A letter published May 4 suggested that under the school district reorganization proposals currently before the Legislature, Monmouth Academy would “cease to exist as a high school” and “would likely be used as an area middle school or such.”

This is not true.

None of the reorganization plans under consideration by the Legislature would close or alter Monmouth Academy. All of the reorganization proposals address school district administration only and leave the operation of local schools to school boards.

This kind of unfortunate misinformation creates unnecessary fear among parents, teachers and community members, and stands in the way of honest debate based on the facts.

I strongly encourage those who care about the future of their local schools and about a viable and financially sustainable education system for the 21st century to research for themselves how various proposals would and would not impact schools and school administration.

One good source for this information is the Maine Department of Education Web site – www.maine.gov/education – where visitors can also sign up for regular updates on the legislative process surrounding the reorganization proposals.

Jim Rier, Topsham

Director of Finance and Operations

Maine Department of Education