Voters of MSAD 46

A citizen voice for reform in Maine School Administrative District #46 (Dexter, Exeter,Garland, and Ripley).
A collaboration of Art Jette, Mel Johnson, and the interested public since 1951.
Our statement of principles: Where We Stand

Sunday, December 17, 2006

MSAD 46 Closing Schools in Garland and Exeter For Good? Or Is It Bad?

The decision makers of MSAD 46 have decided to close the small town schools in Garland and Exeter. One of the local Selectmen was overheard remarking that there was no identified opposition to the closures of the Garland and Exeter schools, at least none that he was aware of. It is somewhat remarkable that although many young families are opposed to the closings they feel powerless to fight against the plan. Like one of my close friends ( a former school board member) is fond of saying "It's the "Golden Rule"; he who has the gold, RULES!

But the bigger picture has more to do with a much larger community of interests and the arrogance of those who will subvert a process in order to achieve their goal. Whether or not the new school project succeeds will depend on more than a sneaky, midwinter's night vote. It will never be the "Heart of the Community" because the only community involved has been the special interest community. And it's never truly been about the students either.

The "it's our turn" entitlement mentality has moved the question more so than real student considerations. Why would we want only that which the State will provide for our precious children? Isn't it shameful that the only local expense for this project might be the land purchases and a pole barn for the benefit of the current landowner? Is this the best evidence of the love and hope we have for the children of the future?

If there were true "community connections" rather than the cynical, self-serving approach of the current administration, maybe the community could really become the "Heart of the School"

Unless you are ready to accept someone else's determination of what you want: you need to get involved now! The community schools in Garland and Exeter are about to be closed forever!

Is this what YOU want?

5 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

You've become a bitter man. I'm sorry for you.

12/17/2006 09:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shocking! You have reverted to "scare tactics" and name calling. You must be getting nervous. It's clear that Garland and Exeter are well aware that their schools will be closing if the new school is built. Don't forget that Ripley and Dexter are closing buildings too. You must be feeling refreshed now that you finally came out of the closet and revealed what your hidden agenda has been for many years "no new school for SAD#46!" Thank god the school board woke up and realized where your leadership was taking them. Your stalling tactics have finally wore out. Let the people vote, give them a little credit for being informed and educated about what's at stake. Looks like your golden rule is "when all else fails, start insulting the opposition." I'm sure we can read your rantings in the gazette later this week, but thanks for the early viewing!

12/18/2006 09:13:00 AM  
Blogger Art said...

To anonymous who said..."You've become a bitter man. I'm sorry for you."

Actually, I feel sorrier for you; you mispelled better, it's b-e-t-t-e-r, not b-i-t-t-e-r.

12/18/2006 11:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It makes ME nervous just thinking that these anonymous idiots are probably running OUR schools.What kind of gutless wonders are they anyway? Are they ashamed to sign their comments? They belong in a closet! Or a mental institution!

12/20/2006 12:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Roger who?

12/20/2006 04:48:00 PM  

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