I would like to urge my fellow voters to vote yes to exit the flawed RSU school governance structure.
There are many aspects of the state-imposed RSU model that have been trouble from the start, but one of the most damaging has been the loss of a town’s ability to prioritize overall municipal spending.
Since the RSU was formed, voters in Durham, Freeport and Pownal must now tune in to, and advocate in front of, two different governing bodies – the Town Council and the RSU 5 Regional School Board, each with its own budget and spending priorities. In the face of this, constituents like me are unable to go to one place and tell elected leaders, “Sorry, but rather than that new sidewalk, or that new truck, could you please consider putting that money toward more ed techs in our classrooms?”
In the current RSU model, this simply can’t be done, and none of us (voter and elected official alike) has the ability to set spending priorities based on the entire spectrum of municipal needs. This disconnect between the two governing bodies erodes the ability of the public to articulate and define its own town’s identity. Freeport is not alone in questioning the wisdom of adopting the RSU model. Towns all over the state are finding precious few efficiencies and calling for the restoration of local control to town budgets and spending priorities.
Had I known in 2008 what I know now, I would not have voted in favor to consolidate our school system.
Luckily, Freeport has the opportunity on Nov. 4 to return to our pre-consolidation roots and win back the ability to control our own town’s future.
Please join me in voting yes on Nov. 4.
Eric Horne
Freeport
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