Education Commissioner Fields Questions on Consolidation Law
Ellsworth American, May 29, 2008
(excerpt) Ben Wootten, a member of the Blue Hill Regional Planning Committee, said the state was vague about what school districts need to do in order to meet the law’s criteria.
The regional planning committee in Blue Hill includes several members who are supportive of the repeal efforts.
“You say, ‘It doesn’t meet our standards,’” said Wootten.
“‘We ask, ‘What are your standards?’”
“You say, ‘We can’t tell you,’” he said.
There were many questions about a new provision allowing for the creation of an alternative organizational structure (AOS) as an option to the regional school unit (RSU).
Gendron said the AOS, among other things, gives districts more wiggle room in setting teacher salaries, particularly in instances where salaries vary widely from town to town.
“If in our particular case we can show that your recipe does not work, would you be willing to sit down and evaluate [an alternative] with us?” Wooten asked.
“There is nothing in the legislation that allows me to approve another plan” other than the two stipulated, Gendron said.
She methodically moved through a printed PowerPoint presentation and took questions as she went along.
(excerpt) Ben Wootten, a member of the Blue Hill Regional Planning Committee, said the state was vague about what school districts need to do in order to meet the law’s criteria.
The regional planning committee in Blue Hill includes several members who are supportive of the repeal efforts.
“You say, ‘It doesn’t meet our standards,’” said Wootten.
“‘We ask, ‘What are your standards?’”
“You say, ‘We can’t tell you,’” he said.
There were many questions about a new provision allowing for the creation of an alternative organizational structure (AOS) as an option to the regional school unit (RSU).
Gendron said the AOS, among other things, gives districts more wiggle room in setting teacher salaries, particularly in instances where salaries vary widely from town to town.
“If in our particular case we can show that your recipe does not work, would you be willing to sit down and evaluate [an alternative] with us?” Wooten asked.
“There is nothing in the legislation that allows me to approve another plan” other than the two stipulated, Gendron said.
She methodically moved through a printed PowerPoint presentation and took questions as she went along.
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