Paying tribute to our teachers can come in many forms. One unique way to do so is to make a donation in the name of the special teachers and educators in your child’s life in the form of a Marshwood Education Foundation Trellis Award.  A gift of any amount may be given and would support the funding of innovative educational initiatives in MSAD #35.

The name of the teacher you honor will appear on the MEF website and teachers will receive a special Trellis Award certificate from MEF to inform them of the Trellis gift given in their name. The Trellis Award is a wonderful way to honor our teachers and school employees and contribute to our children’s education. Like all donations to MEF, the Trellis gift is fully tax-deductible.

Parents may make a Trellis Award donation by completing a donation form on the MEF website and checking the Trellis box.  Trellis Awards can be anonymous or given in the name of a student, parent or family.
www.marshwood-education-foundation.org

“Tonight’s awards represent the initial fulfillment of the MEF’s mission to fund creative and innovative education projects within the five Eliot and South Berwick schools,” said Jeff Leathe, MEF president.

“These initial grants focus on energy, life sciences, music, and fitness. This funding will enable our educators and students to enhance ongoing projects and reach beyond their daily curriculum to implement new projects,” Mr. Leathe said.

“Barely a year ago a committed group of people came together to establish the Marshwood Education Foundation. The MEF quickly gained momentum with tremendous business and artisan support. In this initial grant cycle, the MEF received 18 applications. The seven grants announced tonight were selected based upon clarity in goals and objectives, along with uniqueness, number of students and faculty impacted, and alignment with MSAD 35’s curriculum and plans. While not all applicants earned grants, the range and quality we have seen in this – our first grant cycle – is a satisfying compliment to the hard work of our members and the support of our community,”   Mr. Leathe said.

“While tonight’s grants culminate a great first year, we are only beginning and we encourage those who were not selected to resubmit their applications or to create new applications in the next round,” Mr. Leathe said.

MEF grants awarded:

Jeff Gardiner, science teacher at Marshwood High School ($1,500) for his Solar Panel Demonstration Project. The funds will allow Mr. Gardiner and the school’s Recycling Club to purchase three 80W photo voltaic panels for the school’s greenhouse, enhancing the energy curriculum as well as feeding electricity to three science classrooms;

Kate Smith, music teacher at Central Elementary School ($1,500) for her “Junk 2 Funk” Residency Project for Fine Arts Week in April 2010. The funds will bring local artist and educator Jeff Erwin to the school for a six-day residency in which all students will create and play original music using instruments made from recycled materials. Students will learn about the creative and technological aspects of performance art, environmental science, and the science of sound;

Shelley Smith, health and physical education teacher at Marshwood High School ($1,000), for her Personal Fitness Expansion Project. The funds will be used to purchase two Wii Fit systems in order to provide alternative, individualized exercise activities;

Emily Stauffer, science teacher at Marshwood Middle School ($1,000) for her School Garden Project. The funds will be used for tools and a greenhouse, enhancing the life science curriculum, and cultivating awareness, skills and values relating to personal health, community and the environment;

David Graichen, instrumental director at Marshwood High School ($2,600) for his Smart Music Computer Project. The grant will fund the purchase of two iMac computers that provide on-screen feedback to students, and audio recordings to teachers, to improve student performance and assessment in the music program;

Nina D’Aran, guidance counselor at Central School ($870) for her Geocaching Club Project. The funds will support the purchase of four GPS devices, assisting the Club’s mission to enhance third grade mapping skills and promote outdoor education;

Katie Gilpatrick, language arts teacher at Marshwood Middle School ($930), for her Document Reader Project. The funds will be used to purchase a document camera and projector allowing teachers to share instructional materials and students to work more effectively and efficiently.

The MEF is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt corporation and functions as an independent, non-profit organization of dedicated community members. Two successful fundraising events were held in 2009 – a May kickoff dinner/auction and its first annual Oktoberfest.  The MEF intends to launch a corporate donor campaign this year and is pleased to announce its next Oktoberfest celebration and fundraiser on October 15, 2010.

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.

Fred Wildnauer

See all the236diner stories on the 2009 elections

The following are Wildnauer’s answers to the questions posed by the236diner:

-Tell us something about yourself?
Thanks, Molly, for offering me this forum. I have thought long and hard about this and am excited to share some of my thoughts with those who visit the diner.

I am a product of public education – graduated from a small high school in a class of 120. I went to Bucknell University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I am married to Patti Mitchem. We moved to South Berwick in 1984.  My cabinet making business was in a rented shop in Durham. When that burned down, my neighbors suggested I rework the crumbling chicken barn on our property into a woodshop so I could be home with my two young daughters. That was 21 years ago and we have made a life here. Both our daughters went through the MSAD schools, graduating from the new high school. My oldest, Johanna, may have been in the first class to start and finish in the new building. My very first public participation was to be part of an ad hoc committee to drum up grass roots support for the building. No mistake there! Johanna went on to Saint Michaels College where she graduated with a degree in business and environmental studies in 2008. Maggie is now a senior at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Civil Engineering.

-What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing MSAD 35?

An obvious challenge is the budget. Most likely the recession we are in has sharpened our focus on the budget. But we have always had that challenge and always will. What I really would like to address is what we are supposed to be doing here – educating our children. I believe passionately and strongly in education. I don’t believe you can be too smart. We do a very good job educating in MSAD 35 – above the state average in every way you measure it.  But we can be better.  As St Jerome said (supposedly): “Good, better, best. Never rest, till the good be better and the better, best” We need to challenge our students, our teachers, our staff and , not least, ourselves to be better. As a society, we are failing. Our education system, which used to be the envy of the world, is now in the middle of the pack while societies with fewer resources are doing so much better, not just in the easily measured math and science, but in arts and letters. The big challenge we face is preparing our students to solve the huge problems we have left for them. Pick any issue in the world – energy, religion, security, family, etc. – and you’ll find complex problems that can only be solved by people with the ability to learn and to think creatively. When I go to school board meetings I am amazed that not everyone sees the incredible responsibility and opportunity we have in preparing these young minds. I want to be a part of that.

One of the reasons Americans are falling behind the Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Japanese, and others in education is that those societies have a deeply ingrained belief in education. Our challenge is to restore our belief in education to the levels it was when American education was the envy of the world. This starts on the local level. I waited until my daughters were out of MSAD 35 schools to run for school board because I knew I would be such a fierce advocate for their education that I would not be objective enough. I want to harness that fierce advocacy in the service of all our students. The biggest challenge we need to overcome is to get every tax payer to see just how important education is. If we rise to that challenge, all others will be so much easier.

-If you are elected, what priorities will you have for your term in office?

My first priority will be to hold our students and staff to the highest standards possible. We graduate 93% of our students; I want to find out what happened to the other 7%. I want to figure out a way to squeeze that sponge that soaks up our property taxes until we’ve gotten every drop of education out of it. I want to inject excitement and optimism back into education. I want to figure out a way to get those who want to teach to give to those who want to learn and I want every teacher to want to teach and every student to want to learn.

Next, I would like the schools to be good citizens in the towns. It is not enough to just educate our kids. A school community that is actively involved in the towns they serve gives practical experience to their charges on becoming contributing members of society. The schools teach this lesson by example.

Next, I want the school board to assume that the town is not against them. Perhaps I am naïve, but I believe we all have the same goal here and we can and should work together. It is not us versus them. This is especially true in these tough economic times. Part of the problem as I see it is that some of the policies of the school board do not encourage transparency. I’m not sure what can be done about it, but these policies did not come down off the mountain on clay tablets – they were made by the hand of men and certainly can be changed.

High on my list is an examination of the reason we negotiate long term contracts with the teachers. Economic cycles seem much shorter and a long term contract makes us less able to adjust.

If I get elected, one of the first things I would like to do is to have the superintendent arrange a fact finding trip for me and any other interested school board member. I would like to go to each of our schools and visit with teachers, administrators, staff and students to see how the schools work and what concerns are evident.

-What strengths, skills, and qualifications would you bring to the office?

I believe that I have problem solving skills and the ability to think creatively that comes from 25 plus years running a successful business. I have an entrepreneurial work ethic and a predisposition to totally involve myself in a project. I have always enthusiastically embraced new technology and am very comfortable with computers including design, spreadsheet and word processing programs. While I don’t think anyone truly sees the complete potential of the internet, I believe it is the greatest revolution we have seen in my lifetime and I am totally committed to its use. This technology is no substitute for books and magazines. I just recently finished reading Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story of Success , a book assigned by the superintendent to the faculty and the school board. I was moved and energized by this book. There are great ideas here that we could apply today.

My only qualification is that I believe it is the community’s responsibility to educate all its children and that I helped raise two human beings who love to learn and who seem to be capable and productive members of society. With rights come responsibilities. I owe a debt to the schools for how they helped raise my children and its time to pay down that debt. I will bring a slightly different perspective to the school board as a reasonably successful business owner and parent.

-MSAD 35 accounts for the largest portion of our property taxes and many residents express concern that the MSAD 35 budget is large and continues to grow. How will you address these concerns if you are elected?

I think it is unrealistic to think of education as a business so standard business solutions don’t apply completely. If we think unemotionally about the budget, we see that increases in budgets are mostly unavoidable. We all know from our own lives that insurance costs go up, energy costs go up and many consumer items go up in price as a reflection of costs of materials, transportation and labor. Like most of us can in our personal budgets, the schools can postpone purchases, look for the best deal, take advantage of economies of scale by forming “buying clubs”, look farther afield for extremely competitive pricing and put everything out to bid to force as low a price as possible. We certainly must employ these methods in order to save as much money as possible. The biggest portion of the school budget is labor costs. Our school employees are also tax payers and are facing the same personal financial pressures we all face. We have to pay them enough to live in our communities. Can we freeze their pay or eliminate their jobs? Those are the tough questions we may have to ask.

We see some consumer items getting cheaper and cheaper with quality getting better and better. You only need look at flat screen TV’s and other electronic gadgets. Much of this perceived price fall is due to improved manufacturing technology but much of the race to the lowest price is because of the “Walmart-ization” of the market forcing producers to move their plants to ever cheaper labor markets. We can’t apply this kind of market force to education.  We cannot “outsource” education (although I read that some school districts in parts of our country that can’t attract teachers are going to the Philippines and other countries to recruit teachers for their classrooms). We need to educate our tax payers to understand that forces that drive costs down in the consumer world cannot be harnessed in our schools.

Another pressure on our school budget is technology. Moore’s Law states that the amount of transistors that can be placed on a circuit board doubles approximately every two years. This drives the cost of all technology down. A graphic example is computers from the 1960’s had only hundreds of thousands of bytes of storage, took up hundreds of square feet and costs millions of dollars. Now the same computer power is in your cell phone and cost lest than a hundred dollars. This makes us believe that if we wait to invest in the newest technology, the cost will be much less. Yet these advances in technology were made by the early adopters of the very technology that was improved. Unfortunately, schools must be the early adopters so they end up possibly buying technology when it’s the most expensive or, worse yet, buying the technology that doesn’t become the standard (remember 8 track tape!). Often new technology requires an infrastructure upgrade. While we need to make smart decisions on our technology, it is more important that we jump in. However, one of the great things about being an early adopter is that often the supplier of the new technology is anxious to get their products into the schools just to see what creative and challenged students will do with it. It is important for our administration to search out those deals and jump on them.

The school budget is a yearly event but we must not lose site of the future. There is spending that we do now that will save money down the road. You might look at this a pre-emptive maintenance. We have such a spending proposal on this ballot. We are being asked to approve a school bond for 3.2 million dollars. There will be a district meeting to explain this bond to the public on October 27 but I would like to quickly address this as an example of smart spending. Bonds seem to upset taxpayers because a bond obligates us to a scheduled payment. We cannot postpone bond payments in a bad economy but we can postpone some major building maintenance projects until we feel we can afford them. Sometimes that can be penny wise and pound foolish. This is such a case if the debt is not looked at in its long term context. This bond is being funded through the normal channels by that famous federal stimulus package that we’ve heard so much about. Washington is making this money available to the state with the promise of tax breaks to the banks that loan it out for “shovel ready” energy projects. Our district has 3.2 million dollars of shovel ready projects on the books. This was the product of a study the district commissioned so it would know what projects they should anticipate (a list is available to down load from Eric Pelchat’s South Berwick Update Forum ).  Some of these projects would result in immediate savings; some in longer term savings and some will just bring our old buildings up to current code but not necessarily result in savings. The stimulus package money is structured in such a way that not only will we be able to get a loan at no interest but we will be able to earn interest on our payments on the loan (this was explained to me by Dr. Bearden – I encourage anyone interested in the long explanation of this to attend the public meeting on the 27th). Figuring very small interest rates, we could save another bunch of money over the 15 year life of the bond. We are also saving money because the 0% interest on the bond is much less than inflation (assuming current inflation rates). Finally, because of the general slow down in the construction business it is very possible that the actual price of the work will be lower than the estimates. Just using very conservative estimates, if we do all the work that was approved for the bond, we might get 3.2 million dollars of work for 2.8 or even 2.2. We are obligated for the bond payment, but this money could easily come out of the contingency money budgeted every year for needed building repairs. Nobody sees any new school construction in the foreseeable future and the majority of our buildings are old. Here we have an opportunity to do necessary work on our buildings and possibly save a third of the cost by taking advantage of this bond. And as an additional benefit, we will save some operating costs and avoid more costly repairs in the future. This is more than smart spending, this is brilliant spending. We need to tell our citizens that we are not only careful about how we spend their money, but that we are spending it wisely.

It is almost impossible to increase revenue. Perhaps some of the extra-curricular activities could figure out a way to be self funding. Tuitioning students from Traip Academy has a revenue potential, but we can’t count that chicken until it’s hatched. That being said, it would be interesting to look at everything the schools are involved in – athletics, extra-curricular activities, etc. and see if there is a revenue stream there that has just never been tapped.

There are people in our community who feel as I do – that education is the most important thing we do. I would love to reach out to those folks not just as mentors but as resources for our schools. Look at the success that the Marshwood Educational Foundation has already had. We need to actively search out resources in our community, our government and the private sector nation wide if necessary. Perhaps these resources could be used to plug the holes budget cuts may force on us or perhaps these resources might actually help fund some part of our education process. How about a booster club for education?

The school board’s job is education and this might now include educating our citizens. I believe in the power of education to solve even this problem.

-If you could change one thing about how the school board operates during your tenure in office, what would it be?

What I would like to change is the attitude of the school board. We need a more upbeat, positive school board and that we need to figure out how we can rather than why we can’t. I read recently that optimism prevails only when people are engaged and excited. I want our school board to be engaged and excited. I want the optimism then generated to be contagious and spread into every corner of our schools and our towns. I’m not sure I know enough yet about the rules that govern the operation of the school board to suggest procedural changes.  Maybe our school board members have been too long dealing with the mundane tasks of defending budgets and dealing with the mind-numbing rules and regulations that govern education. Perhaps our members are burned out. That is the main reason for change. I want to rekindle that optimism by injecting a little excitement, passion and even humor into the board. Our school board needs to be part of the nation wide rebuilding of its infrastructure. As Bob Herbert said in an op-ed piece in Saturday’s New York Times:

“America has to be rebuilt, modernized and re-energized — from its water and sewer systems to its schools to the smart grid and the alternative energy sources that so many are talking about and beyond. That’s where the jobs are for the long term, and that’s the only route to a truly flourishing future.

These investments would be costly and require vision. Seeing them through would take an enormous collective effort by politicians and the public alike. But some variation on these themes is absolutely essential if the U.S. is to pull itself out of the economic quicksand and its long-term, potentially very tragic consequences.”

The intent of Maine school law, according to the Maine School Board Handbook, is that school boards “….concentrate on big-picture educational policy decisions…” If the MSAD School Board approaches that task with optimism and enthusiasm then, with the help of the community as a whole, our children will get the opportunities and education necessary to move to a truly flourishing future.
I would like to have a school board more open to discussion. While school board meetings are not seminars in educational theory, I believe some constructive dissension would raise the level of engagement. Too often, controversial issues are decided unanimously. I understand the necessity of appearing united to the public, but I also see that the public would feel better knowing that the tough decisions were made in a thoughtful and serious manner with all sides of the issue examined.

Rollinsford, NH is trying to work out a deal with Marshwood to tuition over 140 students here.  They would pay $7,700 in tuition per student.  This may benefit the school in some small way but it is going to be horrible for the people of this town.  Our property values will drop, how could they not?  Why would anyone buy a home in South Berwick when you could buy one in Rollinsford and still get the South Berwick school district.  Our school district is a big incentive for people to move here.  We pay several taxes to be in Maine, income, sales, excise taxes are all something Maine residents pay that Rollinsford residents don’t.  Many of us bought houses in this community for the school district, many of us don’t work in Maine, yet for years we have paid an income tax, not Rollinsford residents.  They knew what school district they were in when they bought their houses.  We can’t let this happen to our community.  We need to get the info out there.

Rollinsford has a web site called the Salmon Falls Education Initiative that gives some of this information.
There are over 100 homes for sale in Eliot and South Berwick, plenty of homes for anyone in Rollinsford that wants to buy one and attend MSAD 35, and contribute to our town.

The next school board meeting is May 20th we need to get people there to be sure that this isn’t something that we get pushed on us.

–Donna Robison
SOBO resident for 10 plus years

Marshwood Project Graduation Auction
Friday, May 1, 2009
6:30 p.m., viewing at 5:30 p.m.
Marshwood High School, Rt. 236, South Berwick

Silent and Live Auction items, and Raffles are all part of the fun-raiser. Some of the auction items include: Red Sox Tickets vs. Yankees, Patriot Tickets, Nascar Tickets, Family Membership at the Works, Shade Tree from Salmon Falls Nursery, 1 Cord of Wood, 1 Ton of BioBricks, just to name a few!

All proceeds benefit the graduating class of 2009 to provide them a safe place to celebrate their education completion. Refreshments and Edibles will be on sale.

Silent and Live Auction items, and Raffles are all part of the fun-raiser. Some of the auction items include: Red Sox Tickets vs. Yankees, Patriot Tickets, Nascar Tickets, Family Membership at the Works, Shade Tree from Salmon Falls Nursery, 1 Cord of Wood, 1 Ton of BioBricks, just to name a few!

All proceeds benefit the graduating class of 2009 to provide them a safe place to celebrate their education completion. Refreshments and Edibles will be on sale.

MEF is committed to supporting public education in Eliot and South Berwick through funding innovative educational opportunities that fall outside the capability of the school budget. The school board has developed a new policy to facilitate receipt of grant monies.

MEF will work with teachers and administrators to identify ideas and unique ways to support creative, mind opening projects. Eliot and South Berwick elementary schools, the Great Works and Marshwood Middle and High schools can participate in the grant process.

“We have been meeting with committed Eliot and South Berwick citizens for several months. Our education foundation will work with teachers, staff and students to develop grants that will enhance MSAD 35 educational programs at all levels,” said Jeff Leathe, MEF’s president.

“We have looked at education foundation programs in Maine and across the country as we have tailored our goals to provide financial help, through grants, to spark and challenge student’s interest in learning. Done well, foundation grants will provide innovative learning opportunities for our teachers and their students.  We are heartened by the initial support we have had. We are eager to get going,” Mr. Leathe said.

“We are mindful of the economy and want to assure our community that we intend to be a disciplined organization that seeks to enhance education but not supplement school budgets.  We also want to be careful not to interfere with the many groups already supporting sports, band and other activities in our communities. We will work with teachers and administrators to identify ideas and ways we can support creative, educational projects,” Mr. Leathe said.

MEF’s next meeting will be at Marshwood High School at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24. Committees have been formed to work on grants, fundraising and public relations. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome.

Officers are Jeff Leathe, president; Mark Gagnon, vice president; Susan Pullar, treasurer; and Keri Tice, secretary. Directors are Susan Dailey, Richard Donhauser, Chuck Bradbury, Dominic Strada, Bobbi Beavers, Jim Howell, Jen Houghton, Brad Martin, and Tom Manero.  In addition to its officers and directors, MEF is very fortunate to be supported by numerous community members who are very active in executing its mission. MEF intends to sustain a balanced representation from Eliot and South Berwick.

Senators announce Maine nominees to US service academies
York County Coast Star, ME – Dec 25, 2008
Seth W. Pelletier of Wells; Mark S. Reaser (Dayton) of Thornton Academy; and Stephanie Wells (South Berwick) of Marshwood High School. …

Redefining high school
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Jeff Bearden, superintendent of SAD 35, which is comprised of Eliot and South Berwick, said the Marshwood High School graduation rate stands at 95 percent, …

Nonpaid furloughs may be necessary cost-saving measure for area Maine school districts
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Each faced with hundreds of thousands of dollars in state subsidy losses, Maine superintendents are fast realizing that spending and hiring freezes alone aren’t going to cut it.

Marshwood High School announces AP Scholar Awards
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Marshwood High School Principal Paul Mehlhorn announces that 22 students have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their …

Two Marshwood High students earn National Merit Scholarship …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Marshwood High School Principal Paul Mehlhorn has announced that Siobhan Cusack has been named a semifinalist in the 2009 National …

Marshwood assistant principal named best in state
Portsmouth Herald
Six hundred students, faculty and staff stood and cheered Tony Bourbon on Tuesday as he entered the Marshwood Middle School gym to be …

Marshwood Middle School honor roll
Marshwood Middle School has announced its first-term honor roll. …

-All students should aspire to high levels of learning;
-Achievement should be assessed in a variety of ways; and
-Completion of public school should have common meaning throughout the State.

A public forum will be held in Sanford on

February 5, 2008 at Sanford High School, 4-8 p.m.
Maine DOE Contact: Jana Boody, jana.boody@maine.gov

Forums will be held at other locations, read the rest of the story to find out where and when.

February 11, 2008
Capital Area Technical Center, Augusta
4-8 p.m.
Don Reutershan
don.reutershan@maine.gov

February 11, 2008
Caribou Middle School
6-9 p.m.
Diana Doiron
diana.doiron@maine.gov

February, 2008
(date to be determined)
Western Maine TBD
4-8 p.m.
Barbara Moody