Fortunately, last November, Portland voters knew best not to allow Portland Public Schools control of its finances without City Council oversight. Would the public be informed of their fiscal incompetence if Portland Public Schools had full control? With recently exposed IRS fines, what seemed to be months of fiscal malfeasance is now years. Hubris displayed by the school board and superintendent kept them from admitting they needed help. This sets a regrettable example for students. Portland Public Schools teachers and staff now bear the burden of this debacle; confusion and complications over taxation and retirement contributions, along with missing paychecks.

The Portland Press Herald has published opinion submissions from knowledgeable individuals addressing Portland Public Schools’ plummeting academic standards. Emphasis on societal initiatives have superseded academic rigor in fundamental subjects, to all students’ detriment. Parents should be hyper aware that colleges and universities scrutinize academic standards of high schools when selecting students.

After the quality of education collapses, it takes much time and effort to correct. Portland students will likely be disadvantaged for a long time. During the time my children graduated from Deering High School, Portland sent a substantial number of graduates to highly regarded (Ivy League) schools. Where are recent graduates going?

For Portland Public Schools to change, parents will have to care enough about their children’s future to demand of the school board that academic excellence return to Portland schools. Currently, Portland Public Schools’ academic achievement motto appears to be: Achieving Mediocrity for All.

Robert Kahn
Portland

Copy the Story Link