[Local-Maine-Schools] A periscope view into the Governor's trenchwork

[Brian Hubbell]

School system overhaul still facing tests
By Francis X. Quinn, Associated Press Writer  |  April 22, 2007
http://tinyurl.com/2n3h3s

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This is an interesting article, in that -- after the initial summary
of the current legislative inertia on this proposal -- it contrasts
the current divergence of views within the "coalition" factions of the
MMA and Dana Connors at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.   Not
mentioned in relation to this is the MEA, the other significant member
of the original coalition.

But, even more interesting, is the outlining of the proponents'
talking points and strategy apparently spearheaded by the PR
department at the DoE.

Quote:

>"Q: What about local control?

>"A: Yes, what about local control? What do you control locally?
'Local control' simply >means 'status quo,' and the status quo is not
sustainable or acceptable."

>The memo also cites a couple of things not to do.

>It characterizes the term "school consolidation" as inaccurate and counsels:

>"Don't point to other states as examples. There are good examples
from other states, but >people in Maine do not want to hear about
other states; they see Maine as unique and do >not want to turn to
other states for examples; also, they will pick apart performance in
>other states to show it is a bad model."