[Local-Maine-Schools] School Consolidation

[sara c. fraley]

EXCELLENT QUESTION from Cindy Brotzman.  I don't have time to follow 
all the letters and editorials that I receive on this subject,  but 
this one really stood out for me.  This trend to level the playing 
field is contrary to human nature,  in my opinion.  How much emphasis 
is being placed on this particular piece of the plan,  in any or all of 
these committees working and discussing these issues?
Personally,  I could probably swallow some sort of the inevitable (?) 
consolidation if the proposition to forbid individual towns to provide 
any additional funding was omitted or modified.

So,  I echo her question :   What about this ?
Sara C. Fraley

On Mar 29, 2007, at 11:55 AM, Cindy Brotzman wrote:

> There are many facets of the governor's school consolidation plan with 
> which I disagree or find to to be insufficiently researched. My 
> objections were summarized very well by the School Board of Union 98's 
> letter, "A Position in Support of Our Schools: Union 98," sent by 
> Brian Hubbell and other school board members in their letter of March 
> 21, 2007. 
>
> However, the single proposition I find to be most obviously and 
> undeniably detrimental to students is this one:
>
>       "Under regional and state control, individual towns would no 
> longer be permitted to provide their own schools directly with 
> any additional funding."
>
> Can this possibly be true? Why would anyone who has in mind the best 
> education for our children forbid funding that does not cost the state 
> of Maine one dime? Why would it be against the law for a community to 
> vote to support the education of its own children?  Does this 
> provision also forbid individual donations? Would individuals not be 
> allowed to buy computers for a school? Or contribute to field trips? I 
> do not understand why improving education without state funds would be 
> declared illegal by the state.
>
> In my classroom, I work to bring out the best in each student. I don't 
> say, "No, you may not put in any extra time or effort because you 
> might do better than the other students." How is this proposition 
> different than not allowing any student to rise above the average one?
>
> What is really going on with this proposed consolidation?
>
> Very sincerely,
>
> Cynthia Sakovics Brotzman
> Teacher, Conners Emerson School
> Bar Harbor, Maine
>
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