ODDS & ENDS NEWS FOR THE WEEK

There were people who even showed up in the rain Wednesday night for the "Meet & Greet" with Dave Johnson, Republican candidate for the Legislature for this District. This writer was in attendance Thursday evening and was pleased to see and meet people from Clifton as well as Eddington. Nice refreshments were provided along with the opportunity to sign up for a variety of events to help out with the campaign before and on Election day in November.
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Just as this writer was leaving Comins Hall, one of the people in attendance told me that application papers from both SAD 63 and CSD 8 were reportedly signed during the first part of the week in anticipation of being mailed on or before Wednesday, August 25 to the State Commissioner of Education for approval of SAD 63 and CSD 8 forming an AOS (Alternative Organized System) - I believe that's what the acronym stands for. Under the state law, school districts needed to form approved consolidated districts or AOS. What with former Commissioner Gendron's action last spring, SAD 63 and CSD 8 were left with no potential consolidation partners. So this action appears to be the only possible way to avoid another year with a state imposed tax penalty. Considering three factors, it seems this action is the wisest way to go:

1. SAD 63 and CSD 8 already share administrative services (superintendent and business services). They have for years. Since that was the purpose of the Legislature, it would appear these two school districts were in compliance with the state law even before the law was passed. (Wonder why our elected State Senator Richard Rosen and Representative Ben Pratt didn't make mention of that when the Legislature was in session last year.)

2. The property owners in the two districts certainly don't need another $178,000+ tax penalty in the coming year. Under the AOS, perhaps the state might actually pony up a reasonable share of ITS voter-mandate cost of public education, which it has never done. Wonder why it is alright for the Legislature to levy a tax on the people for not complying with the "law" that the Legislature has passed when the Legislature ignores complying with the Law which the voters have passed? Seems a bit upside-down to this writer/voter/tax-payer/American citizen.

3. Obtaining approval of the AOS plan at this point in time, would allow the plan to be placed on the Ballot in November for the voters to approve (hopefully). The November Ballot is paid for by the State. The State will Not Pay for a special ballot or vote for an AOS at any other time (because the state has run out of money for the consolidation issue even though it is requiring districts which have not, as yet consolidated, to have a vote). Being able to vote on this issue in November will therefore cost us nothing. Such a deal!

4. Bottom Line - This AOS is nothing but a Name Change. The system will remain the same as it has been for years. Each district will have its own School Board, its own budget, and will simply share administrative services - paid for proportionately by each district 9same way it is now). Maybe we're getting the best deal, after all.
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Also heard last night and again today,

A Celebration of Life for Carolyn Baker was held today - Saturday, August 25 from 1pm to 3pm at Comins Hall. This writer only heard by word of mouth from two different sources but apparently it was an Open Door event, anyone could attend and was welcome. What a wonderful woman she was. I know she will be deeply missed by many.