Ralph Stevens, Old South Road, is an incumbent running for the one open seat as a South Berwick representative to the SAD 35 Board of Directors.
See all the236diner stories on the 2009 elections
Here is Mr. Stevens response to the questions posed by the236diner:
My wife and I have lived in South Berwick for the past 41 years. We have two sons and one grandson. Our grandson resides with us and attends Marshwood High School. I am 70 years old and retired from the shipyard. I served three years in the U.S. Army. My wife is a retired teacher from MSAD #35. I have a certificate of completion in Automotive Technology from MVTI (now SMVTI), many years in the school of hard knocks and life experiences. My occupations have included heavy equipment mechanic, mechanical research technician, truck driver, outside machinist and equipment specialist. I have been on the Board for the last five years and served on the finance and facilities committee for that time.
One of my proudest achievements was to free Maine and ultimately the U.S. gasoline supplies of Methyl-Tertiary-Butyl-Ether (MTBE). I was one of two key people in Maine. This endeavor took five years in Maine, but longer in the remainder of the country. We were involved in gathering information including technical studies and reports to newspaper articles. I met and talked to everyone from our governor, university professors, state officials, legislators, industry and environmental people and many others. We formed an informal behind the scenes group throughout this country from Alaska to Maine, where we shared information. Our key players only numbered 18 individuals! I had to write letters to newspapers, give radio and tv interviews, write and give speeches before the legislative Natural Resources Committee. I was instrumental in California’s banning MTBE. Our home became a collection and dissemination point for information to others throughout the country. Our life was changed for five years.
The greatest challenge this district faces is financial. The recession presents challenges on how to keep the district functioning at the present level while keeping the budget near present levels. This also presents opportunities for being more creative. We are presently meeting with Kittery focusing discussions on tuitioning their high school students, transportation, and combining central offices. Our present enrollment of 850 students (with a building capacity of 1100), the higher the student enrollment, the lower the per student cost due to fixed costs. There are people that oppose accepting tuition students. My question to them is, “Do we discontinue programs that have been proven worthwhile because of personal pride, or do we swallow our pride and continue to move forward?” Every program, every service and all purchasing practices are being looked at to increase the efficiency of the tax dollars. We are reaching out to other districts to reduce duplication and costs. Most people do not understand that the school districts are controlled by the government. These mandates are both state and federal. Our job is to find the best and cheapest way of getting the biggest bang for the buck.
I have one main priority – that is save this system as it exists, or making it better, by becoming more efficient and effective at what we do. My fervent hope is to keep within the present financial confines and hope for less. This district is already in the bottom 25% of school systems in per pupil costs. You may be saying, “Stevens, you’re crazy, it can’t be done.” I was told that when I accepted the challenge of getting rid of MTBE. MTBE is gone. Enough said.
Having been on the Finance and Facilities Committee has given me good insight into the day-to-day district finances by going through the weekly bills. By doing this, areas are sometimes found where money could be spent differently to be more effective. I have become very familiar with the facilities and their conditions. Our buildings, despite the age of most of them, have been kept in decent condition. Unfortunately, this has to be ongoing, or the costs to “catch up” will become astronomical. By paying attention to the markets and what experts are saying, I have been the lone holdout for purchasing our energy supplies at lower costs.
My one weakness is the use of technology. This is a personal choice for personal reasons. I firmly believe in the use of technology and have wholeheartedly supported its use and the financing of it.
I would not change anything about the way the present board operates. This board has vast differences in backgrounds and life experiences. We can have very contentious and heated discussions on a subject with many varied opinions, but when all is said and done, we leave on speaking terms and as friends.
The most important part of being a board member is being certain that you have provided the necessary resources to each of the graduating students to enable them to achieve their dream. These students are my generation’s replacements. It behooves me, to provide the best that is available at the lowest possible cost.
