Arundel taxpayers at last have the figures
before them for what they might expect to pay should the town wish to
form its own school district versus remaining with RSU 21.
According
to consultant Chuck Lawton of Planning Decisions, only one option,
Option A, would save taxpayers any money if they were to vote for
withdrawal. And according to Lawton and town officials, that option
calls for such great efficiencies that it isn't really an option at all.
Instead, to maintain a similar level of service, taxpayers would pay
anywhere from $12.65 to $13.56 per $1,000 in valuation to go it alone.
Factoring in different cost-sharing options, remaining with the RSU
would result in taxpayers paying anywhere from a high of $12.52 per
$1,000 in valuation to a low of $11.88 if they stayed in RSU 21.
Proponents of withdrawal have said from the very beginning that taxpayers would pay less if Arundel were to withdraw from RSU 21. Now that the numbers tell a different story, withdrawal supporters say leaving the district is important to maintain "local control." They say they believe an Arundel-only district would be able to match, educationally, the achievements of the RSU.
Withdrawal doesn’t add up, OR DOES IT?
ReplyDeleteIf we decide to stay within the RSU 21 in which we will continue to have NO CONTROL over making any decisions regarding our children’s education we will be making a long term error as a town and continue our current course with-out an opt out plan.
The RSU is made up of following representation as we all now, 50% Kennebunk, 25% Kennebunkport and 25% Arundel.
Most school board votes require a majority and or 2/3rds vote. Simple math shows we have no influence on any and all topics desired to be passed by the board.
Let’s not forget past discussion highlighted by the board which WILL resurface as budget pressures continue in the future, School Closures, High School Choice, NEW Kennebunk High School Construction Project.
The following are quick ways to save money in the Regional School Unit 21, which are no different than running a profitable business.
1. Quick way to reduce expenses in business is to close and sell off fixed assets. If we bring this into RSU terms its means to “Close a School.”
2. Quick way to minimize cost is to “increase volume” . In RSU terms add students to the mix. “Why do we believe that once we vote to stay within the RSU which has a high school that the NEXT step will be to mandate that ALL ARUNDEL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS attend Kennebunk High School.” Many people in the community have invested and moved into the area for High School Choice and are passionate about this option. The NEW Kennebunk High School construction plan accounts for ALL ARUNDEL HIGH SCHOOL students to attend KHS in the proposed class size and building requirements and construction COST! Currently 6% of Arundel High School Students with High School Choice ATTEND KHS, A Question we should be asking ourselves is why is this number so low????
3. The FINAL REPORT states it clearly…
“What will it cost the Town to “go it alone,”
and how does that cost compare with the cost of staying in the RSU?”
The most direct answer to this question is, “It is impossible to know precisely!”
There are simply too many factors affecting school costs—future trends in
enrollment and property values, budget and educational programming decisions
in Augusta, decisions about new school building projects in both Arundel and in
the RSU and decisions about how to allocate the costs of school projects among
member towns if these projects are approved.
The combination of possible “What ifs” means that any attempt at an answer must be built on a foundation of assumptions.
If any of those assumptions prove to be incorrect, then so, probably, will be the answer offered.
This answer is both direct and true.
Another answer to the question is, “Who cares? Cost shouldn’t be the deciding
factor is shaping our educational decisions.” And this too is an honest and
correct answer.
But neither of these simple and correct answers means that citizens shouldn’t
attempt to understand the complexities that drive future costs and shouldn’t
weigh estimated costs against perceived educational benefits.
All public policy decisions must be made in an environment of uncertainty.
People make decisions based on guesses about the future every day. Hopefully, they make them with the fullest possible understanding of the relative importance of the
unknowable future variables.
Please remember to vote as you see fit for the future of our town! NOV 6, 2012!
What control do we have at Thorton NONE your group us trying break the back of most important citizens our KIDS the numbers to divorce don't add up it is all because of your hatred of the rsu no thankS "VOTE NO"ON NOVEMBER 6TH this should never have been on the ballot.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what you mean by MY GROUP. You are quick to ASSUME that
DeleteI am talking about Thornton.
As always the divide in the town is believed to be the following:
PRO RSU "dislikes" THORNTON! Likes Education.
PRO ARUNDEL "dislikes" Kennebunk! Dislikes Education.(yet likes Thornton, as you put it.)
You may be surprised that there are other reasons as stated above.
1. Not looking for control beyond our K-5 education and keeping our local community school open. Yes, it would be a difficult task as outlined in the report, but is manageable with leadership like "DR.C." and the "MLD Staff"
2. Continued high school choice for ALL Arundel Residents. This is one of the great desirable reasons people move to Arundel.
Look at what we may be entering [maintaining with RSU 21] into like a business venture and where the future savings, cuts, closures etc. will come from.
Please remember to vote as you see fit for the future of our town! NOV 6, 2012!
You have no idea how screwed up it was l was when we were alone us being in the rsu has been the best thing we have ever had I am all set with going back.Arundel Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have always been a community it is time for the divide to stop.
DeleteAgree on stopping the GREAT divide, yet this will only be accomplished when people in "our communities start talking" "TO each other" and not "AT each other."
DeleteHopefully this gets people motivated to understand what is at risk, where they stand on the issue and allows them to use their remaining time wisely and become educated and understand the issues in greater detail prior to entering the polling booth on November 6th.
DeleteThanks for helping get the point across to our community.
We have three voices on the rsu board that only have one thing in mind .at least in the rsu we have three voices. Jon stated in a meeting not to long ago when asked why they wanted out so bad his answer was the contract they do not have what is best for our town in mind they are more concerned there school they graduated from so who is right and who is wrong the sad thing is that people in our town have been hurt emotionally and finacialy and will never speak again because all options were not explored when this contract was signed.
DeleteWhat makes you think Dr C will stay....he would be crazy to, secondly what makes you think that we could afford ANYONE as dedicated and professional as that is crazy.... we will go back to getting tired retired principals double dipping in retirement and current pay and not giving a damn about our schools or our teachers.
DeleteWithdrawal will not just cost us our education it very well could cost us our school, and will certainly cost us our house values. We need to think about the future of the town as a whole, the future success of our town and bringing businesses in to help with our tax burden. We mess all that u p with Withdrawal...all over a personal vendetta...its crazy...don't bring us all down with you.
And I venture to say that the "Pro RSU" group as you call us...is also VERY PRO ARUNDEL...they are trying to secure the future not only of our school, but our town and our homes. Can't get more PRO ARUNDEL than that!
I have to agree, talking at each other doesn't work. Being civil does. I really don't like listening to someone who demands that I believe their beliefs, and fully complicates the entire process of the community fully understanding what is going on so that they can make their best judgement.
DeleteFact: withdrawal will cost more money. Anyone with a brain understands economy of scale.
ReplyDeleteFact: Withdrawal means quality of education suffers. We have the pre RSU data vs today and the results staggeringly show going it alone would be idiot. Yes, we'd go backwards.
Is that you Jon?
People should google Jon Rennell withdrawal and compare his editorial numbers for March. Oops, they don't add up and were proven wrong.
Fact: withdrawal will cost more money. Anyone with a brain understands economy of scale.
DeleteFACT: With economy of scale one must remember there is a tipping point...but anyone with a brain would know that.
What will it really cost us? "Quote from the final report" The combination of possible “What ifs” means that any attempt at an answer must be built on a foundation of assumptions.
If any of those assumptions prove to be incorrect, then so, probably, will be the answer offered.
Fact: Withdrawal means quality of education suffers. We have the pre RSU data vs today and the results staggeringly show going it alone would be idiot. Yes, we'd go backwards.
FACT: We are not at the same place we use to be prior to RSU 21, we have proper leadership in place and engaged teachers whom believe in the MLD School, Students and Community at large.
The MLD principal is gone immediately (hell find greener pastures) if the withdrawal somehow passes.
ReplyDeleteDiane Robbins is on the school board. If you think that's leadership your right to vote should be removved for mental defect.
Economy of scale can't be cast away using some baseless post. In fact the RSU has directly benefitted MLD because of economy of scale and there's really nothing to debate. The school had decades to improve instead it was marginalized with a bare bones budget and we got what was paid for. A subpar school. Staying in the RSU means lower cost and better education for the children of the Town. Thats not in dispute by any objective measure.
The study show that leaving the RSU would systematically disadvantage the town. You left that out of you post. Repeat that over and over again as the word systematic may be too difficult for you to process. Yes, Arundel would be at a disadvantage to withdrew from the RSU. The town paid 35 grand for that study and the facts ate clear the town would suffer if people are dumb enough to still take the bait from the withdrawal drones.
More money for a marginal school system. That is what withdrawing would lead too. Go ahead, be ignorant. I'll pass...
Just a clarification...call the state, call the town call legislature...KHS CANNOT TAKE AWAY SCHOOL CHOICE FOR ARUNDEL...
ReplyDeleteIt is impossible....we as a town would have to vote it out.
There seems to be a lot of misinformation RGB in your post and a lot of scare tactics. I urge people to call ton hall and find the true answers out...which is why we spent the 35K at the request of the withdrawal group to get "real numbers"
I also would LOVE if the "PRO RSU" people posting here wouldn't be so hostile. There is no need for it. I understand that we are all frustrated...I am too, and have lost my cool from time to time as well...but name calling and being hateful isn't' going to get any one anywhere. Just a thought.
Lastly, I thank the poster this afternoon that said that the PRO RSU group is ALSO PRO ARUNDEL... I think that most people I have dealt with truly believe that they are looking out for the best interest of the future of our town, as I am sure the others are.
I still can't figure out how to post to this thing I think my computer is revolting...probably a good choice...so I will have someone post for me, but at always, I will sign my name and not hide behind anonymous or initials.
~Leia
Leia,
DeleteI am not presenting miss-information or using scare tactics yet highlighting facts from the past regarding school closures and high school choice. These are two ways to save money for the RSU the same reasons as combining the schools into a RSU. I understand they require a vote and only we [ARUNDEL Residents] can ultimately decide, I also have the privilege to know that discussions are have taking place at board level and beyond [State Government]regarding the process to remove high school choice.
When making a decision or casting my vote I like to understand the immediate short term as well as potential long term effects and how our current assumptions play into the future results.
I also agree about the hostility in the some of the comments, it is time to start talking with one another and not at each other.
I also have the privilege of looking at what is happening in legislature...please talk to someone. Because the Repubs are HIGH ON CHOICE, they are hoping to remove ALL EXCLUSIVE contracts. That in fact comes straight from Bohen him self in a meeting that I was with him.
DeleteSo no, I do not accept that you are presenting accurate information. I still think that this is more scare tactics. I am sorry. No offense intended, but the half truths and trying to scare people into thinking that their choice will be taken away is not ethical...when actually, true choice will be more likely IN district as far as I can tell, and that comes from my conversation with Jim Rier, and Steve Bohen and Wayne Perry, has on many occasions touted choice, and making sure it is more wide spread and is against exclusive contracts...according to a documented email with another person.
Leia
Ron, Please excuse all my typos I was in a rush. To clarify, I have met with and spoken to Jim Rier and Steve Bohen on numerous occasions, but not Wayne. I do know he has had several written communications with someone I know that has it documented that he is NOT in favor of exclusive contracts and is pro choice, as is most of the republican party that is in office now.
DeleteLook through some of the legislation that has been proposed. ~leia
OH CRAP...pro SCHOOL choice....Lordy I don't want to start a whole other debate right now! lol
DeleteLeia, in an ideal world it would not be this way but the misinformation and spin from the withdrawal proponents crossed the line long ago.
ReplyDeleteRemember the mailing that had bad numbers?
Go look at the editorials and it was cost cost cost and their bubble burst and now the lies continue from them. That I won't tolerate.
I've seen no name calling but people should understand the history and chronology of events and the people involved. Some of the biggest withdrawal advocates were part of the actual tams contract. I've seen the whole thing play out and letting them slide under the radar ain't happin' ;)
Prior to signing the original tams contract Kennebunk came back to Arundel stating they could in fact take our kids. David Lane and Jon Rennell snubbed them. Arundel had NOT signed any contract with yams (intended) at that point either. It's actually part of the reason why we're at this juncture that could have been avoided with proper negotiations. Those guys need to own this as its ruined Arundel. Previous decisions are still hampering us.
I have a neighbor who works at MLD who doesn't talk to her neighbor because of this mess.
If someone wants to be foolish and vote to withdraw I want the to understand the consequences. Of the people I know who would likely vote to withdraw they seem to have a neurosis that Arundel would gain control when in fact we'd have less. When you don't have money you have NO control.
I don't think the withdrawal advocates who started this charade have been questioned or chastised enough!!!!
They should be brought up on charges for the lies and decption they have caused "VOTE NO ON NOVEMBER 6"
ReplyDeleteI just re-read this piece, and it dawned on me that the reason the pro-withdrawal folks keep changing the purpose of withdrawal is because they know that come 2016, that contract with TAMS would be allowed to expire without another 10 year stranglehold being put back into place.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wondered why it is that they would want such a stranglehold around them. I don't know the reasoning behind it, but I can only speculate. My thought is that those who were involved with drafting that contract, that contract that removes choice for parents in Arundel, benefitted from going forward with it. And they must be at present offered some sort of benefit to push this withdrawal, and prevent that contract from expiring in a few years, or they wouldn't push so hard for it.
I wonder what that benefit is, because it is only those few individuals who are getting anything out of it; the children of Arundel cartainly aren't.
Dear Anonymous Wednesday, October 24, 2012 9:31:00 AM EDT,
ReplyDeleteI believe you read way too much into any comments and take yourself on a wild ride and as you put it speculate the "why".
Did you even talk to the students whom have attended or currently attend TAMS? You might start there, you may be surprised at what the benefits really are to the children of Arundel.
If you have not done so I would encourage you to reach out, ask questions and listen.
There's no 'wild ride' here. I used the disclaimer of speculation, because it's anyone's guess as to what the motivation is of this handful of people who are desperately clinging to a contract.
DeleteIt makes no sense from a fiscal standpoint. We could have bought out five years of a contract for the price of one year.
It makes no sense from an educational standpoint. TAMS doesn't have the programming that RSU 21 schools have. TAMS can't come close to competing.
It makes no sense from a 'control' standpoint. We have no say in the budget process or the budget in general at TAMS. We don't have a voice there.
It makes no sense from a taxpayer perspective. Our money goes to both TAMS *and* RSU 21. There should be CHOICE as to which middle school our children attend. We get to vote on budget matters for RSU 21 as a result of our taxpayer dollars. We get to sit in on school board meetings and speak our minds. We do not get that with TAMS. Our money is spent how they see fit, and we already get enough of that from state and federal government. I'd rather not have my money taken from me and thrown at a school I cannot control in the sense of fiscal responsibility.
If the student who is attending TAMS likes it there, they should continue to attend. If a student who is attending TAMS would rather go to MSK, it shouldn't cost parents 8,300 a year to send them, since their taxpayer dollars already fund the school district. If a family moves to Arundel and wants their child to go to MSK, they shouldn't have to seek a waiver that will be denied, and they should be able to choose where their child goes. Again, taxpayer dollars fund RSU 21. It is unfair to take our money, and then restrict our choice.
If that's a 'wild ride', imagine not being able to use the discretionary fund to bring MLD up to code (because it still isn't, and it will cost several million dollars to update). Imagine not being part of RSU 21 and needing to pay for that. How many bean suppers do you think it would take to come up with almost $4M? How many services will be cut to save that money for repairs? How many teachers will be let go? How much will property tax increase (despite terrible property valuation) in order to help cover the cost?
Did you even think about those aspect? You might start there, you may be surprised at how much more it makes sense to stay in the RSU. If you have not done so, I'd encourage you to give it some thought.
Of course kids are going to talk favorably about the school they attend. But if those kids were attending MSK and then were forced to switch to TAMS which is a lower performing school, that would be considered crazy.
ReplyDeleteIn essence that's what the withdrawal drones are asking kids to do. Plus driving on a bus for an hour to do it.
Makes zero sense to withdraw.
I would agree but the situation is just the opposite the kids of Arundel attend TAMS not MKS.
ReplyDeleteNot even going to attempt to discuss bus routes with you, you may want to investigate what it takes some kids from the port to get to MSK.
No one will be forced to stop attending TAMS... they will always have that option
DeleteBus rides sometimes stink at both schools....just depends on where you live.
Lots of kids do like TAMS, and are doing well there because it is a good fit, just as some do not make a good fit there... (And the same goes for MSK) why not allow the parent choice if we have that option? Seems sensible to me, and frankly that is more local control than anything...that lets ME control the option that is correct for my child not the town, a private school, or a contract. ME THE PARENT! wow, that would be nice
Cause the kids of Arundel are held hostage to a contract that thorton alumnist created that is why they want out of the rsu so they can vote to extend the contract before it expires the whole thing is corrupt just like the withdrawal committees minutes to there meetings oh wait there aren't any" VOTE NO ON WITHDRAWAL "
ReplyDeleteI don't fully understand all of this. Arundel wanted the contract, they wanted it to stay through out the buy out, and made it clear. Who is to say that Arundel wants another contract? That would be silly to have another contract. School choice is best. The orignal contract was between Arundel and Thornton right? It could get negotiated, right?
DeleteThat is what this is all about. And you trying to play that it isn't is sad. That is what this has ALWAYS been about. Paul Raymond even stated it publicly... so no...don't try andplay that now you all don't want to turnaround and resign a contract.
DeleteAnother valid point to make is that if we withdraw, we are in it for the long hall...there is no going back! Also, history of Arundel tells us that the citizen's of Arundel typically do not vote to increase taxes. We will be in the same boat as before the RSU (picking and choosing where the money is used, dropping great programs and not investing in the library. Being part of the RSU we are getting our money's worth and the K-5 kids are getting the education that they deserve!! This should NOT be about keeping the TAMS contract or which school system is better. This should be about what will be best for our K-5 student's!! To me the choice is clear...that's staying in the RSU!!
ReplyDelete-Lisa
I heard Bob Stewart made the original motion at the budget meeting to cut library in 1/2. Lisa, taxes went up again this year? I don't understand, takes voters to raise taxes.
DeleteAny other constructive thoughts, view points or ideas we should all take into consideration prior to going to Vote on the 6th?
ReplyDeleteSome Interesting news from RSU21.net just released October 22, 2012
ReplyDeleteKennebunkport Consolidated School is now offering school choice for its students due to failing to make adequate progress for 2 consecutive years. Here is a letter that was sent to the parents. Page 3, reflects the school choice option for students.
http://www.rsu21.net/KCS/Weekly%20Notices/102612/KCS_AYP_CIPS-2012.pdf
Kennebunk Elemetary School is also not meeting AYP. If the school fails next year to meet progress, Kennebunk Elementary will be also be mandated by statute to offer school choice to students. The presentation is about 3 minutes in, and is very detailed.
http://www.rsu21.net/LiveStream_082012.shtml
MLD in Arundel Meeting AYP Standards!
People need to understand that AYP measures yearly progress for each public school and that schools like those in RSU21, who have some of the highest scores in the state, don't have much room for improvement...They are already at the top! Hard to make improvements there!! Has anyone checked to see how many students actually chose another school due to not making AYP? This is not a bad thing.
DeletePlease remember that COnsolidated is a BLUE RIBBON school and was honored by the state less than a year ago...
Deletemore grasping at straws. They are two of the best schools in the state...everyone knows that...more fear tactics from the Concerned Arundel Citizens FB page... Ridiculous.
You have no idea what you are talking about more lies. Saw your post earlier today on the lier web page your group is pitiful. "VOTE NO ON WITHDRAWAL "
DeleteI posted the above on the Concerned Arundel Citizens page for information purposes only. This was not my post on this page. To take what I posted and to put here to create extra spin on a topic that is such a hot topic issue in the town and post it anonymously is just not right. So that it is very clear, I have gone into this whole stay with the RSU or withdraw from the RSU with my entire town at heart, and what is in the best interest of the town. I can't seem to wrap my head around any of this. All people do is yell their points at each other. What ever happened to talking? Because I can not grasp on to the yelling I have done my own research, and compiled data because of the dilemma. I did get valuable information from the post on the CAC page, and that I am thankful for, I didn't get called a liar, and when dealing with issue such as this, it gets very complex, some are well versed then others in the topics at hand. I think all that anyone wants to do who does have a vested interest in education is to understand everything so that they can make the best decision when it comes time to vote. Melanie
DeleteFor those not fully informed.... AYP requires improvement to be made every year in test scores. It is difficult to continue to show improvement when you reach the 90-95% year after year. Not impossible, just difficult.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons the Department of Education is working to get waivers for all the schools in Maine. So the best schools who have the hardest time to improve from the already high standard, are not hurt.
It will be interesting how many parents choose to send their kids to another school. Biddo, MLDay, and KES appear to be the only reasonable choices. Of those, they already had the choice of MLday and KES...
Oh dear, where to start. First of all, the data from the first website you posted is testing conducted in October of 2011…
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who need to understand this: No Child Left Behind began 10 years ago. AYP (annual yearly progress) requirements are increasingly impossible targets to meet as you get closer and closer to 100% (which btw KES and KCS are very close to) Everything culminates in 2014 when all the nations children are supposed to be at 100% proficient in Reading and Math… (Virtually NO school will be able to achieve that by 2014) This Also includes… the Special Needs kids (which you fail to mention here) who will likely never achieve 100% proficiency...that is why there is such a push back to No Child Left Behind…
The letter from Mr Crandall is simply a federal requirement...but if you think that parents are seriously considering yanking their children out of a Blue Ribbon School and a State Honored school...hmmm...maybe you should think again.
Over ½ of the states (including Maine) have asked for waivers from NCLB, Maine’s approval is pending.
So as far as KES and KCS are concerned...being in the top 5% of the State makes it very difficult to go much further….
Let me ask this… if you compared the test scores from where MLD was before as well as TAMS (who doesn’t have to comply with NCLB because they are “private” with all public kids) do you really think that they would make AYP? (MLD made it because of our HUGE leaps in testing….oh wait...that was as PART OF THE RSU.)
Just a question to think about before you go throwing around instigations that those schools aren’t where they should be. You should truly understand where the statute comes from, its expectations etc…. Otherwise...its just more misleading information from people who have misled us for too long.
Dear Anonymous Thursday, October 25, 2012 2:18:00 PM EDT
ReplyDeleteOne Question: How is sharing timely (Oct 22, 2012) factual data provided by the RSU21 to the community a fear tactic?
It is a weak attempt to try and say that these schools aren't doing their job, when clearly they are one of the best districts in the state... just more half information trying to create doubt where there shouldn't be any.... wanna have doubt? Look at TAMs scores and ed record.... then have doubt.
DeleteMaine schools' performance under No Child Left Behind
ReplyDeleteThe data are the results of testing for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for all public schools in Maine as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Schools made AYP if:
Reading - Grades 3-8: 75% of students are proficient and grade 11: 78% of students are proficient
Math - Grades 3-8: 70% of students are proficient and grade 11: 66% of students are proficient
http://www.pressherald.com/news/projects/maine_schools_test_no_child_left_behind_pass_fail.html
RSU21 as a whole:
DeleteGrade Math Reading
3 87% 76%
4 88% 80%
5 81% 84%
6 82% 86%
7 77% 80%
8 75% 84%
You can find this Data on the RSU21 website, look at their dashboard and their NECap Scores. as you can see they are fine. It is about improvement thus the "Annual Yearly Progress... " Anyone care to share the scores from our other middle school?
Do your HOME WORK before posting
Didn't think so....
DeleteThorton does not have the same standards they are a semi private schooL they do not even do testing" VOTE NO ON WITHDRAWAL NOVEMBER 6 TH "
ReplyDeleteI have to rebut this. They *do* do testing; they recently completed the NECAPs. What I found interesting is that the week leading up to the test, kids were taking classes on how to take the test.
DeleteTo say Thornton doesn't test is just silly.
DeleteGosh, I wonder if Jerry McGuire was on to something after all? He said "Show me the money!' - and I'm just wondering, you understand, whether that be the reason for the frantic over-zealousness and clutching at straws exhibited recently by the leaders of the Withdraw from RSU 21 crowd. These folks are all familiar names and seems to have been pushing the buttons for years in order to keep the pipeline to Saco filled with tuition-paying students from an Arundel. We've become a farm system to Thornton Academy and TAMS, sort of like Kansas City used to be for the Red Sox a while ago. The interesting thing is when you realize that the potential yearly loss in 2016 to the Thornton complex when Arundel votes to stay in RSU 21 amounts to millions in lost revenue!
ReplyDeleteDo you suppose there could be any connections here? Is it really all just about the money after all? Just wondering.
Just wondering if there could be any financial connections between
Anon 1400, I think it's very important for people to understand the "players" behind this who withdrawal game. They have let a personal vendetta cost the town money, time, and worse, a loss of community unity.
ReplyDeleteA person whose initials are JR told me personally he didn't care how much it cost he wanted out of RSU. Essentially an "anti Kennebunk" stance. I think even if it meant MLD was dead last in achievement tests he still wants out of RSU. And JR is the driving force behind the whole thing. The lack of objectivity is frightening.
Dear Anonymous Friday, October 26, 2012 7:56:00 AM EDT
ReplyDeleteAll school in our RSU and @ TAMS educate on how to best test, this is standard practice in today's schools.
School even educate students on strategies on how to take SAT's, what questions to answer, what to skip, how it will effect your overall score etc. Right or Wrong it is today's standard practice in education.
People like positive measurements.
Absolutely there is "VOTE NO ON WITHDRAWAL "
ReplyDeleteHere is an idea. Everyone meet at ML Day Saturday night anytime between 4:30 and 6:00, have some wonderful homemade baked beans and pasta, support and great cause in this community and we can all talk about this like adults. You will not be disappointed. The food is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI've read through the ongoing rant of both sides. Truth in the first post. How is the district going to save money? By closing a school. Let's not forget what school is the oldest, and has the least repairs.
ReplyDelete"VOTE NO ON the WITHDRAWAL "
DeleteMy post above, I was referring to this post: rgbTuesday, October 23, 2012 7:36:00 AM EDT
ReplyDeletePer the consolidation agreement that all three towns signed, They cannot close our school., Our town alone would have to vote to have our school closed. If we chose to do that it would be our towns decision. Not the RSU.... again...please do your homework before you continue to spread more fear tactics and misleading information
ReplyDeleteNot signed and not voted on by the voters as is is in the 90/10 cost sharing agreement.
ReplyDelete*as it is in the*
ReplyDeleteUntrue. It was a signed document of consolidation which is now "law" as it were. There are protections for all the two towns that have only one school in their town. That was the sticky point of the RPC committee that was working on the consolidation plan...it was written into the plan.....
ReplyDeleteI hope anyone who happens to find this site realizes that everything that the withdrawal folks want to use as reasons have been debunked. They can't even get half truths.
ReplyDeleteFull blow lies. We MUST call them out personally so they are accountable.
The withdrawal group is stooping too new lows breast cancer awareness ribbon on a paper that's all lies a study was paid for and now they send this crap it has to end soon."VOTE NO ON WITHDRAWAL "
ReplyDeleteIt really cracked me up when I looked at the pink flyer and on the bottom it says " Historical numbers are REAL numbers!" Are you serious...this is the same group that threw such a stinking fit over us trying to get the town to back us on the last vote, to show the historical numbers! But now its OK to use them just because they don't like the numbers from the independent study? We're almost buried up to our necks in BS...
ReplyDelete