The Portland Public Schools believes that learners have different strengths, needs and starting points, based on who they are and what they’ve experienced. They learn in different ways and time frames. That belief is the second of our district’s seven Core Beliefs about Learning.  Joined by Melea Nalli, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, I’m […]

We are students writing in support of Yarmouth’s plan to expand its schools. By voting yes on the two school bonds, the citizens of Yarmouth will reestablish their support of their youth. We invite all Yarmouth citizens to visit our high school. Strolling the halls, you will see teachers who have an office in a […]

Vote for April Sither for Scarborough Board of Education. She speaks with conviction, diplomacy, intelligence, and kindness. She demonstrates her belief that our School Board can become a body that oversees our superintendent and school system in ways that best serve both our students and our community. Every time she speaks, her caring is evident. […]

As we transition into the election season in South Portland, it seems more urgent than ever for us to elect city councilors who will allow each other to govern in a deliberative and honest manner. We need people who, in these dark political times, can resist peer pressure to simply “go along with the crowd.” […]

In weighing charges of sexual abuse by Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Sen. Susan Collins emphasized presumption of innocence. But innocence of proven criminality, requisite for virtually any employment, is not entitlement to a U.S. Supreme Court seat. Collins required corroborating evidence of Kavanaugh’s abuse, but required none to believe Blasey Ford was attacked, despite Ford’s friend […]

There is no place in Falmouth that offers more than Falmouth Memorial Library. The new library will improve resources for all patrons. It is not true that libraries have lost relevance. The resources and services they offer create opportunities for a wide range of learning and education. As a former teacher, I know that students […]

Disappointment doesn’t go far enough in describing the feeling I had when reading last week’s headline regarding Gene Weir: “Cumberland church’s hiring of sex offender alarms some parents.” As a member of the Congregational Church in Cumberland and someone who has known Gene for 20 years, I’m in part troubled by the obvious impact this […]

I was struck by last week’s front page of the Northern Forecaster. At once I saw people approaching our church in one story. Right beside it was the picture of a friend who attends that same church. As we celebrate our 225th anniversary in Cumberland these two stories typify the community of faith that worships […]

I am writing to endorse Robert “Will” Rowan for re-election to the Scarborough Town Council. Much has been said recently about the importance of requesting and listening to citizen input. I feel that Robert is exceptional in his ability to realize that goal, and that this ability has enabled him to represent us well. He […]

I have observed Jeanne Swanton over the last few years as she has presented and worked with the Portland School Board on a number of initiatives, including the school funding bond passed in 2017. She brings a passion for her work and her opinions, but is open to others and willing to engage in meaningful […]