Merging of Maine Schools and Special Needs Children (Portland, Scarborough: relocation, housing)

[Moxie]

Hi,
We are moving to Maine next year and are coming up to check out communities within the week. When my husband dropped my son off with his grandparents a couple of weeks ago he returned to NC with the newspaper talking about combining school districts. Does anyone know anything more about this? Should we assume that the larger districts won't be merged unless they are under 2500 students? We are doing our housing search based on schools so with 4 children this is important to us. Also of concern is that one of our twins has some delays as well as sensory integration issues and we want to make sure his needs are met. We are looking in the Greater Portland area and would especially like any feedback from folks with children in those areas. Any advice is much appreciated.

[forest beekeeper]

Having hundreds of individual school districts, duplicates each office person a hundred times over again, and is a huge waste of money.

Each district has curriculum advisors, and different curriculum selections.

District administrators making $80k/annum, plus assistants, plus a separate office, plus secretaries, plus ...

The move to try and consolidate all this could possibly save millions.

It is possible that, anyone anywhere within the public school systems could be moved around or their duties changed, with these changes.

It is far too early to tell.

[Unhappycamper]

The way you word it makes it seem like its possible that jobs in Maines smaller communities could lose some jobs, i.e. the people in the offices and so forth. But at the same time there is alot of money being dumped into all these smaller ones and Maine does need to save money. I don't know, as Forest also said, its too early to tell.

[Moxie]

Yes, I am sure it will be more cost effective. As a child I lived all over the country and am used to larger disticts, usually by county. I guess my fear is that we'll pick a great area and then the merger will change things dramatically and in the confusion the children might suffer. Would it be safer to try to pick an area that already has 2500 students?

[paganmac]

Special Education in Maine is very challenging right now. The Department of Education recently made proposals to the Special Ed Regulations that are deplorable. Thankfully, there is a strong network of parents of exceptional children that united and made our thoughts known to the Legislature. LD 1900 was modified, but we are still in danger. Maine is attempting to balance the budget by cutting services for children. There are better school districts- Scarborough, Kennebunk, Gorham and certain areas of Portland; Lyseth School and Aucocisco are wonderful! However, you will need to educate yourself on IDEA and 504 in order to navigate your child through school. Does your son have a diagnosis? If he does- contact an organization, there are many, and ask for their recommendations. My little guy was diagnosed with Asperger's and I have received invaluable assistance from Maine Parent Federation and Autism Society of Maine as well as many other organizations.

[wingman580]

I am the father of four children from 3yrs to 14yrs old, and have a child diagnosed with Aspergers Disorder a highly unkown quantity to many educators, social workers, and pediatricians. With this being the case and my desire to relocate to the State of Maine as I have been told by experts in this field that the ocean, lakes, woodland, or serenity of this area will be extremely beneficial to my child's condition. I am concerned about the State's ability to deal with children of special needs and not turn them into a legal affair to follow an existing IEP, etc.
I am looking to move to Whiting, East Machias, Pembroke or areas within a fifty mile radius from Calais as I would need to commute there.
If there is any specic info regarding childrens needs, education, and how the State copes with these factors I would be most gratefull! I hope to be living in ME by this Sept. 07' or Christmast at the latest barring any unforseen problem.

[MRVphotog]

I have one child left in Greely HS, serves Cumberland and North Yarmouth. There is talk about combining Yarmouth, Falmouth and Greely school districts. As others have mentioned they are in the talking stage right now, it looks great on paper but it's alot easier said than done.

I suggest calling some district offices, they should have the latest info.

[wingman580]

I Have Spoken To Many Administrators Throughout The State Of Maine All With The Same Party Line About How Great There Schools Are I Have Even Spoken With Teachers.i Would Like A Parents Perspective. Wingman580

[wingman580]

Please Send Info.wingman580

[wingman580]

Thank You dearly paganmac!
I have 4 children and the oldest 13 does have a thorough diagnosis and IEP for Special ed, that I have gone through hell to obtain. The schools here are a deciding factor in my coming move to Maine. I wrote in another post a lengthy opinion about the consolidation of Maine Schools and the impact that will have on the most vulnerable of our citizens right to a basic education.Our children who are the future of any State and our Nation have the right to a quality Education, this was the goal of our founding fathers. Anyone with any education at all knows that the only way out of poverty or off of Government assistance is through the empowerment of knowledge that can only be obtained through qualified individuals who care deeply about this value and are willing to go the extra mile to get their student(s) there!
I am grateful to all who are willing to share any idea, experience, or involvement with the public schools in their community as I have an idea about where I want to live (Washington, Hancock, or Knox County) I am open to all suggestions and willing to go where best suits children's needs. If that meant traveling to the Outer Banks of Australia that is where I would be headed.
Maine and it's citizens have so much to offer children, adults, and seniors, it truly is a paradise on earth, especially when juxtaposed to the plights of urban living no matter how much financial insular protection one has, or lack there of. I realize I am "from away" and want to bring a positive energy with my family to not impede or affront anyones way of life as it exists. So I am asking for any ideas to assist in my relocation as it rooted in keeping the fundamental values of Family, and the bygone small town Americana that I grew up with. It seems that certain values are not held close to the heart, in these days of Political Correctness, lack of leadership, and responsibility for ones actions, this I have found still exists to a large degree as one gets away from cities and the anonymity of living en mass. The small towns, villages, and areas in Maine, are truly a delightful departure back to the "Glory Days" America offered after the war when men and women acted as such. Where God, Country, and family were held dear not some far off ideal or passing fad.