I appreciate the time people give up from their own lives to be on a school board. I know it is hard to please everyone. But as a former educator, I feel I must share my feelings about the demands of the teachers in the Kennebunk/Arundel/Kennebunkport area.

While I don’t have children of my own, I have always felt that education is so important. Teachers not only share knowledge with their students but also help each student gain confidence and have pride in what the individual child can accomplish. An experienced teacher is a valuable asset.

It is disheartening to hear that teachers and counselors are leaving RSU 21 due to the inadequate salary the district is paying them and the non-supportive atmosphere in the district. Teachers need time to prepare their lessons. A teacher’s day is not done at the end of the school day. Looking over students’ homework, preparing lessons, grading tests, corresponding with parents and keeping up with new teaching techniques and new knowledge in the teacher’s field all take time.

I ask that the school board members please pay teachers a fair wage and find a way to increase positive communication with them.

Barbara Ann Levine, Ph.D.
Kennebunk