The Portland Press Herald / The Maine Sunday Telegram

February 26

Forum attendees weigh goals for city's schools

KELLEY BOUCHARD

— By

Staff Writer

PORTLAND — Public education is a long-term investment in productive citizens.

That's one of nine general principles that came out of a two-day community conference at the Ocean Gateway passenger terminal on the future of Portland's public schools.

More than 100 people spent Thursday evening and most of Friday assessing Maine's largest school district and brainstorming goals for the next five years.

Participants found common ground on nine general principles that will be used to produce a one-page vision statement. The statement, in turn, will be used to develop a strategic plan and make future budget decisions.

''You've given me concrete, valuable feedback to move forward,'' Superintendent Jim Morse told participants at the end of the conference. ''We will maintain accountability to this vision.''

Other principles identified during the conference:

n Schools are safe, welcoming and respectful community learning centers.

n Students' success depends on strong community partnerships, including families.

n Education starts at birth and should include preschool.

n Success in the global marketplace demands 21st-century skills and technology.

n All school employees are responsible for making sure that every student learns.

n All students should experience rigor, relevance and relationships in their education.

n All students should have equal access to quality education and facilities.

n All students should graduate and be ready for college or careers.

Morse began planning the conference soon after he became superintendent in July. He said it would help him and the community set programming and spending priorities, especially as the district faces multimillion-dollar reductions in state aid.

Morse invited 110 people, including students, parents, educators, public officials, business and civic leaders, and representatives of nonprofit organizations and minority groups.

Participants worked in groups of 10, then came together to share ideas. A member of each group will help turn the nine general ideals into a vision statement, which will be posted on the district's Web site, reviewed in public forums and voted on by the School Committee.

Judy Enright, a professional moderator and former school administrator, was paid $8,800 to lead the discussion with a process known as Future Search.

''I was impressed with how quickly a diverse group of people was able to agree on some guiding principles,'' said Mayor Nicholas Mavodones Jr. ''It's quite a commitment from this community.''

Mavodones said he was especially surprised that many participants agreed that students' success is a community responsibility that starts at birth. ''Because from then until age 5, you may lose a lot of kids,'' he said.

While the district offers limited preschool programs for underprivileged children, plans are being considered for a full preschool program, the cost of which would be reimbursed by the state.

Portland High School Principal Mike Johnson said he was glad to hear many participants support the idea that all citizens should share responsibility for helping students graduate.

''This is proof that the community thinks it's a community issue,'' he said.

Some participants were concerned that liberal ideas dominated the conference and conservative viewpoints were shut out.

''There were no more than five conservatives in the room,'' said Steven Scharf, a prominent Portland Republican and school-budget hawk.

One of the five was Jeff Martin, a father and businessman who ran as a Republican candidate for state representative last year.

In the final moments of the conference, Martin spoke out to make sure that the goal to increase community involvement in schools wouldn't diminish the role of families.

''There were some uncomfortable moments,'' he said. ''But a community doesn't move forward unless you have agreement on some key principles. I think we were able to reach common ground.''

Staff Writer Kelley Bouchard can be contacted at 791-6328 or at:

kbouchard@pressherald.com