On Nov. 5 the search will begin for a new superintendent for RSU 5, or for a stand-alone Freeport district, depending on the result of the election. The task of finding an experienced, visionary leader will not be easy: The Maine School Management Association projects 20 job openings for superintendents in the coming year, and 30 openings the year after. There are only about 120 superintendents currently employed in Maine.

In this very competitive market a community will have to demonstrate its readiness to support an educational vision in order to attract the best candidates. Within the RSU, Freeport alone has demonstrated its commitment to education by consistently supporting school budgets and by actively participating in conversations related to the future of our schools (Freeport residents packed the room to share their views on a vision for our schools last spring). In contrast, the RSU 5 community has shown that it is divided when it comes to funding education and it remains disengaged despite the administration’s and the school board’s intense efforts to provide opportunities for public feedback and discussion (with one exception, Durham and Pownal have voted “no” to all school budgets and bonds since the inception of the RSU in 2009, and coffees, dinners and open conversation sessions hosted by the RSU board are very poorly attended).

Fellow Freeport voters: In addition to quality of education, governance structure, cost and relations with neighbors please consider our ability to attract excellent leadership as one of the key factors that will determine how you cast your vote in the upcoming election. It is essential for the success of our schools that we hire a great leader. Talented candidates will look at leading a united, supportive community with a sound governance structure very favorably. That community is a stand-alone Freeport.

Please vote yes on Nov. 4.

Valy Steverlynck

Freeport

RSU 5 director

Copy the Story Link