Thornton thanks Arundel parents and students

To the editor:

Thornton Academy thanks all Arundel parents and students who have shown such strong, unending support of our school. TA’s relationship with Arundel has evolved over the years in a positive and productive manner. 

We currently enroll all Arundel middle school students via a contract, now entering its fifth year, and 162 high school students who come to us with choice vouchers. We are pleased to announce that 95 percent of Arundel eighth-grade students will attend Thornton Academy as freshmen in fall 2010. 

We believe the recent decision by the RSU 21 School Board that proposes to enroll 15 Arundel students per grade at the Middle School of the Kennebunks is not only a breach in our contract, but also violates the state consolidation law.

 It was clear to all present at the negotiation table six years ago that Thornton Academy would educate “all” Arundel students in grades six through eight, and there was no question about the meaning of “all.” 

It is not clear what all the details are, but we know Arundel was not invited to be part of the planning process for Middle School of the Kennebunks, and subsequently, Arundel middle school students were not allowed to attend the school when it opened.  

When it was evident that Mildred L. Day School could no longer comfortably serve middle school students in Arundel, TA engaged in substantive discussions to look at the possibility of educating those students on our campus. Arundel voters approved by a 2-to-1 majority a referendum to have the Arundel School Committee negotiate a contract with TA, rather than build a middle school. 

We responded to Arundel parents, school leaders and the community, and the result of those discussions became what is now Thornton Academy Middle School.

No matter the result of the dispute, Thornton Academy will stay open for as long as you continue to send us your students. You will always have choice.

Carl Stasio

Thornton Academy headmaster