Dear Editor:

Research suggests high schools between 400-500 are the most successful. They can maintain their intentional culture and a coherent curriculum.

“High school is often a pivotal stage in a young person’s development, one where they formalize a sense of identity and make some early but important life decisions about careers and lifestyles. Context, relationships and expectations matter a great deal during this period—but so do the experiences and environments of the institution.”

I’ve spoken with many folks individually, from 1975 graduates of BRHS and Wiscasset to more recent graduates, from Richmond to Southport. All have voiced support for their towns having this conversation about a regional high school.. “Old” alumni to young, no one has put down having the conversation.

Problem 1- Finance $90M, tear down the existing building and build new. (state financing?)

Problem 2- Finance XXX, rejuvenate current building.

Problem 3 - Finance XXX, join other towns to build a centrally located regional high school.

Having taught for 40+ years I see multiple benefits to a regional high school.

Interaction between towns/communities.

Interaction between students.

Greater programming opportunities.

One facility serving a variety of needs.

Potential for more state aid?

Shared state of the art special program facilities: Music, Art, Industrial/Tech, Home & Family, Theater, Physical Ed., Library/Research center, Computer center, Special Education, Intramural sports & clubs.
Wider offerings for sports along with athletic facilities and fields.

To my knowledge, many sports teams cannot currently field enough athletes. Boothbay has been reduced to an 8-Man football team and Wiscasset has wanted football for years. Boothbay and Wiscasset currently combined for teams.

A facility that could service broader adult and continuing education offerings.

At the very least, surrounding communities should be exploring the concept of a regional high school facility. The concept of a regional high school is not new to Maine. Perhaps visiting and conferencing with these existing districts would spread light on the good, the bad, what works, what hasn’t. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. Learn from others.

Visit the new Edward Little HS built for $126M…the state covered 88%+ of the costs. 990 students and a 12-1 student/teacher ratio….sounds like money better spent.

Get the conversation going.

Rob Cronk

Southport