Editor:

I’m writing in response to the school consolidation article (“RSU awaits state decision,” Sept. 26, 2008) and issue from my view for Arundel.

Arundel has worked very hard at keeping costs low and educational standards high. Unfortunately three school board members feel that another district can do a better job. Well, I don’t agree with those three and neither do a lot of parents and teachers in our town.

I would like to know the exact figures for the cost per Pupil for my town and for SAD 71 for the 2008/2009 school year for the elementary, middle and high school grades. Based on the 2006/2007 data, I don’t see Arundel saving anything if we are to pay the current SAD 71 tuition rates. In fact, according to those numbers, Arundel will pay more than $1,000 more in costs per pupil.

We currently pay state average to go to Kennebunk High School. Would Arundel continue to pay state average if this plan is voted in? If not, then what would we pay?

The TA Middle School contract will need to be negotiated in two years. Do I think a 50 percent Kennebunk and 25 percent Kennebunkport RSU board will negotiate in the best interest of Arundel? No way, they will do what’s best for the RSU, not the Arundel students. This town voted for Thornton Academy Middle School and wants to keep it. In fact, most stay on to go to TA as indicated by last year’s students’ choice.

Our elementary school continues to provide the necessary educational tools for the students as indicated by last years MEA scores.

If you read Section 12 of the RSU57 plan it states: “at this juncture there are no projected cost savings, only significant local cost increases for the RSU or the taxpayer.”

I’m against this plan and any other plan that is being forced down people’s throats. There is light at the end of the tunnel though. We have enough signatures to put this on the state ballot for all to vote on. Unless the State Legislature repels it first this coming January. There is no need to rush and vote for something that is not in the best interest of Arundel or the state for that matter.

Ron Couture

Arundel