Education Commissioner Susan Gendron didn’t get it when voters rejected the proposed plan for RSU-7. I believe it was because the plan was terrible, not lack of foresight to move forward in a more efficient way.

The commissioner should look at this failed state-approved plan and consider the agenda one would expect to see in a plan of this magnitude. The plan does little to answer questions anyone would need to know to make an informed decision. Who’s in charge? Where will the startup funding come from? Are qualified people identified to implement and coordinate learning programs, communications, purchasing equipment such as computers, bus and building maintenance, and so on? Is one school board going to represent each of the involved towns? Will it be one town, one vote, when it comes to maintaining properties and school locations?

To incorporate and form an RSU that covers a geographic area this large with 27 different towns, we need to know upfront that we all have a voice, and that the change will benefit our community.

The plan we voted on was a stab in the dark at improving the current program. People of northern Maine I meet are always committed to quality education that makes the most economic sense. But we must be heard and the plan will pass when it’s right.

David Robinson

Sherman