Thornton Academy Middle School Contract
Excerpt FAQ’s as presented by the RSU 21 on APRIL 8, 2011
1. What happens to Arundel students in grades 6-8 if
the contract is bought out?
Arundel students will have the choice of attending either TAMS or MSK
aslong as each school is in operation. This fact alone makes the buy-out a
very positive step for Arundel students, as no one will be forced to attend
either school. Each family will be able to decide what is preferred for each
child.
2. Will the district continue to transport Arundel students to TAMS?
Also, will the district provide transportation to MSK?
Yes – the district will transport students to each school according to policy
EEA, and would likely adopt a policy similar to that for high school
students, by which the district would transport students to TAMS as long as
15 or more students from RSU 21 are enrolled in the school.
4. What happens to the choice that Arundel’s high school students
currently enjoy?
currently enjoy?
The buy-out of the TAMS contract has no impact on Arundel’s high school
students. Arundel students will continue to have high school choice, as that is protected in Maine law. Under this law, any community in which school
choice was in existence prior to consolidation will continue to have choice
even if joining a district with a local high school.
Yes, there is a risk in projecting students electing to attend RSU 21 schools.
VOTE NO on TAMS Contract Buy-Out
DON’T GAMBLE with OUR SURPLUS TAX DOLLARS!
DON’T GAMBLE with OUR SURPLUS TAX DOLLARS!
$1,186,009.20 SURPLUS TAX DOLLARS!
We should buyout the contract just for the very reasons listed above. Not to mention the projected savings to the taxpayer for students who want to keep their children in district.
ReplyDeleteTAMS has provided very well for Arundel. TAMS could have tried to negotiate a phased buyout over the five years, if they felt it would be beneficial to them. It certainly would have made it easier on Arundel! They are clearly OK with the buyout money.
If it is a guatanteed savings this town wants, then School choice should be eliminated altogehter.
Those voting YES to the buyout are suporting all the Kids in the district and the Taxpayer. Those voting NO are either out for themselves for personal reasons, or have been listening to only one side.
I wonder why TAMS supporters don't believe the headmaster when he says they will stay open? I wonder why they are afraid so many kids will bolt for RSU21?
Those voting YES to the buyout are suporting all the Kids in the district and the Taxpayer.
ReplyDeleteRight! Let's spend 1.2 MILLION DOLLARS for 11 kids... and have the tax payers pay twice for the 149+ kids from Arundel whom choose to continue and or start their education @ TAMS.
Buying out the contract is for a small "elite" group of students. TAMS students have a first class school at a cheaper rate. The eduation that is provided at TAMS is far better than MSK, 2 key areas TAMS did better. We are already paying twice for students who are attending MSK after the breach of contract, and there will be no savings to RSU 21 by buying out the contract. There is a line item in the budget that has the total expenditure to TAMS. If anyone thinks that education is free, and that there will be no expense to RSU 21 for educating kids at MSK you are wrong, period! Cost per pupil either goes up, or it goes down. Arundel doesn't want to fill empty space at MSK, and Arundel is quite satisified with out MSK, and we would be much better off with out RSU 21. Regardless of what the yes voters think, the reality of it is RSU 21 would decrease the TAMS line item expense, and that money would be shifted into MSK expenses. If RSU 21 really wanted to give choice, then they would give choice district wide. Over 100 students in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are already tuition paying students into other schools. Why is that?
ReplyDeleteCheck out this video. These people are responsible for K-12 education, and have to answer to the residents of all three towns. I am not sure how to make this a link, but at the very least paste it into your browser. Show you care, by watching the video. You can not belive everything you read.
ReplyDeletehttp://web.me.com/rsu21/RSU_21/Video/Entries/2011/4/14_Spring_Referendum_Discussion.html