I write to inform the residents of the Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls that the Poland School Committee has voted to ban adult community members from carrying folding pocket knives, Leatherman-type utility knives and Swiss Army knives on school grounds.

These are tools used by the community on a daily basis, but adults found with these forbidden “weapons” risk permanent banishment from school and after-hour events like town meetings and other municipal meetings held at the school.

The superintendent of schools does not support the actions of the board. The state of Maine has no laws regarding adult possession of folding pocket knives regardless of length. How will this zero tolerance policy affect rescue, police, kitchen, maintenance, staff and teachers? This policy only affects the honest resident.

I urge residents to contact members of the school committee to express their thoughts on whether the adults of the tri-town area should be trusted to carry their personal pocket knives. They should also attend the committee meeting a 7 p.m., Dec. 17, at the high school.

I also urge people to follow the school committee’s actions on a weekly basis, because if you are not outraged, you are not paying attention.

Glenn Peterson, Poland selectman

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