Mainers need a post-secondary education system that fairly serves all of the citizens of our state, not one that disables the University of Southern Maine, an important cog in the Portland-area engine, which produces over 50 percent of the state’s economic output.

Though approximately 67 percent of our population live from Bangor south, only three of our eight universities and three of our seven community colleges are south of Bangor. This is inequitable and, from a financial standpoint, untenable.

• Combine the northern universities, in Presque Isle, Fort Kent and Machias, into one. The remaining two absorb the current community colleges closest to them, maintaining four “northern” community colleges and Maine Maritime Academy. The University of Maine at Augusta becomes a satellite campus of USM.

• With five universities (Orono, Farmington, USM, MMA and “U Northern Maine”) instead of eight, savings accrue as duplicate programming and administrative services are eliminated. Allocate these savings to expand programs, especially distance learning and experiential/cross-discipline learning such as USM’s nursing program in the Dominican Republic.

• Create a process to allow students in any of the four universities to enroll in courses at the other universities. Do the same for the community colleges. The Five College Exchange in Massachusetts has been doing this successfully for over 30 years, so we can, too.

• Consider the sports budgets. Are intercollegiate athletics necessary for community colleges to fulfill their mission? Fitness activities, intramural sports and outing clubs would cost less and benefit more students. If lack of intercollegiate sports encourage academically capable students to enroll in Maine’s public universities instead of our community colleges, all the better.

Our goal should be to provide the best education to as many of our citizens at the most reasonable price possible.

Margaret Esten

South Portland