectman Tom Danylik, resident Jon Renell and Chairman Jack Turcotte.

Drigotas spoke about the preliminary nature of the initial meeting.

"We reviewed the process before us, the timeline, the agreement components, and upcoming dates and tasks so we all had an understanding of the road ahead," said Drigotas. "We then spent some time brainstorming initial areas of consideration. No decisions were made. It was meant to lay some basic tenets down."

Towns look to leave RSUs

ARUNDEL, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Five years ago, following long debate, the Maine Legislature passed what was called the School Consolidation Law.

The school law was a major goal for then-Democratic Governor John Baldacci, who wanted to dramatically reduce the number of school districts and superintendent in Maine to save money. The law created dozens of new districts, called Regional School Units or RSU's, and required towns to join them or face a penalty. Some communities happily formed RSU's, while others joined grudgingly.

Now, three years later, the penalties for not following the mandate have been removed. As a result, a number of towns around Maine are seeking to withdraw from their RSU's. Some want to join other units or districts that seem a better fit. Other communities simply want to be independent, and go it alone. The Maine Department of Education says at least twelve towns are at some stage on the complex withdrawal process, and that a number of others have started to discuss the possibility of withdrawal. Specific details vary from town to town, but there's general agreement that two primary issues are involved: money and local control.

Child abuse experts: How to cope with crying

ALFRED, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The court documents describing two month-old Ethan Henderson's injuries describe a father who became overwhelmed with his screaming baby, and lost control.

The documents state that Gordon Collins-Faunce called 911 and reported that his baby was having trouble breathing. Ethan was then taken by ambulance to the hospital. Collins-Faunce originally told police that he found Ethan in his crib struggling to breathe. But over the course of that day and the next, his story changed. He eventually admitted that Ethan was crying, so he picked the baby up by his head, squeezed, and then threw him into a chair. He told police he was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Collins-Faunce also told police he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome from suffering abuse as a child, and he often forgets to take his medication. Kids Free To Grow Executive Director Laurie DuPaul says cases like this are always preventable. She says parents who are feeling overwhelmed should reach out for help, and that we as a community need to start talking about these kinds of issues so that new parents don't feel like they are alone.

MAKE A DIFFERANCE, GET INVOLVED! Kids Free to Grow is the Child Abuse Prevention Council for York County

Kids Free to Grow is the Child Abuse Prevention Council for York County

http://www.kidsfreetogrow.org/#

April was Child Abuse Prevention Month: Support The Giving Tree!

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Invest in Children!

MISSION

The Child Abuse Prevention Council of York County is a non-profit organization committed to the prevention of all forms of child abuse and neglect. Central to the mission is the promotion of healthy, nurturing relationships between children and adults. Through education, collaboration and advocacy the Council provides programs and events which foster the well-being of children and families throughout York County.

Visit the website for a great cause now and see our Arundel Students & "Dr. C" http://www.kidsfreetogrow.org/#

OR HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE & DONATE NOW:
https://childabuseprevent.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/50653/Default.aspx

The RSU #21 Budget Validation Referendum Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The RSU #21 Budget Validation Referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 8 AM through 8PM at the Arundel Fire Station.

Click on the underlined SPECIMEN BALLOT to view.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Maine infant dies from brain injuries; father remains jailed Documents show the Arundel child had been injured before. His twin and 3-year-old sister are removed from the home.

Posted:Today
Updated: 12:32 AM

By David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

http://www.pressherald.com/news/infant-boy-dies-from-brain-injuries_2012-05-09.html

Police say that an Arundel man lifted his infant son by the head and threw him into a chair three days before the boy died, and that the state had been notified about injuries to another child in that family.

Two-month-old Ethan Henderson died Tuesday from brain injuries he sustained in an assault Saturday at his home.

Facebook photo

Gordon Collins-Faunce

Ethan Henderson, who was 2½ months old, died early Tuesday from brain injuries.

He had been abused previously, according to court documents, though it's not clear whether his injuries came to the attention of child protective workers or whether there was any response.

Gordon Collins-Faunce, 23, is being held in the York County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail, charged with assaulting his son. The state Attorney General's Office will decide this week what new charges might be brought in light of the baby's death.

The charges could include manslaughter, which is criminal negligence or recklessness that causes a death, or depraved indifference murder, which is conduct "so heinous ... that it shows a total disregard for the value of human life," said Deputy Attorney General William Stokes.

Ethan's twin brother, Lucas, and his 3-year-old half sister have been removed from their home at 521 Limerick Road. A family friend said Tuesday that the children's mother, Christina Henderson, 23, would petition to have them returned, now that Collins-Faunce, her fiance, is out of the house.

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