The state of Maine is attempting to rein in spending to help erase a $733 million gap in revenues and state spending. The 55 percent increase in school funding and the property tax relief will not happen in the near future.

The SAD 43 district board has not changed their attitude of spend and spend. The article in the Sun Journal Dec. 23, “SAD 43 chief gets raise, new contract” shows the thought process of the board members. The superintendent was hired August 2003 with a salary of $78,000. The board gave him a raise of 15 percent through June 2007 to the tune of $90,000.

A new idea has come up to build an addition onto the high school to house a fitness room. The estimated price tag of $150,000 comes from a grant. But this is not free money as people are led to believe. When completed, the cost of insurance, power, heat and maintenance will be passed to the local taxpayer. The gym should be used for a fitness room to save money. We have several winter walking areas for the general public at no cost to them.

The Maine Department of Education Commissioner Susan Gendron should follow the federal mandates of No Child Left Behind Act. This system is used in every state to set a standard for all educators and students. Some changes will have to be made to this new system. Save our Maine stressed-out schools.

Richard A. McInnis, Rumford