EAST MILLINOCKET, Maine — Jodi Helsor went into the Sunrise Peak School District public hearing Tuesday ready to dislike the committee’s plan to combine the Katahdin region’s public schools.
The plan, the East Millinocket resident felt, was forced upon the state by the Legislature and Maine Department of Education. That’s an insult to East Millinocket, Medway and Millinocket, communities that pride themselves on their independence and fine schools.
Helsor left the meeting with feelings unchanged, but supporting the plan.
“As bad as I hate to be told what to do, I think we should vote for this. We have to swallow our pride,” Helsor said, calling the committee plan the best possible option. “It isn't about pride at this point. It’s about coming together and being leaders.”
The reorganization referendum is set for Jan. 27. Failure to pass a plan by July 1, committee members warned, would lead to state-imposed fines. All state-approved school reorganization plans are available at maine.gov/education/reorg/plansandresponses.html.
As happened at organizational committee hearings in Medway and Millinocket last week, residents — almost 50 attended — complained about a lack of a state funding formula that would divide education money among the three towns.
Some who attended, including Medway School Committee Chairman Greg Stanley — who spoke with committee permission — argued that it would be less costly and inconvenient to accept the state-imposed fines.
He disputed committee claims that under the alternative organizational structure plan, school leadership would not change. Under the proposed Sunrise Peak Alternative Organizational Structure, East Millinocket, Medway and Millinocket residents would have committees running their schools, with each committee naming three members to an AOS board and one superintendent supervising the schools.
Committee members say that’s essentially how the schools operate now through Union 113, except that Woodville would tuition students to Lincoln-area schools or keep them at Sunrise.
But the AOS board would have some powers, Stanley claimed, that the Union 113 board lacks.
Under the plan, no school closings are planned next year. And, with board membership divided equally, no town would have an inherent advantage over the others. The AOS also likely would accelerate cost-savings initiatives created through the regionalization efforts already begun. That includes greater savings and aid provided to special needs students; increased student access to programming available regionwide, such as sports and arts programs; and the benefits of increased combinations of administrative and teaching staffs.
Katahdin region leaders said they expect the vote will be close.
On 1/14/09 at 8:07 AM,
Jennifer wrote:
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Nick I don't know what meeting you were at but it was made very clear that if this doesn't pass on Jan 27th that we will get the penalties no matter if we pass a plan in a month and have it all in place by July 1st or not. It has to do with the state's time line and not meeting deadlines. I was there and there were a few people that were positive but by far it was overwhelmingly people against the plan due to there really not being a plan for splitting up the money.
On 1/14/09 at 11:34 AM,
unlockautism wrote:
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I honestly can't believe that money is what will cause us to vote no and money is what we will be losing if we do not vote yes which stinks but , it is the law.....and the state is making everbody do this.
the big question is can you really afford not to vote yes and take a loss? what if the school has an unexpected cost?? or a few unexpected costs ? such as fuel , special ed and more services or staff ( which is illegal not to provide?) Or any number of unexpected problems?? THAT could cause some serious problems , like taxes going up , losing staff...my understanding is that if we vote yes, no school close, no loss of staff , and no penalty.
Look bottom line the state has imposed this law on us and says if we do not vote yes we will be in big trouble and even when we vote yes we are going to give you the subsidy money to you all to figure out how you think it should be handled....how ignorant and ass backward is that????
Having said that ....I feel we should be able to vote yes , comply with this (stupid) law , and act like adults about this subsidy money and if this money is the biggest issue maybe have an independent person manage it in a fair way.......jeez......
On 1/14/09 at 11:55 AM,
Jennifer wrote:
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and are you still going to feel that way when your town is losing 3 times the 'penalty' amount due to cost shifting? That was discussed last night at the meeting. The plan is good BUT there is NO FINANCIAL information on how the money will be divided!! I for one would like to know just exactly what it is I am voting for! This unknown financial issue that has yet to be resolved is a pretty big issue! Do we trust the State to follow through with their promise? Do we really trust the other 2 towns to do what is best for us? These are the things people in all three towns need to consider!!!!!!
On 1/14/09 at 12:25 PM,
mainemom wrote:
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Yes it's all about the money. What if Medway votes the AOS in (knowing the 32,000 penalty) and the subsidy distribution ends up giving Medway a cut of 50,000? What if EM gets a cut of 75,000 when it's penalty would have been only 50,000? What if one of the three towns ends up 100,000 richer and the other two have reduced subsidies? People in the towns want more information than we've been given.
On 1/14/09 at 12:37 PM,
mainemom wrote:
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Oh, and I wish people would stop spreading the talk about 'combining' the schools. Everyone at these meetings KNOWS that we're not combining any schools (at least not yet). Thanks to the BDN for not using the word 'consolidation' so much.....
On 1/14/09 at 12:57 PM,
unlockautism wrote:
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I personally would never trust the state , ever.
I also personally feel we need one high school , one middle school and I am on the fence about the elementary schools. This just my personal opinion...
this is talked about and discussed and then the idea dropped for 15 or more years (consolidation) . If Millinocket , East and Medway could become one imagine how great we COULD be.
As far as needing more information....I agree , but, even if the money subsidy issue was solved ...and we voted yes , the state could and probably will change that at any random time as they see fit........so , yes this whole things stinks .
I see three sides to this story and this story has no happy ending ...... the states side , the towns side and then there is the truth....and in the end what are we to do ? Either way you decide to vote , it could spell trouble.....but , in the end without that crystal ball , you have to trust in something and I would trust my town and school district before trusting the state . We cannot afford it either way , and that is why I am voting yes.
On 1/14/09 at 1:02 PM,
jflorencio wrote:
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I'm confused as to why the residents of these three small towns can't see that the future of education in the region begins and ends with consolidation. I own a vacation home in East Mill, but am a teacher in Connecticut. In today's global economy, adults need to put aside old rivalries and do what's best for the CHILDREN of the Katahdin region. What's best is to have a streamlined, simplified school district that's able to provide a high quality education for the kids of Mill, East Mill and Medway. With the rising costs of technology, salaries, energy and other supplies, having two small high schools within 10 miles of each other is not only counter-productive, it's wasteful, and in the long run costs the taxpayers more money.
I realize that old hatreds die hard. For decades, the towns of the Katahdin region competed for jobs, families and their place in the economy of Northern Maine, but those days are over. The mills are closed. The Katahdin region needs to look forward to the future, not back to the past.
Perhaps some day, the adults of the Katahdin region will finally realize that consolidation is necessary. Painful yes, but necessary.
On 1/14/09 at 1:05 PM,
mainemom wrote:
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Again, this is no about combining children yet. It's administration only.
On 1/14/09 at 1:13 PM,
jflorencio wrote:
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I know. What it's doing is avoiding the real issue.........which should be about combining the schools. As a veteran educator, I understand full well how much money it takes to run a school. Even simple supplies like toner for the copiers and staples have risen in cost over the years, not to mention the rising costs of big ticket items such as computers, distance learning materials and energy.
Imagine the possibilities for the children if the schools were combined. Imagine the message residents of the region would be sending, not only to the state, but to each other........a message that the wants of adults would take a back seat to the needs of children. Imagine...........................
On 1/14/09 at 1:19 PM,
unlockautism wrote:
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Thank-you , thank-you jflorencio , nicely said and I personally am grateful for your comments ....p.s. we should do lunch ! love ya !
On 1/14/09 at 1:19 PM,
mainemom wrote:
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I'm for combining schools, most definitely. My children need more than are being offered to them; even if it's just a freshman BB team or playing in a bigger school band. But the first step must be the right first step. And we cannot go into it blind. We've been talking about consolidating schools since 1988....
On 1/14/09 at 1:39 PM,
jflorencio wrote:
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Thanks for the kind words.
I agree that the towns can't just dive into the deep end, but I also believe that consolidation can't be just talk. Perhaps the state needs to step forward and "help".
I'm just a simple history teacher and football coach at a small school in Connecticut. I coached at Mattanawcook in Lincoln for a while, and also at Foxcroft Academy in Dover early in my career. That's why my wife and I bought a house in East Mill. We love the Katahdin region and would eventually love move back. I won't do it until consolidation happens. It's not fair to my children, all of whom would have to attend Opal Myrick. I have nothing against Opal Myrick School itself or any individual school in the Katahdin region, but I am concerned that as the years go by and budgets get tighter and tighter that my children would suffer. As I look into their future, I see a world teeming with technology and the global economy. Schools, no matter where they are, have a duty to their "customers" to provide the best education possible. The future of the Katahdin region and its people lies not inside a mill or some other factory, but inside the minds of its children. Only by giving them every advantage possible can they hope to compete in the days ahead. To do anything less condemns them to a life of poverty, hardship and frustration.
Yes, I want the Katahdin region to remain as pristine as it is today. My family and I come up to our house in East Mill every chance we get. We love all four seasons up there. We love the clean air, the friendly people and the small town sense of independence everywhere we go. I just wish that the residents would look past their little corner of Maine. I repeat again........look to the future......not the past.
On 1/14/09 at 2:40 PM,
Jennifer wrote:
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I also agree the schools should have consolidated years ago...and this area on its own had started to consolidate services! Then the state steps in with deadlines, templates, etc etc mandating this that and the other...which we had already DONE everything except combine the transportation departments!! I I think the towns are moving in the right direction BUT the financial stuff has to be ironed out before I am willing to commit to it! Like has been mentioned above it could end up costing one or two towns a lot more than the penalties would cost! I for one am not willing to fund Millinockets poor decsions and massive debt! It is that simple! I don't think that Medway should pay for East or Millinocket either! Each town should be paying their own way! No town should end up giving up their state subsidies to another town. Until that issue is resolved I don't know how anyone can vote for this!
On 1/14/09 at 3:59 PM,
jflorencio wrote:
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unfortunately, the issues between the individual towns over money will probably never be solved.
I for one am willing to see an increase in my property taxes to solve the issue, even if that means funding the "mistakes" of another town's school board. Like I said in an eariler comment, what message are the adults sending to the kids? It seems to me as though money is more important than providing an education for the future.
Perhaps the time for finger pointing needs to be over? Lets look to the future and build a better Katahdin region before it's too late.
On 1/14/09 at 4:33 PM,
Jennifer wrote:
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Well, the State Department of Education had a meeting with our AOS committee for Thursday and well it has been post phoned, maybe they can do it friday but then again maybe NOT....Yup let's trust the state to help us figure out the finances! NOT!! If they are being this helpful now...wonder just how much help they will be if this passes??
On 1/14/09 at 4:38 PM,
jflorencio wrote:
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Such anger.
You're right, let's do it as a region.................
Oh, wait........apparently consolidation has been on the table since 1988. That means that the children born that year are now sophomores in college, if they made it to college.
Do we have to wait another 20 years? When is the Katahdin region finally going to make a committment to the kids?
I repeat......it's not about the adults. What's best for the kids?
On 1/14/09 at 5:56 PM,
Jennifer wrote:
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angry? No but sick of being lied to by the state! Think of it this way...you want a new car so you go to a car dealership and tell them you want a new car it has to have this that and the other. They give you a contract to sign that is blank, no numbers filled in and won't tell you anything about the price just that you are going to get a good deal. Do you sign the blank contract and take their word that you will be happy with the car they picked out for you, that you didn't get to test drive, or do you keep the car you have that is running but could use a tune up? Seriously we are signing on for who knows what and no one knows the cost! Is it going to be better for the kids? Who knows? Is it going to save us money? Who knows? They can't answer those questions! I heard them last night...they do NOT know! I think it is crazy for anyone to sign on to a contract with no figures! I think it is even more ridiculous that others think this is a great plan! THERE IS NO PLAN! I do think that we need to consolidate! I think it is nuts that there are 2 high schools doing a mediocre job in providing oppurtunities for these kids. The schools have cut and cut and cut away at the budgets due to state funding....when are people going to see CONSOLIDATION would be a good thing for the kids? My daughter is using books at the high school here that friends of mine used and they graduated in 1992!!! But running into an agreement blind is not the way to go!
On 1/14/09 at 10:12 PM,
jflorencio wrote:
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You're Right, Jennifer. Although I don't live full time in the area, I've kept up on the AOS business. I've read all the documents and I understand all sides of the issue. I agree, the plan as it stands today is ridiculous. All it really does is create a school district umbrella for what's already in place. It leaves in place all the old schools, old issues and old problems. From what I've seen and been told, the new AOS is really an attempt by the "old guard" in the Katahdin region to stall consolidation in some pathetic attempt to hold onto the past.
At this point, however, the AOS may provide an avenue TO CONSOLIDATION, if the people will stand up and do what's right for the kids. What we really need is to use the AOS structure (once finalized) as a vehicle to move consolidation forward as quickly as possible. It's doable for the 2010-11 school year. The question is whether or not the adults of the region will finally decide to do what's right for the kids. It won't be easy and it won't be cheap. Some teaching positions will have to be eliminated. Some programs may need to be streamlined. Some administrators may have to go. Money from one town would have to go to paying the bills of others. The money saved would have to go to the kids.
If, on the other hand, the AOS is just another stall tactic (I suspect it is), then the children of the region will never be able to compete in the new global economy. If that's the case, I see more poverty and declining home values, along with a declining population. Maybe it's for the best. Outsiders like me will eventually buy up the cheap properties in East Mill, Millinocket and Medway. We've already begun to do so, and that trend isn't about to stop. Hopefully then we'll have the votes to make real changes. In some ways it's like waiting for a terminal patient to die. It's sad, really. Change is coming. I just wish the people of the Katahdin region would embrace it.
On 1/15/09 at 11:19 AM,
mainemom wrote:
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Jflorencio, we could use your calm rational visionary voice here. Consider moving back. Opal Myrick DOES offer some great things and a wonderful atmosphere for children.
On 1/15/09 at 1:05 PM,
Jennifer wrote:
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Opal is a great school but the school itself does need to be overhauled if we are going to continue to use it. I am shocked that no one has sued the school yet due to the fact it does not meet the federal ADA requirements for public buildings! There is no access to the upstairs or down to the gym for anyone who has to use a wheelchair or walker. I think Medway Middle would be a great elementary school for East and Medway. Schenck would make a top of the line middle school and Stearns would be a great high school for the region. I would imagine Millinocket would want to keep Granite open so that the little kids were not bused too far. That could work! CONSOLIDATION of the schools would mean letting teachers go, which would stink BUT it would provide a lot more opportunities for the middle and high school level students. It would save taxpayer money too. I think that this is the way to go and eventually we will have to do something gbut again let's not jump blindly into something with no numbers on the contract!
On 1/15/09 at 1:13 PM,
Jennifer wrote:
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Opal is a great school but the school itself does need to be overhauled if we are going to continue to use it. I am shocked that no one has sued the school yet due to the fact it does not meet the federal ADA requirements for public buildings! There is no access to the upstairs or down to the gym for anyone who has to use a wheelchair or walker. I think Medway Middle would be a great elementary school for East and Medway. Schenck would make a top of the line middle school and Stearns would be a great high school for the region. I would imagine Millinocket would want to keep Granite open so that the little kids were not bused too far. That could work! CONSOLIDATION of the schools would mean letting teachers go, which would stink BUT it would provide a lot more opportunities for the middle and high school level students. It would save taxpayer money too. I think that this is the way to go and eventually we will have to do something gbut again let's not jump blindly into something with no numbers on the contract!
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