I learned in the BDN weekend edition that the SAD 22 superintendent is pleased that the board of directors unanimously passed a budget on April 27 that restores almost all programs hundreds of citizens asked from them more than four months ago. I feel the press release from the superintendent did not reflect clearly the facts or process as I witnessed them.

Regarding the difficult “loss” of the high school substance abuse position, the superintendent left out important facts and introduced undocumented information. As the board of directors was considering the budget on April 27, a petition was presented to them requesting the continuation of that position signed by more than 200 SAD 22 high school students. I would not characterize as a “loss” a deliberate act of disregard for people who know better than anyone else the need for substance abuse counseling in our high school.

The superintendent’s press release failed to mention that a motion to restore the position by Arlene Nicholson (seconded by Jean Camuso) was voted against by all board members present except Nicholson, Camuso and Ann Hanlon. The audible gasp from the audience at this vote indicated their disbelief at the board’s insensitivity to this critical issue in our high school.

The superintendent’s strategy for dealing with this particular matter is to assign high school substance abuse counseling to a guidance counselor for whom a full-time position had already been defined. Wait a minute. How do you accomplish that without lowering the quality of all guidance and counseling services at our high school? And what about the needs for guidance and counseling of the additional 25 students entering our high school in September? The accountability and creditability of the superintendent and the board on this matter deserve to be challenged.

I do not believe “the bottom line” in our school funding is found in the $12.37 million, or the 4.82 total budget increase or the 2.94 local share increase. The bottom line for me is the answer to the question, “Does SAD 22 have a 1994-95 school budget reasonably calculated to provide all Hampden, Newburgh and Winterport students with appropriate educational opportunities.” I don’t expect my daughter to receive a private school education at public expense. However, I do expect SAD 22 to continue to show regard and respect for its children by providing them with opportunities and environments reasonably calculated to facilitate their learning.

Very accountable and credible sources, i.e. our children, have told us the educational environment at our high school will be seriously impaired if the delivery of substance abuse counseling services are reduced by one half-time position that will cost each taxpaying family in our school district, on average, $4.16 a year or 3 cents for each day school is in session. Don’t give me a break, board of directors; give our kids a break! I urge SAD 22 taxpayers to let their board of directors know how you feel on this critical issue. Bill Dopheide Winterport