Dear Editor:

Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to observe first hand the talent and dedication of our school staff throughout AOS 98 and the incredible generosity of community members and organizations - too numerous to mention here - who support our communities in so many ways.

In particular I have had the opportunity to work very closely with the Board of Trustees, and Dave Benner, Director of Facilities and Grounds for hundreds of hours outside of the school day to respond to facilities issues and their impact on the learning environment within the CSD.

I have a deep appreciation and respect for the work ethic and character of those who have taken the time to do the research, analysis, and to ultimately make a recommendation and fulfill the promise made to you by the CSD combined boards two years ago: To present you, the citizens of the Boothbay Boothbay-Harbor CSD, the opportunity to have your voices heard on the future direction of the Boothbay schools. This truly is a generational decision.

A special thanks to Steve Lorrain, Director Board of Trustees, and Abigail Jones, CSD Board Member who have been “suffering the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” from a small but vocal segment of the community for far longer than the rest of us. You deserve better. The community is fortunate to have people of your caliber in the service of the CSD and the larger region.

I encourage you to attend our upcoming public forums previously advertised in the Register. If you have any questions please contact me directly through email, appointment, or by phone.

Please actively participate and vote your conscience on Nov. 7.

I am confident we will find a path forward for our communities.

Robert Kahler

Superintendent of Schools