These are exciting times to be part of the Brunswick public schools.

As a teacher, I had the opportunity several years ago to travel to Italy to see one of the world’s premier school systems. My wife and I jostled alongside an international delegation of several hundred educators for a tour of this world-class institution.

At such times, one can’t help but wonder what it would take to have such renowned schools in one’s own community.

Admittedly, these schools are rare: a rich convergence of historic circumstance, culture, vision and leadership.

And yet, many of these same elements are here, right now in Brunswick. New educational initiatives are bearing fruit, and other opportunities are opening up daily, especially in economic and educational developments at the former naval air station.

It’s not too great a leap, I think, to envision Brunswick schools becoming leaders in education. We can raise the bar on student engagement and promote the kind of drive and lifelong pursuit of learning that assures both personal and economic success. We can make sure all children leave our schools with a career path and the ability to thrive in the face of whatever the 21st century brings.

A tall order? Perhaps. But the evidence is here: 1) Brunswick’s outstanding support of its schools; 2) the school system’s own commitment to growth; and 3) the incredibly rich pool of assets available in Brunswick.

To begin, the commitment of Brunswick’s citizens to its schools has been outstanding, especially in these last two budget cycles. So many far-sighted individuals, businesses and dedicated groups, like Brunswick Community United, have given our schools fresh oxygen, a moral boost, and a vote of confidence.

Likewise, the school system and school board have stepped up. Among many other initiatives, they brought in author and speaker Jamie Volmer for two days, who helped us envision a way to improve our schools by promoting an ongoing dialogue and partnership with the community.

To this end, Superintendent Paul Perzanoski has created a working group of parents, town and school board members, teachers and administrators to host what is called “The Great Conversation,” beginning this fall with the first of dozens townwide discussion groups. This process will drive a fiveyear plan to guide our schools.

Individual schools have launched several initiatives that are bearing fruit.

The high school’s Freshman and Sophomore Academies have just watched their first year’s students graduate. With these and several other programs — like Connections at the high school, RTI supports at the junior high and the efforts of Union School — the district has seen its dropout rate fall by more than half in the last three years.

Perhaps most important are the unique and growing opportunities provided by Brunswick itself. We have in our backyard, of course, Bowdoin College. Thanks to its generous outreach and the high school’s Service Learning Program, directed by Rick Wilson, we have formed a steadily growing relationship to the advantage of students in both school systems.

Another such collaboration led by Dr. Deb Hagler of Martin’s Point and Peter Lindsay of United Way alongside Mid Coast Hospital and Bowdoin College has borne fruit in a symposium to be held here this fall, titled: “Communities In Action: Improving Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being.”

Led by Dr. Pat Levitt, an internationally acclaimed researcher and speaker in the field of neuroscience and childhood development, the public event will draw policymakers from around the state to learn how we can ensure all our children have the best starts in life.

Local foundations and nonprofits new and old are stepping up their efforts to help our students and families.

The Brunswick Children’s Collaborative was formed for the purpose of bringing together the school system and the region’s many agencies and individuals to coordinate efforts on behalf of the town’s more vulnerable children and families.

Seeds of Independence, which runs mentoring programs here and at other area high schools, has just made a huge investment in area kids by moving their operations to the former naval base. This property has the potential to provide a kind of wraparound service to area youth as Seeds recruits other like-minded agencies to join them there.

Likewise, the Brunswick Community Education Foundation has expanded its efforts and hopes to raise $50,000 this year to provide grants for classroom innovation, special enrichment, and extra supports for all students in Brunswick schools.

The list could go on.

We have such outstanding business owners and community leaders like Becky Shepherd of Wild Oats, who has donated time, money and even offered apprenticeship programs on behalf of our students. These efforts will now be expanded as Wild Oats opens a satellite bakery/ café at Brunswick Landing. We have Curtis Memorial Library, one of the finest anywhere, which offers first-rate programs for kids and teens.

Finally, one of our greatest potential assets, as mentioned, is Brunswick Landing itself.

The extraordinary economic and educational opportunities opening up there daily have the potential to transform this region. Our students have already begun touring these facilities and are being inspired by programs at Southern Maine Community College and schoolto work opportunities in such emerging technologies as composites.

I have not even begun to talk about the talent, initiative and excellence I see every day among my colleagues in Brunswick schools.

Maybe it is too soon to dream about international delegations flying in to Brunswick Landing to visit our schools.

From where I stand, Brunswick has everything it needs to create the very best schools for our children.

JON RIGGLEMAN is a teacher at Brunswick High School.