When SAD 39 was formed, the residents of our three towns determined that they were willing to ante up the local funds necessary to support our two schools. They could have joined with the towns of SAD 17 or SAD 52, but they didn’t. They chose to keep their children here, even though doing so meant paying a bit more. That was the 1960s.

In 2005, the price tag of that decision will continue to rise, possibly topping $800,000. Most residents are expecting to see property taxes drop because of the success of the 55 percent referendum last June, but they won’t. The resulting legislation will see lower property taxes in many communities, but not here. We’ll get a little more money from the state, but not enough to keep pace with growing contract obligations, energy costs or the rising costs of meeting the Maine Learning Results.

SAD 39 is the southernmost Class D district in the state. Other districts in Class D include places such as Rangeley, Jackman and Vinalhaven. Unlike those areas, we are not geographically isolated. There is much emphasis in Augusta on regionalization and consolidation. We do not fit that paradigm. Are we still committed to keeping our schools small and local? At what price?

Will SAD 39 residents choose to support their schools by voting to increase property taxes yet again in June? If the answer is no, we will need to look long and hard at other ways to educate our children.

Terry Hayes, Buckfield, School Budget Committee member

Copy the Story Link