Hermann Munster of AmishLand, PA Mr. Denis - thank you for providing the view of a former teacher. Has KY risen above the ranks of the lower 10% yet?report abuse

Spice of Waterville, ME Field trips and sports should be eliminated or paid for by the parents. School is for learning, not running around wasting the taxpayers money. Gas is expensive for everyone, including the school system. Buses take a lot of gas!

I know, some will cry the low income cannot afford to pay their way. Neither can the taxpayers!report abuse

eliot spitzer of Biddeford, ME We have our fearless leader in Augusta to blame for this one. Baldy didn't come up with this magical plan until the people passed the 55/45 law and the state still hasn't paid up. Now people are being laid off. Good job with tax relief, too, there Baldy.report abuse

vikings of Wilton, ME Dear Michael, and Leon
as speaker o'neil once said everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not to their own facts. In fact the research on class size impact is very clear. The comprehensive STARR study of Tennessee has been validated by numerous others. These studies show clearly that reducing class sizes below 15 does not make significant difference unless the reduction is to an intensive tutoring level. The reduction that shows actual educational benefit is reducing large primary class sizes (25-35) to around 15. This was demonstrated as having significant benefit for K-2 which persisted even without further intervention up through the end of elementary. The issue in Maine is that our current average class sizes for primary schools (not in all schools just the average for the state) are close to this optimum already. This is only in response to your statements regarding class size not a comment on the particular situation of the article. You can find this information easily on the Web.
Leon sorry to disapoint you but in fact due to the nature of collective bargaining RIFF clauses the schools will not be able to "retain those teachers they wish to"
Leon connecting your comments on Education being the bigest expense and your comment on extracurricular activities could be enlightening. One of the significant reasons "Education" costs are so high is that schools are required to do so many things beyond educate the students. This includes Recreation(extracurricular), Medical (School nurse eye vision scoliosis screening etc.), Feed the youth o the community (School lunch program), job training, apprenticeship programs (vocational and adult education), etc. etc. etc. This may be a valid way for our communities to get these things taken care of but if that is our decision it is hypocritical and misleading to then complain about high cost of "education".
I fully agree with your point 6 and would add high academic expectations.report abuse