Saco, OOB candidates run for open RSU 23 seats - Oct. 20, 2011
Gary Curtis, one of two Old Orchard Beach members on the Regional Unit 23 Board of Education, is unopposed in seeking a three-year term. Four Saco candidates are seeking election to two, three-year terms on the board. The term for the single school board seat in Dayton expires in 2012.
Name: Gary Curtis
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Previous political experience: Member of Old Orchard Beach School Committee; current member of RSU 23 Board of Directors
Why are you running for office?
To advocate for the students of all of the communities of RSU 23 and to ensure that the educational opportunities offered these young people meet the highest possible standards.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
Yes. This new formula will be a fairer way of determining the allocation of additional local costs included in the RSU annual budget. It should be remembered that these costs amount to only 6 percent of the total RSU budget, the remaining 94 percent of the budget’s allocation of costs would not be affected.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
To ensure that every student in the district has the opportunity to maximize his/her educational experience and to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Name: Elizabeth (Beth) Johnston
Age: 59
Family: Four children: Elinor, 32, Jacob, 30, Nathan, 28, and Ian, 18.
Occupation: Wine buyer and other facets of running Vic and Whit’s Sandwich and Wine Shop.
Previous political experience: Served on Saco Board of Education before Saco joined Old Orchard Beach and Dayton in RSU 23. Served on RSU 23 Board of Education since its inception.
Why are you running for office?
Coming from a family of educators, I place a high value on education. I believe that any one who serves on a board of education should hold high quality education as the highest priority. However, I have also been a self-employed entrepreneur all of my adult life and I know it is important for any school district to be vigilant with taxpayers’ money. In this continuing economic downturn, with more state cuts on the horizon, caution is paramount. RSU 23, in spite of increasing financial constraints, offers better quality education today than the three separate communities did before. I can draw on the experience I have gained through being involved in the beginning years of the RSU to help keep the district on the same good track. I believe I still have more to contribute.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
I believe that it will. A vote to change the formula is a demonstration of good faith, signifying that we want the RSU to work for all the stakeholders, including financial benefit for all three communities. The cost sharing formula (old and new) is by necessity very complicated. As a board we have relied on our lawyers and financial officers to inform and guide us. Analysis shows that the new cost sharing formula is in fact more equitable to Old Orchard and Dayton. It is important to realize that this formula affects only 6 percent of the budget. Nevertheless, since things are always in flux, there is a provision that the formula must be reviewed at least every five years. This makes the vote to change the formula much less daunting.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
We have recently begun work on a five-year strategic plan. After gathering input from parents and citizens last year (and we will continue to do so), we have challenged ourselves to design instruction and educational opportunities toward preparation for 21st century life, for all students. This is not a one size fits all. Toward the same end, we also have a new, soon to be implemented teacher evaluation system, which is based on tangible measurements, and should, unlike evaluation techniques of the past, be a real tool for assisting teachers in honing their skills.
In addition the board has also just authorized the superintendent to create a 10-year facilities committee, which is definitely due, and will also challenge us to make the best use of our physical plants. These exciting initiatives are all part of the goal, superior and individually appropriate quality education.
Name: Alan L. Smith
Age: 56
Family: Wife is Kathy; a daughter, Brynn; and a son, Daniel
Occupation: Project manager
Previous political experience: None
Why are you running for office?
RSU 23 must provide a high-quality educational experience to all its students while at the same time effectively and efficiently utilizing available resources. All three communities deserve fair consideration in the financial burden they are asked to accept. Saco needs better representation to achieve these ends.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
While the new cost sharing formula is a step in the right direction, it does not address the stark differences seen in staffing from school to school. Only when there is staffing equality throughout the system can the RSU say that every student receives the same value per dollar spent. From a Saco taxpayer’s viewpoint, this inequity is a critical issue.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
1. Move to equalize staffing throughout the RSU to optimize efficiency.
2. Consider the RSU’s long-term plans and how they best serve all three communities.
Name: Shirley J. Jones
Age: 72
Family: Single
Occupation: Retired teacher
Previous political experience: Taught for 28 years. Member of Saco School Board for two years and a member of the RSU Formation Committee.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because Saco has an excellent school system and I am not sure the monies we are spending are for the benefit of our students. What has the RSU done for us? And what has the RSU done for our excellent staff? Is it cost effective?
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
Good question – who knows? The formula they use is complicated and only time will tell. The original formula showed a raise in cost for the city of Saco for the next 10 years. Not being on the RSU 23 board, I am not aware of what changes have been proposed.
What are your top priorities or goals if elected?
1. The number one goal is to meet the educational needs of students and staff.
2. To start the process of building a new elementary school. We are running out of time with the use of portables, which are not cost effective.
Name: Roland Michaud
Age: 64
Family: Married to Hilda for 37 years; two children, Christopher and Katherine; two grandchildren, Hope and Patience.
Occupation: Help desk, Thornton Academy
Previous political experience: Saco mayor, 2007 to present, deputy mayor 1998-2003, City Council 1993-2007, Coastal Water Commission 1993-2007, Saco Shoreline Commission 1998-2007, Saco Comprehensive Planning Committee 2000-2001, Saco Bay Planning Committee 1999-2000, Saco Planning Board 1985-1993
Why are you running for office?
I am running as a candidate for the RSU board for a number of reasons. First, I believe that educating our children is one of our most important responsibilities and we must always work to provide them with the necessary tools to be successful. Secondly, I believe that an RSU enables us to expand educational opportunities for our children. Unfortunately, little effort has made to make these opportunities a reality. Lastly, the inequities created by the current funding formula need to be addressed in a fair and reasonable manner.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
The proposed shift in cost will not benefit the RSU as it fails to address the underlying problem of where expenses are being incurred. The new formula would actually increase our cost and fails to recognize that the majority of additional local cost is being generated outside of Saco. I suggested that the formula be revised so that each community’s actual expenses would be used to arrive at the amount each had to contribute. However, that suggestion was rejected.
I believe that those who voted in favor of an RSU were voting in favor of increased efficiencies, not to send their tax dollars to neighboring communities.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
The most immediate issue is how to implement a regional school system that provides our children with new opportunities to succeed. For the last two years I have asked the board to create a vision that is based on comprehensive data including current and projected student counts, current and future building needs and educational goals. The plan needs to be specific, have measurable goals and be accepted by all three communities prior to its implementation.
Another priority is to begin the planning process for the eventual replacement of the Young School modular units.
– Compiled by Staff Writer David Harry
Name: Gary Curtis
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Previous political experience: Member of Old Orchard Beach School Committee; current member of RSU 23 Board of Directors
Why are you running for office?
To advocate for the students of all of the communities of RSU 23 and to ensure that the educational opportunities offered these young people meet the highest possible standards.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
Yes. This new formula will be a fairer way of determining the allocation of additional local costs included in the RSU annual budget. It should be remembered that these costs amount to only 6 percent of the total RSU budget, the remaining 94 percent of the budget’s allocation of costs would not be affected.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
To ensure that every student in the district has the opportunity to maximize his/her educational experience and to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Name: Elizabeth (Beth) Johnston
Age: 59
Family: Four children: Elinor, 32, Jacob, 30, Nathan, 28, and Ian, 18.
Occupation: Wine buyer and other facets of running Vic and Whit’s Sandwich and Wine Shop.
Previous political experience: Served on Saco Board of Education before Saco joined Old Orchard Beach and Dayton in RSU 23. Served on RSU 23 Board of Education since its inception.
Why are you running for office?
Coming from a family of educators, I place a high value on education. I believe that any one who serves on a board of education should hold high quality education as the highest priority. However, I have also been a self-employed entrepreneur all of my adult life and I know it is important for any school district to be vigilant with taxpayers’ money. In this continuing economic downturn, with more state cuts on the horizon, caution is paramount. RSU 23, in spite of increasing financial constraints, offers better quality education today than the three separate communities did before. I can draw on the experience I have gained through being involved in the beginning years of the RSU to help keep the district on the same good track. I believe I still have more to contribute.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
I believe that it will. A vote to change the formula is a demonstration of good faith, signifying that we want the RSU to work for all the stakeholders, including financial benefit for all three communities. The cost sharing formula (old and new) is by necessity very complicated. As a board we have relied on our lawyers and financial officers to inform and guide us. Analysis shows that the new cost sharing formula is in fact more equitable to Old Orchard and Dayton. It is important to realize that this formula affects only 6 percent of the budget. Nevertheless, since things are always in flux, there is a provision that the formula must be reviewed at least every five years. This makes the vote to change the formula much less daunting.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
We have recently begun work on a five-year strategic plan. After gathering input from parents and citizens last year (and we will continue to do so), we have challenged ourselves to design instruction and educational opportunities toward preparation for 21st century life, for all students. This is not a one size fits all. Toward the same end, we also have a new, soon to be implemented teacher evaluation system, which is based on tangible measurements, and should, unlike evaluation techniques of the past, be a real tool for assisting teachers in honing their skills.
In addition the board has also just authorized the superintendent to create a 10-year facilities committee, which is definitely due, and will also challenge us to make the best use of our physical plants. These exciting initiatives are all part of the goal, superior and individually appropriate quality education.
Name: Alan L. Smith
Age: 56
Family: Wife is Kathy; a daughter, Brynn; and a son, Daniel
Occupation: Project manager
Previous political experience: None
Why are you running for office?
RSU 23 must provide a high-quality educational experience to all its students while at the same time effectively and efficiently utilizing available resources. All three communities deserve fair consideration in the financial burden they are asked to accept. Saco needs better representation to achieve these ends.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
While the new cost sharing formula is a step in the right direction, it does not address the stark differences seen in staffing from school to school. Only when there is staffing equality throughout the system can the RSU say that every student receives the same value per dollar spent. From a Saco taxpayer’s viewpoint, this inequity is a critical issue.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
1. Move to equalize staffing throughout the RSU to optimize efficiency.
2. Consider the RSU’s long-term plans and how they best serve all three communities.
Name: Shirley J. Jones
Age: 72
Family: Single
Occupation: Retired teacher
Previous political experience: Taught for 28 years. Member of Saco School Board for two years and a member of the RSU Formation Committee.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because Saco has an excellent school system and I am not sure the monies we are spending are for the benefit of our students. What has the RSU done for us? And what has the RSU done for our excellent staff? Is it cost effective?
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
Good question – who knows? The formula they use is complicated and only time will tell. The original formula showed a raise in cost for the city of Saco for the next 10 years. Not being on the RSU 23 board, I am not aware of what changes have been proposed.
What are your top priorities or goals if elected?
1. The number one goal is to meet the educational needs of students and staff.
2. To start the process of building a new elementary school. We are running out of time with the use of portables, which are not cost effective.
Name: Roland Michaud
Age: 64
Family: Married to Hilda for 37 years; two children, Christopher and Katherine; two grandchildren, Hope and Patience.
Occupation: Help desk, Thornton Academy
Previous political experience: Saco mayor, 2007 to present, deputy mayor 1998-2003, City Council 1993-2007, Coastal Water Commission 1993-2007, Saco Shoreline Commission 1998-2007, Saco Comprehensive Planning Committee 2000-2001, Saco Bay Planning Committee 1999-2000, Saco Planning Board 1985-1993
Why are you running for office?
I am running as a candidate for the RSU board for a number of reasons. First, I believe that educating our children is one of our most important responsibilities and we must always work to provide them with the necessary tools to be successful. Secondly, I believe that an RSU enables us to expand educational opportunities for our children. Unfortunately, little effort has made to make these opportunities a reality. Lastly, the inequities created by the current funding formula need to be addressed in a fair and reasonable manner.
Will the proposed shift in cost sharing benefit RSU 23?
The proposed shift in cost will not benefit the RSU as it fails to address the underlying problem of where expenses are being incurred. The new formula would actually increase our cost and fails to recognize that the majority of additional local cost is being generated outside of Saco. I suggested that the formula be revised so that each community’s actual expenses would be used to arrive at the amount each had to contribute. However, that suggestion was rejected.
I believe that those who voted in favor of an RSU were voting in favor of increased efficiencies, not to send their tax dollars to neighboring communities.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
The most immediate issue is how to implement a regional school system that provides our children with new opportunities to succeed. For the last two years I have asked the board to create a vision that is based on comprehensive data including current and projected student counts, current and future building needs and educational goals. The plan needs to be specific, have measurable goals and be accepted by all three communities prior to its implementation.
Another priority is to begin the planning process for the eventual replacement of the Young School modular units.
– Compiled by Staff Writer David Harry
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