Environmental, agricultural school proposed by ’94 > Study reveals post-Loring plans by Limestone residents

LIMESTONE — Education consultants agree that development of an environmental and agricultural school with a math and science curriculum would be feasible by August 1994.

In a study, the consultants recommended creating a task force to study the formation of such a school. The school might attract potential tenants for Loring Air Force Base after its military function ends, the study stated.

The study, prepared by Patterson Associates of Presque Isle, also included a community survey that was completed in January. The survey reported that 85 percent of 888 survey respondents planned to remain in the area after the closure of Loring Air Force Base. The surveys were distributed to 2,500 residents. Results were presented to the Limestone Board of Selectmen on Wednesday by James Patterson.

According to the study, members of the task force should include local education officials, and representatives of the Maine Science and Technology Commission, the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance and university officials. Area legislators also would be invited to be participate.

The consultants recommended that Ted Sizer of Brown University, author of the “Essential School,” should visit the area to discuss his methods, according to the study. The reformed educational philosophy allows students to participate more in their own education.

The study also recommended wider public involvement in developing the curriculum during a more detailed study.

Patterson was contracted by the Northern Maine Regional Planning Commission on behalf of the Loring Readjustment Committee to complete the survey and four-month study.

The survey was designed to obtain vital information about the future plans of Limestone residents after the military facility is closed, said Patterson.

The survey reported that 72 percent of area’s working age population, ages 20 to 60, were employed. Following the closure of the base, 40 percent of the same individuals expected to be searching for work, and 40 percent expressed an interest in retraining.

The survey indicated that 32 percent of the apartments presently occupied will become vacant. Only 10 percent of the home owners would definitely leave, while an additional 22 percent remained uncertain of their plans, according to the survey.

The survey reported that 87 percent of Limestone’s residents had some type of health insurance plan. A total of 57 percent were covered through their employer, with 40 percent of those individuals expecting to lose health coverage. A total of 29 percent of those surveyed obtained some health care at Loring AFB, said Patterson.

School enrollment is expected to drop to the low 300s by the fall of 1994, Patterson said.

The survey included a detailed overview on how to market the proposed school concepts, as well as information on curriculum issues, use of local and existing resources, financial considerations, and how to build federal, state and community support.

School concepts reviewed in the study included the Essential School Coalition concept, a specialized and advanced environmental and agricultural sciences curriculum, a concentrated and intensive mathematics and science curriculum; and integration of the student residential program.

The cost to implement any of the concepts would be significant and could be funded through grants from government and private agencies, said Patterson.