JAY — Near the end of the Regional School Unit 73 board of directors meeting on Thursday night, Sept. 12, Chair Bob Staples of Jay read a letter announcing his immediate resignation from the board to devote time to forming a non-profit geared towards those with brain disorders.

Regional School Unit 73 Chair Bob Staples of Jay, center, announced at the Sept. 12 meeting that he is stepping down to form a non-profit. Also seen are Vice-Chair Don Emery of Livermore Falls at left and Superintendent Scott Albert. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

“This decision didn’t come lightly,” he said, “I am tendering my resignation from the board effective immediately following adjournment of this meeting.”

“As people know, our son Brett died tragically on Aug. 6 of this year,” he read. “Eight days after his death we found out about a state legislated program that might have helped him. The program, Progressive Treatment Plan [PTP] was enacted into law in 2003 by the honorables John Nutting and Peter Mills.”

Staples noted the law was strengthened by the legislature in 2010. “The people who, by legislation, can make a referral to the court to enter someone with a brain disorder and are dangerous to themselves or others include law enforcement and those in the medical field. I have spoken to many in both fields who have never heard of the program.”

Staples said his son was schizoaffective, that a few years ago he went out in 20 degree below zero weather wearing socks. “Severe frostbite took half of one foot and half a toe on the other,” he stated. “He was clearly a danger to himself. No one told us about PTP.”

This past year the Maine State Legislature voted unanimously to fund a program aimed at teaching referrers what to look for in people in crisis and how to refer them to the program, Staples said. “The cost was set at $266,000,” he noted. Gov. Mills’ administration blocked the plan, saying the state couldn’t afford it, he stated.

“Clearly, Gov. Mills didn’t think that my son was worth that amount, nor were the 18 people that were shot down in Lewiston last year,” Staples said. “Not to mention the many others who might have benefitted from this program.”

Staples also referred to LD 445, the “IMD Federal Waiver for Mental Health” which Mills blocked. The program would have brought $12 million in federal dollars into Maine if Maine put $1 million into it, he noted. “Think what $13 million dollars would have done for people in Maine suffering from brain disorders,” he stated.

The goal of the non-profit is to educate those who, by law are referrers, Staples said. Providing helpful materials will also support referrers, he noted.

“Since this endeavor will take up most of my time, I feel that I really can’t continue as an RSU 73 board member,” Staples said. “I wish the board the best. Remember, you are here for the children.”