To the editor:

The SAD 71 take over of the Arundel School Department is moving into its next phase just as I predicted when this process began.
From the beginning; SAD 71 School Board was elected to the regional school board (RSU 21) with minor changes, with Chairman Maureen King in charge, its administration in place and business office in charge of finances, using the SAD 71 budget format. The SAD 71 transportation department is in place, with Arundel buses moved to the Kennebunk garage. The suggestion was mentioned to eliminate transportation to tuition high schools, but state law prevented it from happening.
SAD 71’s special education director took over special education operations. SAD 71 policies were voted in in their entirety for convenience, including the popular charge to non-profit agencies in Arundel to use the Mildred L. Day School. On Dec. 21, the new board discussed in great length their plan to buy out the Thornton Academy Middle School contract for the sum of $700,000. I adamantly disagree with this move and it would be devastating to the kids that attend that school and a step backwards for all Arundel children.
More people in Arundel came out in support of the TA Middle School than any other single issue when the initial discussion about school consolidation began. This fact always fell on deaf ears at planning committee meetings. Mildred L. Day School will be closed as soon as possible there after.
Check out, www.RSU21.net, under “school board” go to the pod-casts and listen to Dec. 21, at approximately the half-way point, middle school tuition comes up. I disagree with the savings amount that is mentioned by spending $700,000 to achieve savings in the long run.
I also predicted that joining with SAD 71 would be too costly for Arundel taxpayers. Particularly concerning are the amounts of tax increases to local communities. It was stated that to maintain status quo, tax increases will be 23 percent for Arundel, 11 percent for Kennebunk and 5 percent for Kennebunkport.
Also stated was if the board cuts $2 million next year the tax increase would be 11 percent for Arundel, 5 percent for Kennebunk and a 5 percent decrease for Kennebunkport. What this means for the individual taxpayer is that if you live in Arundel, you will pay more in order to raise our share than an individual in either Kennebunk or Kennebunkport.  Arundel has three residents on the RSU 21 board. They have 192 votes out of 1,000, which carries absolutely no weight. Also, if every registered voter in Arundel votes against the school budget it can still pass by the power of votes in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
I served 12 years on the school board in Arundel and spent 14 months on the RSU 21 planning committee, an experience that taught me SAD 71 will do whatever they want. I stand behind anything I have written and have much more to say than will fit in this letter.
Call me if you would like to discuss this letter or other school consolidation concerns, 229-3013.

Jon Renell
Arundel