Editor:

The school districts of MSAD 71 and Arundel, requested a state funded survey of their facilities. The McCormick Facilities Management Co. was selected by the Maine  Department of Education to complete the study and their presentation was made, to the new RSU Board, on June 3. The study included a review on the condition of Mildred Day School, an update on a previous study of the MSAD 71 facilities, the projected cost to upgrade and maintain all school buildings over the next 10 years, and prioritization of those needed repairs. The study included the present capacities of the schools, history of the decline in student population, birth rates in the communities, housing development that reflects a shift from family growth to one that is retirement-oriented, along with future enrollment projections at our schools. In summing up their report, the McCormick company recommended closing two of our schools.

A facilities committee in 2008, formed by MSAD 71, identified the extent of over capacity at our elementary schools, suggesting that utilizing just the Sea Road, elementary and middle schools that we could accommodate the elementary students of both MSAD 71 and Mildred Day. This report listed the costly repairs needed at Consolidated School, including a lack of a sprinkler system, poor air handling equipment that exacerbates the existing high water table and its resulting mold problems. In maintaining the extra facility at MSAD 71, we have not made the necessary staff reductions, specifically 14 teachers, teachers who must travel between multiple schools, resulting in a disconnect with students, and class sizes not in line with board recommendations.

As we move forward these are issues that must be addressed, as state funding for education is reduced, stimulus funds disappear, and demands by state and local governments for new revenue streams increase. The lack of improved, measurable, results in student performance, only confirms the futility of continuing on our present path of the in-efficient use of both staff and facilities.

Edward Geoghan

Kennebunk