Think outside the box

The article, “Something old, something new,” by Ruth-Ellen Cohen about Jeff Wheeler (BDN, Jan. 21), should be mandatory reading for all school systems in Maine. [Wheeler is the Hermon school system technology coordinator who modifies out-of-date computers for use in the classroom.] It is enlightening to see someone who thinks outside the box to provide education resources while saving taxpayer dollars. It is so rare today that perhaps Gov. Baldacci should consider Wheeler for the commissioner of education job.

Instead of spending scarce resources for laptop computers like the pet program of Gov. King, let’s let Wheeler expand his program statewide. At least let him talk to SAD 22, since their only solution to education is to spend more money. Perhaps Wheeler might suggest extending the school day instead of a multi-million dollar expansion of Hampden Academy with a new center for performing arts. Maybe he can find some way to have classes with more than 20 people to eliminate the need for expansion.

If more schools were able to think outside the box instead of increasing their budgets, they may more easily survive the state’s budget crisis.

Richard G. Peer

Hampden