[Local-Maine-Schools] May 21: Education Committee's public forum and map unveiling

[Brian Hubbell]

Several of us went to Augusta this afternoon for the Education
Committee's public forum presentation.  Here's the material that was
passed out along with 'the map'.

Alternative 'A' was presented by Senator Mitchell and appeared to have
the support of Representative Cain.

Alternative 'B' was presented by Representative Saviello and appeared
to have support from Representatives Farrington and Edgecomb.

Legislative Working Group's Report "A" (Mitchell, Appropriations Comm.), 5/21
http://mdischools.net/20070521_WorkingGroup_A.htm

Legislative Working Group's Report "B" (Farrington/Saviello/Rural Caucus), 5/21
http://mdischools.net/20070521_WorkingGroup_B.htm

'A' & 'B' Common Issues, Legislative 'Working Group', 5/21
http://mdischools.net/20070521_WorkingGroup_AB_Common.htm

Then Commissioner Gendron presented a map of a suggested model for
regional school districts based on 62 regional administrative
averaging 2500 students.  The Commissioner went to great lengths to
explain that the map was not fixed but a starting point based on
information provided in consultation with superintendents on the most
likely regional associations.

DoE's Suggested Model for Reorganizing School Units
http://www.maine.gov/education/supportingschools/model.html

List of regional school units
http://www.maine.gov/education/supportingschools/rsus051807unit.html

Maps Showing Suggested Regional School Units Model
http://www.maine.gov/education/supportingschools/rsumaps.html

Senator Mitchell said that consensus has been reached that $36.5
million will be cut from General Purpose Aid for education -- although
the mechanism and detailed model for realizing these savings is still
not set.  The Appropriations Committee intends to report out their
budget by the end of this week.

So, for now, it's is evident that there is still some distance between
legislators on the other remaining issues of school consolidation.

Two of the largest divides that remain between the two plans are the
issue of the timeline for implementation (when a local vote for
approval is made) and whether or not regional school units will be
permitted to operate as school unions.  This latter now is especially
of critical importance to us.

The responsibility for settling the details of education policy seems
to have returned now to the Education Committee, although one can
sense that at this point more than a few on the Committee may not be
eager to take such responsibility on.

Today during the public forum there seemed to be only two camps within
the Education Committee.  One, spearheaded by Senator Mitchell,
appeared to be cheerleading for progress through compromise.  The
other, voiced by Representatives Farrington and Edgecomb, appeared
ready to stand their ground on the Farrington / Saviello/ Rural Caucus
plan.  A few, like Senator Mills, were conspicuously quiet.  Several
more were just plain absent.

Senator Mitchell announced that the work of the so-called bi-partisan
"Working Group" (of members of the Education and Appropriations
Committees,  Rural Caucus, and Legislative Leadership) was now
complete and the remaining negotiation would be done by the Education
Committee.  Other participants we spoke with today said that, to the
contrary, the "Working Group" would have to continue its negotiations.

Given that distinct differences remain and a two-thirds vote is
required, the latter seems the better bet.

Brian Hubbell
mdischools.net