Intent on this blog is for open forum for information and support to improve our schools and assist students.
2/14/14 Searsport Town Meeting for Save Our Schools copy and paste link into browser http://vimeo.com/86668446,
Impressive forecast of Searsport project programs, welding, ship building. college credits attainable in High School with state wide support from many colleges... excellent meeting. Nice work.
9/13/13- This blog has not been updated since 8/12/13. Will leave open just for information or interest in forming a committee.
I referenced corruption from my other blogs to validate corruption in with holding information by the City Attorney, Kristin Collins(per comment below) Hence the urgency for organized citizen formed committees. One spokesperson to represent each group to demand accountability, response and action. Cut out the wind and rhetoric that exhausts and tempts putting one's head through the wall.
Posted by: NOT Laurie Allen| Jun 13, 2013 15:46
Who would believe a committee that would sit in front of a town and out and out lie to everyone in the community about not being able to consider withdrawing again for two years if the towns did not meet their 50% of the last gubernatorial figure. I cannot believe an attorney would not know the statutes regarding this matter. You really expect people to trust anyone that was on the withdrawal committee again. I hardly doubt it. I feel that there should be some sort of legal ramification to all of those who misrepresented this very important information to all the towns. Shame on you for being so dishonest.
Below post also NOT Laurie Allen
Withdrawal could get second chance due to voter support
Despite failure, majority of "yes" votes allows process to restart
By Ben Holbrook | Jun 13, 2013
Students, Staff, Parents, Concerned Residents... All welcome and wanted for anonymous input to make our schools safe to educate with sense and accountability.
8/9/13 SEE COMMENTS and article below, dated 8/9 in red. Truth, facts, documentation prevail. Slugfest is for bullies. I will not participate.
POSTED BY: LAURIE LEE ALLEN | Aug 09, 2013 12:10Chip Curry echoed my exact sentiments with all school and City spending and corruption. INDEPENDENT STUDIES AND COMMITTEES. Do not be swayed or charmed by the corrupt. Masters at deception. They throw 10's of thousands for studies of bias, swaying or just downright waste. Common sense, ethics, facts, history, true un-doctored spread sheet and get out the corrupt. Good to go.
Get an elective going in the school to study the corruption of power in the Schools and City Hall. Offer as an adult program as well with community speakers. Independent study of proven failure and corruption. I have a bit of material to donate. This would be extremely interesting and enlightening. Empowering students and residents through education. Open debates, forums, access to public documents and information with held or tainted by officials. The end of here-say, beliefs, opinions, bias, intimidation, unethical practices and tactics, pitting and manipulating people against each other... It is that easy.
I can resign as the whistle blower and volunteer my time to well being for all. Please, let me do that, I am exhausted with this bully beating from white collars and their supporters.
8/9/13 4:45 pm- I just sent this request to the Regional School Unit #20 Adult Education belfast.maineadulted.org
I am the writer of www.belfastbullies.blogspot.com , www. waldokids.blogspot.com and www.belfastspeaks.blogspot.com For 2 years I have been documenting corruption from the State down to the City of Belfast and all the roadblocks. Belfast schools are failing, yet the powers remain. The answer is education. Empowering students and residents to have an open forum, debate, access to authentic and verified true public information and documents. The anger, mistrust, wasting of time and money to no end. Education, Belfast can be the model of bringing back America by the people. I am available 24/7, no charge, ready to work and inform. An elective offered to HS students would be fantastic.From google Corruption Risk in Maine - State Integrity Investigation
www.stateintegrity.org/maine
Maine gets a grade of F for corruption risk and ranks 46th out of 50 states in the State ... Maine. Corruption Risk Report Card. Rank among 50 states: 46th ...
8/8/13
America does not exist in Belfast. City Hall and Council have been trying to silence me for 2 years as I expose their corruption. Open to the public forums on FB blocked me for questioning ethics. One was Our Town Belfast - when I exposed the block and deleting I was reinstated. On FB Friends and Supporters of Belfast Area Schools I was under personal attacks by Courtney Sanders and Charles Hamm. After I asked how voting no on the budget accomplished anything, I was blocked from further posting. City Council Eric Sanders wife, Courtney and Belfast Area High School staff/teacher, Charles Hamm were not professional or ethical, and used bullying tactics. I made it public @ Republican Journal and www.waldokids.blogspot.com. Here is a member telling me I'm NOT restricted. Oh yes I am. I can view but I can't post or comment. These "pillars" in the community destroy democracy.I am the writer of www.belfastbullies.blogspot.com , www. waldokids.blogspot.com and www.belfastspeaks.blogspot.com For 2 years I have been documenting corruption from the State down to the City of Belfast and all the roadblocks. Belfast schools are failing, yet the powers remain. The answer is education. Empowering students and residents to have an open forum, debate, access to authentic and verified true public information and documents. The anger, mistrust, wasting of time and money to no end. Education, Belfast can be the model of bringing back America by the people. I am available 24/7, no charge, ready to work and inform. An elective offered to HS students would be fantastic.From google Corruption Risk in Maine - State Integrity Investigation
www.stateintegrity.org/maine
Maine gets a grade of F for corruption risk and ranks 46th out of 50 states in the State ... Maine. Corruption Risk Report Card. Rank among 50 states: 46th ...
8/8/13
Kerri Vacher 7:16pm Jul 30This is a facebook page for supporters of Belfast Area Schools. Those who choose to be involved believe in this cause and are doing their individual best to educate our children. If you would like to speak your reasons for voting yes on the budget and feel that that is best for the students- please feel free. I am always open to other views. Just because others don't share your opinion does not make this an unbiased facebook page. You are not restricted from being on here and voicing your opinion esp if you have ideas that will help to support our students. It is the common opinion of "Friends and Supporters of Belfast Area Schools" that the students deserve better. You are free to create your own forums, present your own agendas and campaign your own ideas and gather support on a page such as "Supporters of the taxpayer in the Belfast Area". I am afraid that if you are looking to get support from the members of this page, that you may be looking in the wrong place. Just my 2 cents...no disrespect intended to anyone.
8/8/13
Wayne Corey cuts to the quick again. 30% less students = 30% less teachers, 45k art teacher gone in voting. ff 4 minutes for Wayne's math and dry humor- a man with merit and 9 kids.
8/6/13 City Council Meeting
http://www.amara.org/en/videos/DPEXpOlGt5e3/info/
_________________________________________________________________________________
Angry comments by Courtney Sanders are biased and inappropriate. Her husband, Eric Sanders serves on the corrupt Belfast City Council and Eric can be seen right here, smiling, disengaged as I plead for the City to stop drowning us and destroying our property. As I am speaking, the camera shows Eric grinning ear to ear. Absolutely disrespectful to me and everyone. Bully power is spreading to spouses and where do kids learn to bully? Their parents. Proof here in this meeting and for over 20 more meetings I have attended since coming out.
2.
Caitlin HillsAngry comments by Courtney Sanders are biased and inappropriate. Her husband, Eric Sanders serves on the corrupt Belfast City Council and Eric can be seen right here, smiling, disengaged as I plead for the City to stop drowning us and destroying our property. As I am speaking, the camera shows Eric grinning ear to ear. Absolutely disrespectful to me and everyone. Bully power is spreading to spouses and where do kids learn to bully? Their parents. Proof here in this meeting and for over 20 more meetings I have attended since coming out.
11/1/11 First Meeting After 7 months of Lies/Withholding Public Documents/Tossing Me Around like a Pack of Cigarettes...sucking the life out of me
http://vimeo.com/31506248 11/1/11 City Hall Meeting- fast forward 20minutes, 44 seconds, hard to hit that though, seems to jump from 20minutes to after my speech is done. May have to begin listening at 19 minutes, but don't ff- it will skip to end again. You can back it up too. I give almost 15 minutes of choking testimony.Council Eric Sanders caught scary grinning ear to ear. After my wrenching public plea to stop flooding us 52 minutes into meeting City Manager Joe Slocum tries to deflect from missing map and discredit me, that was only the beginning of the missing documents that Wayne must have hid when you hear him give the history of the development56 minutes into meeting. When questioned by Council, Mike Hurley as to what is Belfast's Storm Water Ordinance, Wayne Marshall, City Planner and torturer of my life, states it directs to send storm water to nearest PUBLIC waterway- streams. I have requested this ordinance since and he fails to produce it... he must be lying and Seaview Terrace is NOT a public waterway, the City has no right aways or easements...THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!Then Mike Hurley says this storm water flooding is Council's problem but then they vote to take no action in the 1/3/12 Meeting where they brought in the City Attorney who had more public documents with held from me specific to my property. When I tried to question him he ran away and Council closed the discussion.
8/9/13 SEE COMMENTS Truth, facts, documentation prevail. Slugfest is for bullies.RSU 20 budgetBoard chairman: 'We don't know which way to go'
By Tanya Mitchell | Aug 08, 2013
Source: File image
BELFAST — After the proposed Regional School Unit budget failed for the second time last week, the RSU 20 board chairman said directors are seeking feedback from voters in the eight towns in terms of what residents want to see in a third budget recommendation.
Board chairman Tony Bagley told The Republican Journal Tuesday, Aug. 6, since the proposed $33.4 million budget failed in all eight towns during the vote Tuesday, July 30, Director Valerie Mank of Searsmont has posted a survey for RSU 20 voters atsurevymonkey.com. Through the results of that survey, which allow a space for participants to specify why they either do or do not support that budget proposal, Bagley said the board hopes to get an idea of what kind of budget proposal voters will support.
“We don't know which way to go,” said Bagley.
The budget package the board proposed in May totaled $33.5 million, but by the end of the four-hour budget validation meeting at Troy Howard Middle School, residents restored about half of the $1.7 million worth of cuts the directors proposed. The restored funds totaled $856,010.
In the latest budget pitch, the board came back to residents during a validation meeting July 22 with a proposed $33.8 million budget that was reduced by residents by $363,563 to a final figure of $33,459,979.
Voters in all eight towns rejected both proposals at the polls, and Bagley said the board is now reaching out to voters who do not or cannot attend meetings and have not directly expressed their feelings about why they chose to either approve or reject the latest budget package.
Bagley said RSU 20 is not the only district facing that pull between those who are willing to fund education at any cost and those who are struggling to pay their property taxes.
“It's happening all over the place,” said Bagley.
But Bagley said he has been talking to residents about the increasing difficulties the district is facing to make ends meet for the last four years, particularly given the down turn in state and federal subsidies and increases in insurance costs.
“We've got to start with little steps,” said Bagley.
He noted neighboring districts like RSU 3, Rockland-based RSU 13 and the Bangor School Department have all made small cuts in recent years to soften the blow for the taxpayers.
“Here, it's the status-quo,” he said. “... It's caught up with us; something has got to give.”
Bagley said spending more money on education is not the answer, either.
“Just throwing money at it isn't going to make education better,” he said. “With a $34 million budget, it shouldn't be an issue, we should have everything we need. We've got to somehow draw the line.”
Bagley said he recognizes that residents in the district value various aspects of education differently — some may feel the district would do a disservice without art programs at all levels, while others feel strongly about keeping a second secretary in two Belfast area schools — and it's up to the board to create a budget that will be palatable to most voters.
“There's got to be a happy medium,” Bagley said.
But Bagley said it will be a challenge, in part due to that diversity, and also because Waldo County is the second poorest county in the state. At the last Finance Committee meeting, Bagley said the board learned every town was behind on its school payments by at least a month, and one town was behind three months.
At budget meetings, some residents have advocated for spending the money on staff and programs because it is cheaper in the long run to provide our children with a great education, but Bagley said that school of thought has led to another problem for the district — decreasing enrollments.
“That's one of the reasons that student population is dwindling. People can't afford to move here with families,” he said.
Belfast, Searsport and Stockton Springs are seeing a steady decline in families with children, while towns like Waldo, Brooks, Searsmont and Morrill are seeing increases in school aged children. Families living in the RSU sometimes move to outlying towns within the district, but sometimes they move into towns situated in a neighboring district, meaning less state subsidy for RSU 20.
If the budget fails at the polls for a third time, Bagley said the board will again return to the drawing board. That scenario will play out again and again until voters pass a budget at the polls.
And with each vote coming with a price tag of about $15,000, Bagley said the cost of the last two referendums could have paid for a position within the district.
“It's taking money away from the students,” said Bagley.
Until voters do pass a budget at the polls, Bagley said the district must operate under the package voters passed at the conclusion of the last budget validation meeting on July 22. That budget impacted rt programs, the resource officer at Belfast Area High School and stipends for middle school extracurricular activities, according to previously published reports.
If voters do not finalize a new budget prior to the start of school, Bagley said that might pose a whole new set of challenges. If the new budget funds positions or programs that were excluded from the previous budget, Bagley said the district may be faced with trying to hire back staff that may have already found other positions.
And given the lengthy budget process that has had residents considering various staff cuts, it has been an emotional roller coaster for those staff members whose positions have been on and off the chopping block this summer.
And the towns are in a tough position now too, Bagley said, because they are waiting on the RSU to put out their final tax assessments.
“There's a lot more to it than a position here and a position there,” he said. “There's a lot more at stake.”
POSTED BY: LAURIE LEE ALLEN | Aug 09, 2013 10:32
True to form, smokescreen deflection, Hurley's forte'.
Next ... good ole boy Harold ready to take another slug at me?
Stop Disgracing Belfast through Slugfest. Bullies be gone.
If RSU 20 cannot figure out how to combine the sports teams of SAD 56 and SAD 34 (and they can't) ...what can they figure out? They had a chance to consolidate and they failed to do it.
1. Recusalor torecuseoneself means to remove oneself from participation in a decision so as avoid a conflict of interest.
- Misfeasance is to take inappropriate action or give intentionally incorrect advice
- Nonfeasance is to ignore and take no indicated action - neglect.
- Malfeasance is hostile, aggressive action taken to injure the client's interests.
Don't forget to vote tomorrow! Belfast residents who usually vote at City Hall need to go to the Boathouse tomorrow instead. Polls are open 8AM-8PM, all towns.
Charles Hamm commented on Courtney Miller Sanders's post in Friends and Supporters of Belfast Area Schools.
Comment History
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Withdrawal could get second chance due to voter supportDespite failure, majority of "yes" votes allows process to restart
By Ben Holbrook | Jun 13, 2013
Posted by: I removed the name to protect poster's privace| Jun 13, 2013 15:46
Who would believe a committee that would sit in front of a town and out and out lie to everyone in the community about not being able to consider withdrawing again for two years if the towns did not meet their 50% of the last gubernatorial figure. I cannot believe an attorney would not know the statutes regarding this matter. You really expect people to trust anyone that was on the withdrawal committee again. I hardly doubt it. I feel that there should be some sort of legal ramification to all of those who misrepresented this very important information to all the towns. Shame on you for being so dishonest.
I'm sorry that Eric Sanders was offended by Superintendent Carpenter's remarks but, if they weren't true, then just what was Eric Sanders' reasoning when he, Eric Sanders, as a member of the Withdrawal Committee for the City of Belfast, stood up at the Budget Meeting on May 30th and made the motion to ADD $500,000 back into the budget - a motion that was approved by those present. How do you spell disingenuous? I spell it Eric Sanders!
3. Eric Sanders role in the withdraw committee was tainted from the start by his statement upon joining that he does not have a dog in the race because his children are not in the RSU. Now, we are finding out that indeed he did have a dog in the race. It was not appropriate to be on the with draw with this non-disclosure. Add in the above and it is clearly unethical behavior...again.
4. Courtney Sanders and Charles Hamm, a BAHS Arts Staff/Teacher swaying the public to vote no on the budget that may slash arts is in conflict on many levels. My questioning motives is relevant. I do not know Courtney Sanders and have no malice towards her and the same with Charles Hamm. They do not reciprocate or respect rights. It is my duty to prove bias in this mess.
5.Corruption is proven through out the schools and City Hall. Corruption is costly and directly related to the mil.
6.State facts and numbers. Beliefs and opinions are inadmissible. Bullies resort to personal attacks to attempt diversion.Re- Read who is getting attacked for exposing bullies and corruption. more @ www.belfastbullies.blogspot.com www.belfastspeaks.blogspot.com www.waldokids.blogspot.com
7. Bruce Mailloux, Christopher Hyk, Wayne Corey, Terri Vacher and Chip Curry possess integrity. I have proved myself over and over and stand by my research of facts and documentation.
8. The corrupt have exposed themselves, get rid of them. Clean house top to bottom, focus on facts, numbers, and those responsible for the disgusting D rating. Individuals would be fired at any other job. Hold all to that standard.
Who would believe a committee that would sit in front of a town and out and out lie to everyone in the community about not being able to consider withdrawing again for two years if the towns did not meet their 50% of the last gubernatorial figure. I cannot believe an attorney would not know the statutes regarding this matter. You really expect people to trust anyone that was on the withdrawal committee again. I hardly doubt it. I feel that there should be some sort of legal ramification to all of those who misrepresented this very important information to all the towns. Shame on you for being so dishonest.
I'm sorry that Eric Sanders was offended by Superintendent Carpenter's remarks but, if they weren't true, then just what was Eric Sanders' reasoning when he, Eric Sanders, as a member of the Withdrawal Committee for the City of Belfast, stood up at the Budget Meeting on May 30th and made the motion to ADD $500,000 back into the budget - a motion that was approved by those present. How do you spell disingenuous? I spell it Eric Sanders!
3. Eric Sanders role in the withdraw committee was tainted from the start by his statement upon joining that he does not have a dog in the race because his children are not in the RSU. Now, we are finding out that indeed he did have a dog in the race. It was not appropriate to be on the with draw with this non-disclosure. Add in the above and it is clearly unethical behavior...again.
4. Courtney Sanders and Charles Hamm, a BAHS Arts Staff/Teacher swaying the public to vote no on the budget that may slash arts is in conflict on many levels. My questioning motives is relevant. I do not know Courtney Sanders and have no malice towards her and the same with Charles Hamm. They do not reciprocate or respect rights. It is my duty to prove bias in this mess.
5.Corruption is proven through out the schools and City Hall. Corruption is costly and directly related to the mil.
6.State facts and numbers. Beliefs and opinions are inadmissible. Bullies resort to personal attacks to attempt diversion.Re- Read who is getting attacked for exposing bullies and corruption. more @ www.belfastbullies.blogspot.com www.belfastspeaks.blogspot.com www.waldokids.blogspot.com
7. Bruce Mailloux, Christopher Hyk, Wayne Corey, Terri Vacher and Chip Curry possess integrity. I have proved myself over and over and stand by my research of facts and documentation.
8. The corrupt have exposed themselves, get rid of them. Clean house top to bottom, focus on facts, numbers, and those responsible for the disgusting D rating. Individuals would be fired at any other job. Hold all to that standard.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Voters reject proposed $33.45 million RSU 20 budget
By Ben Holbrook | Jul 30, 2013
Source: File Image
Residents in all eight Regional School Unit 20 towns have rejected the proposed $33.45 million budget.
The vote was the second effort by the school board to pass a budget for the district. During a June 11 referendum vote on a $34.4 million budget, residents in all eight towns rejected the proposal by a significant margin.
School board members came back to residents during a validation meeting Monday, July 22, with a proposed $33.8 million budget that was reduced by residents by $363,563 to a final figure of $33,459,979.
The cuts impact art programs, the resource officer at Belfast Area High School and stipends for Belfast middle school extracurricular activities, according to previously published reports.
Belfast voted 125 in favor to 397 against; Belmont voted 17 in favor to 48 against; Morrill voted 22 in favor to 77 against; Northport voted 65 in favor to 79 against; Searsmont voted 24 in favor to 101 against; Searsport voted 49 in favor to 93 against; Stockton Springs voted 90 in favor to 125 against; and Swanville voted 25 in favor to 45 against.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at bholbrook@courierpublicationsllc.com.
Belmont, Northport submit petitions to restart withdrawal process
By Ben Holbrook | Jul 30, 2013
As Belfast moves ahead with restarting its withdrawal procedures, a handful of other Regional School Unit 20 towns are also submitting petitions to consider leaving the district.
Officials in Belmont, Northport and Searsmont confirmed Wednesday, July 24, that petitions had been submitted. Belmont officials have scheduled a vote to be held Aug. 20.
Northport Town Clerk Jeanine Tucker said the town received enough petitions with valid signatures to schedule a vote. She said selectmen will discuss when to set the date of the vote during their regularly scheduled Aug. 5 meeting.
Searsmont Town Clerk Kathy Hoey said one petition has been submitted so far. She said petitioners must gather 60 valid signatures — 10 percent of the registered voters who cast a ballot in the 2010 gubernatorial election — before selectmen set a date to hold a vote on whether residents wish to pursue the withdrawal effort.
No petitions have been filed in Swanville and officials have not heard if any are circulating in the community as of Thursday, July 25. Morrill officials said petitions have been filed with the town, but the signatures have not yet been validated.
Belfast residents will vote Tuesday, Aug. 20, on whether they want to pursue withdrawal from RSU 20.
During a referendum vote June 11, only Searsmont and Morrill were able to pass the measure. Belfast, Belmont, Northport and Swanville failed to pass withdrawal due to a state law requiring at least 50 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the previous gubernatorial election cast a vote either for or against withdrawal.
Despite that failure, the process to pursue withdrawal was able to restart quickly because of a provision that stated if more than 60 percent of the ballots cast were “yes” votes then the process could begin again immediately without having to wait a minimum of two years.
Legislation was introduced to eliminate the 50 percent voter turnout requirement; however, the bill was recommitted to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee by the Senate on July 9.
A simple majority is required to pass or reject the ballot question asking if residents want to pursue withdrawal. In addition, the ballot must contain specific language asking how much money residents will authorize be spent on legal and other costs associated with withdrawal efforts.
Following a vote in the affirmative, a withdrawal committee must be formed and include a member of the petitioner's group, a municipal officer, a member of the RSU 20 school board and a person from the general public.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at bholbrook@courierpublicationsllc.com.
Residents focus on benefits, costs of withdrawal during public hearing
Terms of plan remain unchanged after hearing
By Ben Holbrook | May 07, 2013
BELFAST — Residents attending a public hearing to discuss the terms of the withdrawal agreement between Regional School Unit (RSU) 20 and the six towns seeking to leave were more concerned with costs and educational benefits than the plan, according to the chair of the School Board.
The public hearing held at Belfast Area High School Monday, May 6, gave residents the chance to ask questions about the terms of the withdrawal agreement and suggest any possible changes. Tony Bagley, chairman of the RSU 20 Board, said no changes were made to the withdrawal agreement plan as a result of the public hearing.
However, he noted that the majority of the residents in attendance were more concerned with the cost of withdrawing and what the educational benefits to students would be.
He said of the 50 or 60 residents in attendance, a few did speak in favor of the process, but the majority asked questions that are not answered within the agreement. He explained that if anyone had suggested a change to the terms of the agreement, the plan would have gone back to the withdrawal committees before being resubmitted to Jim Rier, deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, for approval.
“I was surprised at the lack of support [for withdrawal] at the meeting,” Bagley said.
Although the meeting was intended to focus on the plan, Bagley said, when the School Board held a similar public hearing regarding Frankfort's withdrawal agreement plan, people also questioned the costs and educational benefits and were less concerned with the terms of the plan.
Eric Sanders, chairman of the Belfast withdrawal committee, said he wasn't surprised that questions were directed at the cost savings and educational benefits versus the actual plan. He continued by noting the plan deals more with "physical things, like buses and buildings," whereas residents are more interested in how their taxes will be impacted.
"We're very proud of the work we've done and we stand by it," Sanders said. "All is proceeding at the correct pace and we're thrilled it's going to the voters."
He added that the committees would work to provide answers to questions from residents to the best of their ability.
Steve Hutchings, vice chairman of the Belfast committee, was also pleased that the plan did not receive any changes. In email to The Republican Journal, Hutchings said he believed people who favor withdrawal need to "get the word out" before he referenced a quote from a school board meeting when a comment was made regarding consolidating schools.
He explained that his fear, and many others, according to his email, is that the RSU 20 will be forced combine schools.
"This [ school consolidation] was addressed by a number of people as a real fear. Most of us believe that it is a near certainty if we do not withdraw. Five years ago
BAHS had a population of 650; next year we expect it to be 520. Searsport's
would be about 160," Hutchings wrote.
BAHS had a population of 650; next year we expect it to be 520. Searsport's
would be about 160," Hutchings wrote.
He continued his comment by stating that he believed combining schools would create an issue in the schools.
"It would truly be a mess with 160 kids that didn't want to be here greeted by 520 kids that don't want them here," he wrote.
Seasmont committee Chairman Chuck Hamm said in an email to The Republican Journal that he feels the meetings are "getting sidetracked at times, as far as I am concerned."
He went on to acknowledge that, while the issue of money is important, he feels potential savings have been identified.
"To dispute the exact number of the savings is one thing, as it seems to be a moving target. To dispute that there is savings is implying some wrongdoing and displays an utter lack of understanding of the budget process and is simply unprofessional," Hamm said in his email.
The terms of the withdrawal agreement between RSU 20 and the six towns seeking to leave — Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Northport, Searsmont and Swanville — require that all of the towns vote on withdrawing, and then vote to re-form as a new district.
In addition to the requirement that all towns pass their withdrawal questions, the agreement also addresses payment of the RSU 20 superintendent’s contract and building renovation costs.
If RSU 20 votes to extend or renew the contract for the superintendent prior to withdrawal's taking effect, the new RSU will pay its share of the contract until June 30, 2015.
The agreement also requires the new district to pay RSU 20 $35,066 for its share of the new roof for the Sweetser building. The new district will also pay an itemized amount up to $50,000 for costs related to establishing a new RSU 20 central office.
Per the agreement, students who are currently enrolled in an RSU 20 school will have the option to continue attending the same school for one year after withdrawal takes effect July 1, 2014.
Belfast Attorney Kristin Collins, who is representing the city's withdrawal committee, confirmed the state has approved the withdrawal agreement and gave the green light to a June 11 vote.
Each of the six towns seeking to withdraw from RSU 20 will hold a public hearing prior to the June 11 referendum vote.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at bholbrook@courierpublicationsllc.com.
Comments (5)
Well said, Mr. Lavender.
I find Mr. Hutchings remark about the kids from Searsport and the Kids from Belfast to be extremely chilling. I lived through school desegregation in the sixties as a high school student, and I can tell you that it was definitely the adults who had the problems, NOT the kids. That this notion is bobbing around and would be openly expressed by a community leader is disappointing at best. It is hateful, exclusionary, and does nothing to advance educational excellence for any student.
POSTED BY: LAURIE LEE ALLEN | Jul 25, 2013 09:44
Waste of time, talk and the almighty dollar. Teachers of excellence commit to the students.
Rare Footage of Helen Keller Speaking Video | Smithsonian Magazine
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www.smithsonianmag.com/.../rare-footage-of-helen-ke...
May 17, 2013
Rare Footage of Helen Keller Speaking. Working with her instructor, the American author and political activist ...
www.smithsonianmag.com/.../rare-footage-of-helen-ke...
May 17, 2013
Rare Footage of Helen Keller Speaking. Working with her instructor, the American author and political activist ...7/25/13
Belfast withdrawal vote to be held in August
By Ben Holbrook | Jul 24, 2013
BELFAST — Councilors set a date in mid August to hold a vote asking residents if they wish to pursue withdrawal from Regional School Unit 20, after hearing comments from a representative of a group opposed to the measure.
Proponents of withdrawing from RSU 20 were able to gather 318 valid signatures — 306 were required — to hold the election. The election is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Aug. 20.
Before councilors decided on a date for the election, Belfast resident Chip Curry, speaking on behalf of a group of people opposed to withdrawing, spoke out against the effort. Curry said that while the group is against withdrawing, they are also unhappy with the “status quo” of RSU 20.
For that reason, the group is looking at ways to strengthen the district, Curry said. In addition, Curry asked that councilors not use public money to support the withdrawal effort. By law, the vote asking residents whether they wish to pursue withdrawal must also contain language specifying how much money will be allocated to pay for legal and other costs related to the effort.
Curry also called on councilors to support an independent analysis that would detail the financial impact of withdrawal on the city. The analysis could also look at how withdrawing would impact the education of the students, the impact to other towns and on future economic development in the city.
While Curry spoke against withdrawal, Belfast resident Wayne Corey encouraged the city to pursue the effort. He suggested that Belfast should withdraw on its own from RSU 20 and then invite the other towns to join its district in the future.
An attempt by Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Northport, Searsmont and Swanville to withdraw from RSU 20 failed during a June 11 referendum after four of the six towns failed to meet a 50 percent voter turnout threshold, as required by state law.
Emergency legislation to eliminate the 50 percent voter turnout requirement was introduced in the legislature, but was not enacted during the most recent legislative session. According to the Maine Legislature website, the Senate recommitted the bill and accompanying papers to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on July 9.
Councilors set the date for the vote to determine if residents wish to pursue withdrawal for Tuesday, Aug. 20. A simple majority is required to pass or defeat the effort. If successful, the next step in the process is to form a withdrawal committee.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at bholbrook@courierpublicationsllc.com.
City, residents question RSU 20 budget
By Ben Holbrook | Jul 23, 2013
BELFAST — The Regional School Unit 20 Superintendent updated residents and councilors on the proposed $33.8 million district budget, while concerns were aired about further burdening taxpayers with more spending Tuesday, July 16.
Superintendent Brian Carpenter explained that the proposed budget represents a 5 percent decrease from the $34.3 million budget that was rejected by all eight towns in the district during a June referendum vote. However, the newest budget proposed by directors is $300,000 more than the original budget of $33.5 million that went before residents during a public hearing at the end of May.
The fact that the Board of Directors came back with a budget higher than what they asked for initially, frustrated some residents who were concerned about the impact on property tax payers.
Belfast resident Christopher Hyk said he has the impression that the school board has shown an “astonishing” lack of regard for taxpayers. He continued by stating there were redundancies in the district and asked why a proposal to combine Belfast Area High School and Searsport High School has not been considered as a way to save money.
Walter Corey, also of Belfast, was equally frustrated, asking why the school board would bring back a higher budget despite the overwhelming rejection of their first proposal.
“What don't I get?” Corey asked of the budget proposal. “Am I this dumb?”
Because the ballot question asks residents only if they wish to accept or reject the budget, Corey said there needs to be additional language that allows voters to indicate whether they are approving or rejecting the budget because it is either too high or too low.
Carpenter acknowledged that the increased cost of operating the schools is putting the pinch on taxpayers, but he also pointed out that some of the costs in the budget cannot be controlled by the district. For instance, he explained that the district's health insurance costs rose 13 percent and insurance on the buildings increased 16 percent — despite Frankfort withdrawing from RSU 20 and leaving the district with one less building.
He also noted that despite recently receiving about $449,000 in additional state subsidy, the district still has not received as much money as it has in the past.
Councilors questioned Carpenter as to why the district hasn't considered further consolidation, such as with combining the Searsport and Belfast athletic teams. Carpenter said combining the two high school populations could result in the district having to compete in a higher class. Such a move could mean that the teams — he used football as an example — would be less competitive, which he said wouldn't be fair to players, coaches or fans.
Councilor Nancy Hamilton responded by asking Carpenter how it's fair to continue burdening taxpayers with increased spending.
Other questions asked of Carpenter were whether the school resource officer position was included in the budget, which it is, and what he thought of the state's “D” ranking for Belfast Area High School. Carpenter said he was not surprised and, in fact, school officials expected the low grade because of what he described as a pattern of “stagnant” test scores over the past few years.
He continued by explaining that the grade assigned to Belfast Area High School shows that students do not take standardized tests seriously. He then said that the report card failed to take into account other things that are taking place in the schools.
Residents decreased the proposed budget to $33.45 million during a public hearing Monday, July 22. The budget will next go to a referendum vote scheduled for Tuesday, July 30.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at bholbrook@courierpublicationsllc.com.
Comments (12)
I live in the "Golden Triangle" a gentrified part of Belfast. And at least a half dozen more school employees live nearby. Our blocks gentrified, and our valuations soared. Probably a good time to move to Belmont, but we chose to stay and pay. Thus any salary increase I might get goes directly to.my property tax increase. That's the life an educator adjusts to. But I'm not moving and I'm not retiring until my pension can cover my insurance and properly tax. Looks like I'll be taken out on a guerney (no shame in that!).
I do! Â I bought my home in 1979. Â My family--and my husband's family--have lived here for several generations. Â I have been an educator since 1977Â ( and as a 3-year teacher, my income was low enough to qualify for a FHA mortgage). I bought a modest house on Bayview Street. Â My property tax was $400.00. Â Last year (with very few improvements beyond maintenance) we paid $3,000.00. Â And it's surely not going to drop in my lifetime. Â I have had no children other than the several thousand I have had the honor to serve as an English teacher and librarian. Â Not asking for sainthood here, but do feel the need to throw this out to those who question where teachers live and to which municipality they pay taxes and how much. I have served my community in tax revenue, contributing to the local economy, and good, hard work in the classroom and in the school libraries. Â I have never taken more than I earned and never expected affluence or unanimous public support or respect. Â The reward is in the pride I get to share with my students who achieve success. Â This also makes my property tax bill more palatable.
Hey Jeff,
I recognize your great efforts also and appreciate your sparking us to self-evaluate and defend what we do. And I have enjoyed our discourse!
Roxanna
I see that you do not, Roxanna. We expect no less than the highest amount of dedication from our educators. And I am proud of you. Further, "Dear Mr. Jeff Davis" is completely unnecessary. I ain't nobody. "Hey Jeff" will do.
Dear Mr. Jeff Davis:
I do not take the retained library ed tech positions lightly. I have tried very hard to convince the BOD and the RSU 20 school community of their importance--because I know it to be true. And I am agonized by public speaking. Thanks for the geographic lesson: I do know the river and the bay and refer to our RSU in more facile terms.
Roxanna Kelley Morse
FYI: We both got Ds. In which case, we must definitely challenge the authenticity of the assessment. Yes, student investment is a factor: But do we "teach to the test"? This does not align with standards-based or Pathways curricula.
Although I certainly agree that you are worthy, I do not consider you an adversary. We were simply at cross purposes. You say that you seek to save the children of the union from a plagiarizing Superintendent. I seek to save our town's most vulnerable citizens from a ever-growing and local-service-sapping school budget.
Your "team made the cut," but other needs in those schools are not going to be met this year. That saddens me. However, there are needs in Stockton Springs that will not be met this year, nor in the years to come, if we don't stop paying 75% of our real property tax to RSU 20.
Step one in solving the problem lies in voting yes on the currently proposed 2013 budget. Both "sides of the river" (Which is annoying as that river is not the boundary. Halfway Creek is.) need to put the budget to bed and get ready for the school year.
Dear Mr. Jeff Davis:
At last, we agree! If this isn't hope for the greater good...
Your worthy adversary,
Roxanna K. Morse
I went to school in Gwinnett County, Georgia in a time when it was the fastest growing county in the United States. Factories in the north were closing down and companies were coming to the south for cheap labor. I lived in Doraville and went to school in Norcross. Go Blue!
When I came to Maine in 1979, I was amazed by the local schools. I raised four children, educated by MSAD 56, who are all now successful parents in there own right.
When we regionalize our districts, under the pretense of cutting down on administrative cost, we gave up our small town schools. To lament their loss now is foolish.
The current problem in RSU 20 is financial. We cannot afford the schools we need. That is why we consolidated and it has not worked like it was planned. Although no system is perfect, the quality of education our educators provide has never been the issue. One of our sons is a Landscape Architect for the Sewell Company in Old Town. He went to Searsport.
We are not going to find a solution to a financial problem by seeking a villain.
We have to seek a compromise. Vote Yes on the RSU 20 budget in your town on July 30.
RSU 20
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Ames Elementary School
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A
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RSU 20
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Belfast Area High School
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D
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RSU 20
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Captain Albert W. Stevens School
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D
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RSU 20
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East Belfast School
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C
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RSU 20
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Edna Drinkwater School
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B
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RSU 20
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Frankfort Elementary School
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F
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RSU 20
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Kermit S Nickerson School
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C
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RSU 20
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Searsport District High School
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D
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RSU 20
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Searsport District Middle School
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C
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RSU 20
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Searsport Elementary
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B
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RSU 20
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Troy A Howard Middle School
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C
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Here are the grades for RSU20 as copied from the Maine DOE website. As you can see Searsport got the same D grade that Belfast received. I believe it's disingenuous to say that the poor grades really don't mean much but then brag about the few schools that seemed to do very well.
I am wondering if Belfast Area High School received a poor rating, how did Searsport High School do on their rating? Are we examining carefully what each of the two schools contributes in terms of strengths? Are we analyzing those test scores to look at trends and what can be learned from those data? Have we examined instructional practices to do our best implementing what the education field knows from research to be effective practices? Have we examined the school cultures to determine if we are showing commitment and determination for every student to succeed?
It is true that a standardized test cannot tell the whole picture. BUT, the picture it does show nevertheless needs to be examined and analyzed. Additional kinds of data can also be gathered which show strengths and needs.
Dr. Wendy C. Kasten, Educator and Belfast resident
Mr. Carpenter needed to finish his reply about BAHS receiving a "D" grade!
"He continued by explaining that the grade assigned to Belfast Area High School shows that students do not take standardized tests seriously. He then said that the report card failed to take into account other things that are taking place in the schools." WELL! SUCH AS? What are the "Other things" Mr. Carpenter?
I find it hard to believe the only problem with the high school receiving a "D" grade is that "students do not take standardized tests seriously"!!! Really? Perhaps it has to do with what the students are actually learning! Perhaps the tests are very accurate!
Or how about this comment by Mr. Carpenter.
"Such a move could mean that the teams — he used football as an example — would be less competitive, which he said wouldn't be fair to players, coaches or fans." SERIOUSLY! Oh, so sad the players, coaches and fans might feel it not fair because the sport would be less competitive! Give me a break! Maybe if BAHS focused more on academics and less on sports they wouldn't be in this situation!
I'd love to know how many of the BAHS staff live in Belfast and have to pay these outrageous taxes that just keep going up Up UP! Maybe that should be a prerequisite for working at any school. You have to actually live in the immediate area, be part of the community, pay the taxes etc.!
In RSU 20
Voters cut budget proposal by $363,563 at second validation meeting
By Tanya Mitchell | Jul 23, 2013
Photo by: Tanya MitchellModerator Lee Woodward counts votes during the Regional School Unit 20 budget validation meeting at Searsport District High School Monday night, July 22.
SEARSPORT — Residents from the eight district towns voted to reduce two budget lines totaling $363,563 during the second Regional School Unit 20 budget validation meeting Monday night, July 22.
About 115 voters turned out for the meeting, where those residents considered the $33.8 million budget that the Board of Directors formally proposed earlier this month. By the time the two-and-a-half hour meeting adjourned, voters had reduced that figure by $363,563, cuts that will impact art programs, the school resource officer at Belfast Area High School, and stipends for Belfast middle school extracurricular activities.
Those reductions brought the total budget proposal down to $33,459,979, a figure voters in the eight towns must approve at the ballot box Tuesday, July 30, before the spending package is finalized for the 2013-14 school year. That figure is slightly lower than the $34,342,616 figure that voters in all eight towns rejected during the June 11 referendum vote.
Some residents, like Jeff Davis of Stockton Springs, expressed concern about the struggle in his town to pay its current bills associated with the schools.
“We in Stockton Springs are starting our fiscal year in the hole,” he said.
Based on those concerns, Davis attempted to make several amendments aimed at reducing the bottom line throughout the course of the meeting, including the two amendments that resulted in the final cuts.
Paul Sheridan of Northport, however, was one of those who advocated for spending more money to educate the district's children. He raised concerns that a poor education for those students now may be more costly to society down the road.
“Put your money on the table, pay your taxes, educate your children,” he said. “Pay now, or pay later.”
Dee Reid of Northport, who said she has a background as a professional artist, spoke in favor of the reductions in funding for the district art programs because people in her town are struggling to pay their taxes, too. She also offered a suggestion on how the district could keep the programs alive without funding the art positions.
“I would like to tap our working artists to volunteer,” she said. “... We are talking about dollars and cents now. We cannot afford this right now.”
Later in the meeting, during a discussion on a failed amendment that would have reduced funding for 3.5 library media educational technicians, Reid suggested the district use volunteers to fill those needs as well. That comment drew applause from the audience, as did one from Betty Lu Brown, who suggested residents vote down a proposed amendment that would have cut $81,115 earmarked for two secretaries — one at Captain Albert Stevens School and one at Troy Howard Middle School — and instead increase that line to add a second secretary at the front office at Searsport Elementary.
When asked how many secretaries serve the Searsport school, which will be absorbing the remaining students from Stockton Springs Elementary in the coming school year, RSU 20 Superintendent Brian Carpenter said there has traditionally been one secretary in Searsport. THMS and CASS have an administrative assistant and a secretary working in the front office.
“Searsport has not had an additional secretary and it was not requested,” he said. “That may change.”
After some discussion, however, voters agreed to keep the $81,115 to cover the cost of the secretarial positions but voted down an amendment to add in $42,000 for an additional secretary at Searsport Elementary.
In May, about 250 residents turned out at THMS in Belfast to participate in the budget validation process, at which time parents, former students and teachers advocated for a total of $856,010 worth of proposed cuts that included funding for library ed techs, art teachers, school secretarial positions and the school resource officer's post.
When a school closes in a rural town, more than education is at stake
All 74 pupils in the kindergarten-to-fifth grade school must decide this summer whether they want to continue their education to the north, in Winterport or Hampden, or in Searsport and Belfast to the south. Frankfort voters decided last fall to formally withdraw from the Regional School Unit 20, which includes Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Northport, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs and Swanville, and join Hampden, Winterport and Newburgh in SAD 22.The withdrawal effort began as a way to save their school from being closed, but that’s not how it ended – a reality that has made many here sad, angry and frustrated. The school is where town meetings are held, where exercise classes take place, where community members meet to debate big issues including the recent controversial effort to erect wind turbines atop Mount Waldo. Its closure leaves a hole in town.
6/20/13 I want to say that we all have huge opportunity here. I don't think any of us feel secure with withdrawal or RSU. Belfast City Council is definitely pushing and gave Krisitin Collins, City Attorney the go ahead to use more money to get the law changed on withdrawal. She did say that in 2015? it would not even be of issue. So why waste the money on her fees? All concerned need to organize and present with ethics. The summer is perfect- public meetings in the park? Someone please get this going. I will support and help. I am not qualified to be a spokesperson, but certainly can be the messenger. Leave a post or invite me to your group.
Below does not relate to school issues, it is an FYI to beware of Belfast Council and City Hall.
6/18 Belfast City Council Meeting http://vimeo.com/68691504
At open to the public, speakers are trying to bring us together to make it better now. Dismissed. Mike Hurley using his power to persuade and pursue. It's just not ethical and makes me very frightened to give Belfast the reigns. I speak right after my neighbors and cite ordinance after ordinance where City Council and Hall have broken the law and are untouchable? The refuse to be accountable, Hurley has slandered me and anyone that crosses him, it's just horrible. He twists the truth and twists the resident. He manipulates with confidence. It's not just him, he has full support of Council, Mayor and Manager. I'll post the public slander of me after I painstakingly put myself out to the public to save my home. Believe me, I wish with my heart and soul that no one knew me, and that me and my kids and pets were safely living our new chance at life.
*** http://vimeo.com/33314014 12/6/11 City Hall Meeting- I speak publicly about 15 minutes in- 4th person up. I let it rip with truth and maps.
Later at the end of the meeting, long after I'm gone, Council member Mike Hurley slanders me with confidence and ease. Quoted as closely as possible, Mike Hurley’s public rant against me at the 12/6/11 City Council meeting:
“I want to respond during the discussion about water. I came to the entire subject early on when we stated getting copied here on everything, with a pretty open mind about it, well, is there a problem here? What’s the problem? I think that’s what we do here quite often is hey what’s the problem and try to fix it and if there is something we can do. I want to say I had an open mind to it but having had the avalanche of emails that we received and what we heard tonight again, I just want to say that, ya know, if anybody thinks the way to solve a problem is to insult people with things like, Wayne’s World, Ignorant, Dysfunctional, Shot to Hell, Deceiving, Corruption, Lies, Cover Ups, Bullied, I want to add one word…RIDICULOUS. I’ve worked with all these guys and I’ve been on the wrong side of government in the past and I’ve been on the wrong side of government while I’ve been in government. And ya know, it’s just ridiculous to listen to this stuff. I would not object to putting this on the agenda for us to talk about what we should do about this if anything. But, you know, to listen to these to these kind of character assassinations pf people who could really be bothered to do these things to this woman, I’m really sorry, nobody has any interest in doing any of these kinds of things that she keeps proclaiming and you know it’s unfortunate she takes it completely publicly and tonight even, I kept waiting for her, what’s the problem (out of quote for me to say, I clearly stated in the beginning what the problem, what I wanted done, and backed it up with facts for the ?? Time) How would we address the problem. I THINK SHE’S MORE INTERESTED IN FIGHTING, but I’m willing to talk about it and look at it and maybe, ya know, there’s something we can do, I don’t know. But anyway, I FEEL LIKE WAYNE AND JOE, IN PARTICULAR HAVE BEEN AN ABSOLUTE PINATA AND I APPRECIATE THEM BEING RESTRAINED. I am sure, I can tell from everything that the landowner is absolutely feels put upon by the water that runs in the stream in through her yard. I think, maybe there’s a way to solve this but constantly insulting the people you’re trying to talk with, at least it’s never worked for me at home.”
6/16/13- Below is an anonymous (at this time) post for the blog taken from public viewing on facebook. I am just the messenger (don't hurt me or ANY children. I've taken punch after corrupt punch) waiting for input. All towns welcome here.
________________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawal woes plague Belfast area schools (see actual article above click on header)
Comments
6/15/13 Above all else- GET ALL COMMUNICATIONS IN WRITING/EMAIL! Demand It.
Much information needs to be publicized on school politics. Volunteering parents can attest to thousands of missing fund raising dollars held by a Principal. Another can attest to the Director of Guidance throwing a student under the bus by not advising the student to choose another elective, knowing the Freshman AP student was spending half the day in study halls, advising the student on 9/17 (prior to class change cutoff) not to take Honors English and to just stay put. The Director knew the student did not get the elective, and did not advise the student. It was mandatory to choose another since the student would only be carrying 5 1/2 credits- of the mandatory 6. The Director later lied, said the student choose not to take another elective, half the year was over. The Principal supported the Director, would not allow a change for a new guidance counselor and would not accommodate student with an appropriate 1/2 credit elective (student already penalized by not being able to pick up a full credit in September). The parent went to the Assistant Superintendent (acting ILP administrator) and a new counselor and online course was the resolution. Still a 1/2 credit penalized and loss of a required elective- language. Had the student not been AP, that student would have lost and have been stuck with a horrible "Guidance" counselor.
| Sent: | Mon 9/17/12 6:56 AM |
| To: | jdavis@rsu20.org (jdavis@rsu20.org) |
???? thinks ??? should be in Honors English. Tomorrow is the 2 week mark for changing. Please bring ???? in to discuss. Thanks.
xxxx
_____________________________________________________________________________
| From: | James S. Davis (jdavis@rsu20.org) | |
| Sent: | Tue 1/08/13 1:38 PM | |
| To: | XXXXX |
Hi XXXX - ???? was notified in the fall that ??? couldn't get into S/D
as the class conflicted with ???? CP Biology class, meaning that it was
held at the same time.
There is only one section of S/D, so we tried to move ??? to another
section of Biology, but it created conflicts with both Honors Geometry and
Adv. Geography.
At that time, ???? elected not to add a different class, like an art
class or a foreign language.
Looking forward, ??? has time to add a class for second semester and I
will see him to go over the options.
Jim Davis
__________________________________________________________________________________
6/14/13 Comments from here will go to beheard.me55@gmail.com for validation and confidential posting if requested. I'll start up a committee wish list while waiting for input.
Posted by: | Jun 13, 2013 15:46
Who would believe a committee that would sit in front of a town and out and out lie to everyone in the community about not being able to consider withdrawing again for two years if the towns did not meet their 50% of the last gubernatorial figure. I cannot believe an attorney would not know the statutes regarding this matter. You really expect people to trust anyone that was on the withdrawal committee again. I hardly doubt it. I feel that there should be some sort of legal ramification to all of those who misrepresented this very important information to all the towns. Shame on you for being so dishonest.
Withdrawal could get second chance due to voter support
Despite failure, majority of "yes" votes allows process to restart
By Ben Holbrook | Jun 13, 2013
Despite the efforts of six towns to
withdraw from Regional School Unit 20 due to poor voter turnout, the
process could be restarted immediately due to the fact the ballots cast
were strongly in favor of the effort.
State statutes required at least 50 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the previous gubernatorial election cast a ballot either for or against withdrawal. The effort automatically fails if that 50 percent threshold is not met regardless of how many people vote for or against the effort.
It was that threshold that doomed withdrawal during the June 11 referendum, as only Morrill and Searsmont were able to garner enough votes to meet the required number of ballots. Belfast, Belmont, Northport and Swanville all failed to meet the threshold, but more than 60 percent ballots cast were in favor of withdrawal.
According to the number of ballots casts, voters in each of the six towns received more than 60 percent “yes” votes on the question of withdrawal. Deputy Commissioner Jim Rier said during a telephone interview Wednesday, June 12, the process for withdrawing can begin again without having to wait another two years.
Rier said the process will follow the same steps that the withdrawal committees did when they began the process about one year ago. The question of whether resident wish to pursue withdrawal must be put to a vote, and in order to proceed, at least 45 percent of the ballots that are cast, must be cast in favor of withdrawal, he explained.
However, if the number of “yes” votes fails to at least meet the 45 percent benchmark, Rier said the withdrawal process cannot be started again for two years.
Belfast City Councilor Eric Sanders, who also served on the withdrawal committee, said he believes if the withdrawal process starts again, it can move forward more quickly than it did initially because the towns have already created an acceptable plan.
Depending on the willingness of the municipalities, Sanders said a vote could be held in November 2013 or even earlier because residents must vote again to either accept or reject the proposed RSU 20 budget after it was defeated during the June 11 referendum.
A petition signed by at least 10 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the last gubernatorial election must be submitted to municipal officers to place the question on the ballot to be voted on.
“People are outraged that a technicality is limiting their ability to withdraw,” Sanders said during a telephone interview Wednesday, June 12.
When asked if Belfast would consider creating its own plan for withdrawal and not pursue a six-town agreement, Sanders said he wasn't sure if that option would be considered. However, he said he believes the six-town plan previously approved by the state and the RSU 20 school board made sense.
Belfast attorney Kristin Collins agreed with Sander's assessment that the process for withdrawal should be more streamlined the second time around, noting the committees could submit the same plan that was approved by the state and school board. She said the towns could even reform their withdrawal committees with the same members if they so desired.
Sanders said he anticipates the city council will discuss restarting the withdrawal process during their June 18 meeting. He said he also hopes to hear from other select boards regarding the issue and if they would support restarting the process.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at bholbrook@courierpublicationsllc.com.
State statutes required at least 50 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the previous gubernatorial election cast a ballot either for or against withdrawal. The effort automatically fails if that 50 percent threshold is not met regardless of how many people vote for or against the effort.
It was that threshold that doomed withdrawal during the June 11 referendum, as only Morrill and Searsmont were able to garner enough votes to meet the required number of ballots. Belfast, Belmont, Northport and Swanville all failed to meet the threshold, but more than 60 percent ballots cast were in favor of withdrawal.
According to the number of ballots casts, voters in each of the six towns received more than 60 percent “yes” votes on the question of withdrawal. Deputy Commissioner Jim Rier said during a telephone interview Wednesday, June 12, the process for withdrawing can begin again without having to wait another two years.
Rier said the process will follow the same steps that the withdrawal committees did when they began the process about one year ago. The question of whether resident wish to pursue withdrawal must be put to a vote, and in order to proceed, at least 45 percent of the ballots that are cast, must be cast in favor of withdrawal, he explained.
However, if the number of “yes” votes fails to at least meet the 45 percent benchmark, Rier said the withdrawal process cannot be started again for two years.
Belfast City Councilor Eric Sanders, who also served on the withdrawal committee, said he believes if the withdrawal process starts again, it can move forward more quickly than it did initially because the towns have already created an acceptable plan.
Depending on the willingness of the municipalities, Sanders said a vote could be held in November 2013 or even earlier because residents must vote again to either accept or reject the proposed RSU 20 budget after it was defeated during the June 11 referendum.
A petition signed by at least 10 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the last gubernatorial election must be submitted to municipal officers to place the question on the ballot to be voted on.
“People are outraged that a technicality is limiting their ability to withdraw,” Sanders said during a telephone interview Wednesday, June 12.
When asked if Belfast would consider creating its own plan for withdrawal and not pursue a six-town agreement, Sanders said he wasn't sure if that option would be considered. However, he said he believes the six-town plan previously approved by the state and the RSU 20 school board made sense.
Belfast attorney Kristin Collins agreed with Sander's assessment that the process for withdrawal should be more streamlined the second time around, noting the committees could submit the same plan that was approved by the state and school board. She said the towns could even reform their withdrawal committees with the same members if they so desired.
Sanders said he anticipates the city council will discuss restarting the withdrawal process during their June 18 meeting. He said he also hopes to hear from other select boards regarding the issue and if they would support restarting the process.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at bholbrook@courierpublicationsllc.com.
Belfast Shame Hall. Getting into a legal battle is their forte'. City Attorney's and opposing attorney salivating at each opportunity to which there is corrupt abundance. City Attorney Carte Blanche to tax payers, opposing Carte Blanche direct hit to personal wallet. Burning like wildfire and breaking souls in public- Belfast witch hunt. Fear, intimidation and retribution silence public support and rally.
Except the bikers- boy did Belfast Shame Hall cower and bow when they came roaring in. Roger Lee clearly rattled praising"Power To You" to the biker attendees. Business is always under threat because of Shame Hall. 7/3/12 Biker Rule City Hall Meeting http://vimeo.com/45187535 ff 11 minutes- Dan Murphy nails Council- 14min38 sec Roger Lee back peddles and refused to apologize.
I wanted to trust in City Attorney Kristin Collins. Look at Searsport and the tanks that Kristin Collins presided over. THAT PROJECT SHOULD HAVE NEVER SEEN THE LIGHT OF DAY BECAUSE OF ZONING ORDINANCE. Shattering lives, breaking law, individual financial devastation, property destruction, endangering lives...stomp, stomp, stomp. And here she is again.
Her partner in cover up, Bill Kelly has exposed himself time and time again with me- intimidation tactics and idiotic statements to cover up the blatant force flooding to Seaview Terrace. See some of his letters in this album, as ignorant and unethical as was the City some 35 years ago with the same annoying fact-less rhetoric.
You are invited to view laurie allen's photo album: 1/31/13 Seaview Terrace Drowning Letters and Pics
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1/31/13 Seaview Terrace Drowning Letters and Pics
Belfast Me 04915 -
Jan 31, 2013
by laurie allen
City
allows site ordinance violations causing devastation to Seaview 2009
& 2011. City refuses to do the Storm water analysis as ordered in
the conditions for approval. Wayne Marshall took the funds from the
contributing storm water sites and there it stopped. Joe Slocum refuses
to implement. Do they plan to let Seaview get wiped out and take it
through imminent domain? Additionally, sites are to remove snow off site
and not pile per local ordinance. Winters of heavy snow keep
increasing pile...
|
Right now airing is the 6/12/13 Planning Board Meeting where the Pig Out BBQ applied for expansion. Shame Hall has caused hell on all those small businesses and residents in that area. No relief in site just more stomping and fend for yourself for what they caused. City Planner Wayne Marshall is caught lying right there when Chair Diane Allmyer Beck asked what was the outcome of the DEP visit to the Pig Out. She asks and Planning does not respond. Later Wayne tries to sneak in that the DEP came on a day that the smoker was not in use!!!! Lie and assistant planner, Jamie says nothing. The Pig Out, Ted Berry, states the smoker was in use when the DEP came and Jamie was there as well. The DEP found the smoke passed the opaque test. Yet the Board does not hold Wayne accountable for lying. Jamie tries to say anyone can come in and view public plans which is a lie- I know that better than anyone. The Planning Board trying to rush past the corruption. They also laughed off how abutters don't get proper notification, which I was also a victim of and I was most affected by the Annex. Which in the end, doesn't matter for any of us because they have the power to corrupt and destroy. Confuse, conquer and divide. Breeding nasty cesspool.
This is only a pinhead of the corruption and burning of lives and cash. I have not been able to get anyone to volunteer for independent committee's that can stop the corruption dead in it's tracks. Being a whistle blower is not what I ever wanted having relocated my children to be under the radar and in the safety of in-town City lines. Who knew Belfast Shame Hall would continue the assault?
Our only protection now is to whistle blow and fight for rights. The apple does not fall far from the tree and the same politics are practiced by many of those in the education system. To protect our children we may not demand accountability. This is the time to unite, organize and fix. I understand that I am not a favorable spokesperson because of my ongoing Shaming Of City Hall and Realtors.
Can someone post an event on Facebook- ASAP- maybe in Belfast City Park down by the pavilion? Have a speaker, agenda, sign up sheets for education committee's, move forward with change and adapt to whatever the district becomes. I want to help not hurt. Come on people this can be fixed by the trustworthy, there are many, It has to happen now.
Comments can be left on this new blog I just created www.waldokids.blogspot.com or email direct at beheard.me55@gmail.com. I will keep any request confidential and just post the comment and update it when I get to the computer before my children. I hope that we can get busy getting better.
Today is Flag Day, today is the day to do better.
Truly True Blue,
Laurie
POSTED BY: LAURIE LEE ALLEN | Aug 08, 2013 12:44
Don't forget to vote tomorrow! Belfast residents who usually vote at City Hall need to go to the Boathouse tomorrow instead. Polls are open 8AM-8PM, all towns.