Slow down on reform

After school redistricting there will be a referendum about school consolidation. Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron says that school redistricting will “improve academic achievement.” If redistricting leads to consolidation, then this will not be the case. School consolidation means more students per classroom. Teachers cannot do many activities in an overcrowded classroom that would enhance learning. Also, at a smaller high school, there are opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities.

With fewer districts, the state Department of Education can have a greater say in curriculum. There is little academic gain by allowing the state to control what subjects are taught. I doubt if most teachers would help devise state curriculums as, with common assessments and the Learning Results, their hard work is cast aside after a few years. Much more important than what specific classes are taught is for students to learn how to learn.

Public policy should be an open debate between those in government and the people. The school redistricting plan was introduced into the governor’s budget without open debate. The rushed process to have a redistricting plan in place raises many questions. There is a saying that everyone is for progress, but few are for change. Change is difficult to accept. It is easier to accept when final decisions are not imposed upon the population by those at the top levels of government.

I believe that Gov. Baldacci, Commissioner Gendron and members of the Maine Legislature will find this to be true. It is a lot easier to get people on board when the process does not seem closed or hurried.

Ryan Boyd

Gouldsboro