I am voting yes for withdrawal from RSU 5 because I believe the RSU structure (and possibly the leadership style of the superintendent) has led us to a top-down, autocratic system. When I served on the Freeport School Committee about 30 years ago, I was part of a Superintendent Search Committee. We received about 80 applications, many from outstanding candidates. We were fortunate to hire Superintendent Eve Bither, whose leadership style matched Freeport’s needs. Eve had to struggle through various tough decisions such as the future of the then-separate Soule School. Her decision-making was done using a collaborative process. She consulted with representatives of all affected parties, just as the Search Committee had done.

Apparently, RSU 5 uses top down decision-making, rather than an open, collaborative process. That is how the decision to reduce the number of programs at Mast Landing School was made. I believe the same is true with respect to the decision to cut ed techs for teachers at Morse Street School, and with respect to the decision to discontinue both the consumer science and alternative education programs in the high school – limiting the offerings for students who struggle with a mainstream academic curriculum.

We need to return to working collaboratively. I believe a yes vote may help us achieve this. We should try to make our schools as exemplary as they once were, when the board, teachers, administrators, parents and kids worked together, listening and supporting one another without fear of reprisals.

Lucinda E. White

Freeport