Thumbs up to the Biddeford School Committee’s review of the options for providing laptop computers to high school students. Like members of the committee, we support the idea in theory, but are daunted by the costs. To us, the most interesting aspect of Apple’s proposal was that it includes a wireless network. Besides learning to use common and special-purpose programs, most workplaces today require employs to quickly learn how to navigate the local network. It’s how work gets done.
Thumbs down to the Biddeford School Committee’s decision to take a stricter line on committee discussions. Last week a majority voted to eliminate “general communications” as a regular agenda category because it enabled members to express opinions on issues not scheduled for discussion. We believe elected board members should be heard ”“ within reason ”“ on any issues that have the potential to affect education.
Thumbs up to all those who received diplomas over the weekend, especially in Kennebunk, Sanford, Saco, and Wells ”“ as well as to those who will graduate in the coming week, notably at Massabesic and Biddeford high schools. We wish all a safe and productive summer.
Thumbs down to the high-tech growing systems that are increasingly being installed in cellars and sheds to grow marijuana. It’s an unnatural kind of agriculture that can raise a tropical crop to be ready for harvest in June in southern Maine.
Thumbs up to Sanford’s Town Council for coming to grips with an ongoing problem, voting to take the former Aerofab mill by eminent domain. The blighted, vacant property will be razed and the site cleared, with the help of a federal environmental cleanup grant. This will remove a potential hazard and support Sanford’s redevelopment goals.
Thumbs down to the debate in Dayton, Old Orchard Beach and Saco over the budget for Regional School Unit 23. The debate should have occurred much earlier, when the governor and Legislature were imposing their vision of regionalization on communities. As for the specifics of the budget, these have been reviewed at length, and the time for action is growing short.
Thumbs up to the Seaside Pavilion ”“ the new name for the Old Orchard Beach Pavilion. Built by the Salvation Army in 1998, the outdoor, covered performing arts center is a popular site for concerts and other performances throughout the summer. It appears that the name change is intended to raise its profile, bringing the promise of even more high-quality entertainment to the area.
Thumbs up to the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District trustees for ending consideration ”“ for now, anyway ”“ of selling groundwater to Poland Spring. We hope this declaration will ease fears that local watersheds are in imminent danger of being drained by multi-national corporations.
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