As many are aware of the ongoing concerns we have in the community and region regarding the status of our schools’ populations, potential course offerings, and costs associated with maintaining our high schools. A group of concerned citizens have been working together to look at alternatives as ways to address these concerns.

One of the subcommittees, has received the blessings from OES trustees, OES and Wiscasset school committees to toss our hat into the ring in an effort to secure state funding to build a regional 9-16 Midcoast School of Exploratory and Integrated Studies. What an opportunity! We should, for the benefit of our students and the region, at least try!

Part 1 of the initial application process requires significant community input:

--A list of partner organizations that would consider participation.

--General support of the concept in developing a model of a regional consolidated, integrated secondary and post secondary campus.

--An advisory body that is integrated with the local economy, students, citizens, business leaders, teachers, parents and organizations to promote both employment opportunities for students and a skilled workforce optimal for economic development.

So much to consider, so much potential…so much work to do just to throw our hat into the ring by processing the initial application.

My mind swirls with ideas. I recently said to someone following a meeting with the trustees, my mind is like the mix of clothes in a washing machine on the spin cycle all mixed, going faster and not a moment to organize my thoughts until it stops…

We all need to take a step back and look at the opportunities within our region, the people and occupations. As I mentally walk Route 27 onto the peninsula, my mind goes to the potters, child care providers, boat builders, excavation contractors, veterinary, heating and plumbing, architectural design, lawn care/landscaping, recreational, campground and RV, Railway Museum, property services, various roadside food services, auto repair, auto parts, boat sales, (a side trip up the Industrial Park Road-marine contracting, metal fabrication, boat repair, storage,fire wood processing) moving further south, canine care, dental care, volunteer fire, craft brewery, funeral home, country club/golf/recreation, recycling center, postal service, electrical service, town management, botanical gardens, ambulance service, catering service, lodging, legal and financial services, food services, building material and supply, group home care, personal care, YMCA, banking services, multiple small businesses, entertainment- I’ll stop here at the intersection of Routes 27 and 96.

Where am I going with this? Walk further into town and look deeper into the businesses developed and created by hard-working local people, the knowledge base that surrounds this community, the idea that somehow we could engage and create a model, educational opportunities in our own back yard. If any one of these businesses could participate in career days, field trips, work studies, internships, apprenticeships, mentors, summer and part-time jobs; all allowing students an opportunity to explore.

I would ask you now, as community members, students, alumni, taxpayers, business owners, and future employers, to provide us with your feedback- your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. “Like us on Facebook-”Boothbay/Wiscasset-Future of Our Schools” and share your thoughts for the future of our schools.