David Casavant: Time at hand for changes in education
Bangor Daily News, March 20, 2007
(excerpt) Through its membership and on behalf of the business community, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce is calling for legislators, municipal officials, and school boards to provide bold leadership to assure the future of Maine through the efficient use of educational resources. Gov. John Baldacci and Education Commissioner Susan Gendron demonstrated such leadership in responding to the need to restructure education administration. Whether government requires school districts or suggests "planning cooperatives," whether 26 or 65 in number, state and local governments must act with resolve.
The Education Committee recommendation falls short. By requiring consolidation of educational administrative units where there are fewer than 1,200 pupils and seeking only $36.5 million in savings beginning in fiscal year ’09, the proposal does not realize the potential savings based on economies of scale and effective administration. Even without reducing the number of teachers, the governor’s proposal suggests $146 million of savings over the next three years.
(excerpt) Through its membership and on behalf of the business community, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce is calling for legislators, municipal officials, and school boards to provide bold leadership to assure the future of Maine through the efficient use of educational resources. Gov. John Baldacci and Education Commissioner Susan Gendron demonstrated such leadership in responding to the need to restructure education administration. Whether government requires school districts or suggests "planning cooperatives," whether 26 or 65 in number, state and local governments must act with resolve.
The Education Committee recommendation falls short. By requiring consolidation of educational administrative units where there are fewer than 1,200 pupils and seeking only $36.5 million in savings beginning in fiscal year ’09, the proposal does not realize the potential savings based on economies of scale and effective administration. Even without reducing the number of teachers, the governor’s proposal suggests $146 million of savings over the next three years.
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