To the Editor:

I just read the article in today’s edition of the Times Record re: Harpswell’s upcoming charter school application (“Charter school review is set,” page A1, Dec. 4).

While I’m all for giving our children the best education possible, this may not be the best approach. We already have a good school system in School Administrative District 75. Sure, nothing is perfect, but wouldn’t it be better to invest our scarce resources in working to improve SAD 75 where needed, rather than spending more money on a duplicative system?

From what I’ve read on this subject, much if not all of the money for these charter schools will come out of the hide of the existing school systems. This won’t improve the SAD 75 system nor other such systems elsewhere in Maine. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul.

I sincerely hope the powers that be take a serious look at the consequences of establishing another school in our system. We need whatever money is available to shore up and improve our existing schools.

Armand Bouchard
Harpswell