A television news story this morning reported that Paul LePage addressed various school district superintendent at a local area meeting yesterday. At that meeting LePage is reported to have said he advocates two things voters should listen to and consider seriously.
1. Public schools should bring back vocational training programs. LePage's point was that not all students will be going to college. Not all public school children want to go into fields which colleges focus on or fields for which an individual needs a college education. Many students are interested in, and can become gainfully employed in work areas for which vocational training through the high school and community college level can and should be providing.
This writer finds no disagreement with this position.
2. The State of Maine should set its own criteria and standards by which a student has met acceptable education standards, and those standards should not be judged or dependent upon any federal or national standards.
Apparently Mr. LePage has either not read the Maine Heritage Policy Center's Education Committee's Report issued a year ago showing where Maine is spending $3,000. more per student than the national average and achieving a lower level of performance in Reading, Math and Science. Nor has he reviewed this past week's data in the NBC special project, Education Nation - much of which has been posted here on this blog - showing where the 8th grade average of Reading and Math puts Math 35th in the nation (using Maine's current standard for evaluation which is a lower standard than the national standard).
It seems to this writer that a plumber or a car mechanic or any other vocational program student should still be expected to Read and do basic Math. But perhaps this writer's standards are too high. I don't know, but I did graduate from Bangor High School and those were the standards then. Of course those were during the days when an East Coast education was considered to be one of the best in the country. Perhaps Mr. LePage thinks we should all lower our expectations in these days when we're expected to vote for a Bully in the pits of Augusta.
As for me, if lowering our educational standards is the future of Maine's public education and I still had children in the K-12 age range, I think maybe another state would be the place to be paying my taxes. Seems to me I heard Mrs. LePage bought a place in Florida, where there is a state constitutional law prohibiting state income taxes. I think that's where Mr. LePage's daughter is going to college, too, - as a Florida resident.
Does Florida's public education testing standard meet the national standard? Might be something to check out.
Eliot Cutler is looking better all the time.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING DATES FOR OCTOBER
Budget & Finance Committee will be meeting: October 13, 2010 @ 5:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School
Curriculum Committee will be meeting: October 12 @ 6:30 p.m. @ Eddington School
Operations Committee will be meeting: TBD
Policy Committee will be meeting: (It was to be October 19 but that date was changed because of the Public Hearing scheduled that date for the explanation of the AOS to be voted on November 2 - see previous posting re: School Board Meeting.) Committee meeting date TBD.
Technology Committee will be meeting: November 9, 2010 @ 3:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School
Curriculum Committee will be meeting: October 12 @ 6:30 p.m. @ Eddington School
Operations Committee will be meeting: TBD
Policy Committee will be meeting: (It was to be October 19 but that date was changed because of the Public Hearing scheduled that date for the explanation of the AOS to be voted on November 2 - see previous posting re: School Board Meeting.) Committee meeting date TBD.
Technology Committee will be meeting: November 9, 2010 @ 3:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
EDDINGTON SELECTMEN'S MEETING - OCTOBER 28 - AN "ENERGETIC" AGENDA
It was a busy agenda that was scheduled for last night in the Eddington Town Office - and an informative one. All Board member were present with the Exception of Don Goodwin.
This writer was a bit late and therefore missed most of Fire Chief Ellis's report, which had to do with Staff Scheduling and Regionalization. Readers interested in finding out what the Chief had to say should contact Town Manager Russell Smith for a copy of the meeting minutes.
Sheriff's Deputy Mason reported that the Route 9 road construction is supposed to be done by this Saturday, October 2. We'll see. The crew still needs to do the paint striping which shouldn't take much time but...we'll see. Deputy Mason said that, with the improved road and fewer obstructions, he's seeing more speeding, more OUIs, and more marijuana "problems." That is resulting in more tickets, etc. Just a warning, people. There have also been a few home burglaries and attempted burglaries. Deputy Mason suggested that some individuals may be trying to get in their last licks before the winter snows and summer folks lock up and leave for parts south. A word to the wise to lock up before going into town for shopping, one would think.
The BIG PARTS of the agenda came under New Business:
ECOMAINE, represented by Allison McReady, is making a bid to bring Single Stream Recycling to Eddington. Ms. McReady provided a PowerPoint presentation showing how Single Stream Recycling (where more items can be recycled than the ones currently processed by the Bangor Processing Center and which do not have to be sorted by item) can be gathered and compressed in a single truck) can save costs to a community.
It was a detailed presentation with many possible benefits to a community. The Bottom Line of the presentation was that, at no cost to the town, Ms. McReady will provide a cost analysis for the Town of Eddington to see if Single Stream Recycling would be beneficial for Eddington on both a cost basis and a potential recycling basis. What this writer liked, in particular was that ECOMAINE transports its collected and compacted recycled trash to Portland, ME where it is sorted and sold to various places all over the world (including places in Maine) to be turned into re-usable products. This generates jobs IN MAINE. While there is one other competitor in the single stream recycling business operating in Maine, that company transports its compacted trash to Massachusetts for distribution. No jobs for Mainers there. The more Mainers being employed, the better for our state's economy. And that's better for our tax base - our school district funding. What goes around comes around. Now THAT'S Recycling!!!
***
Then there was a loooong discussion about the Planning Board's proposed/work on Wind Energy Ordinance.
Bottom Line: The initial Eddington Town Moratorium had an expiration date of October 1, 2010. State law is that there can only be one extension to any Moratorium. The Planning Board was requesting one such extension to allow time for up to two Public Hearings on the proposed Wind Energy Ordinance. This would allow time for any Public Feedback and subsequent changes/corrections if needed before the proposed Ordinance would have to go to a Required Town Meeting for a Vote.
It was suggested the Board authorize a 180-Day extension (the maximum allowed) or until the Ordinance was approved or voted down. (What will happen if the Ordinance, with whatever changes may come to pass, is voted down - with no more Moratorium allowed, is unclear in this writer's mind. Maybe the town is then required to go with the standards the state has written which this writer has heard are less stringent than those being proposed by the Eddington Planning Board. Maybe not so good.)
At first the Board was equally split on extending any Moratorium at all. Chairwoman Brooks and Vice Chair Grover were for the extension; Board members Baker and Lyford were opposed. With Member Goodwin absent and unable to break the tie (he usually votes with the Chair) the Moratorium extension appeared dead in the water. Not so good. There was discussion that there were no applications for any wind towers currently pending; however, what would happen if there was an application after October 2 and there was no extension of the Moratorium. There would be no ordinance to prevent any wind tower farms to be approved (or maybe it would only have to meet the state's standards).
With reluctance, Chairwoman Brooks allowed this writer to speak up (it was not Public Access time and this writer in not a member of the Planning Board or the Selectmen). But I felt it was important to speak before the matter became moot. I pointed out that extending the Moratorium was only a Safety Net for the town. Without the extension, there was simply not enough time for the Public Hearings, feedback from town members, any changes, etc. or even the Town Meeting to vote on the Ordinance. It was clear, the only person who might change his vote was Charles Baker. Peter Lyford seemed adamant to let the Ordinance die. ???
The vote was reconsidered and Baker did change his vote and the Moratorium was extended for 180 days or until the vote is taken (one way or another).
And THEN...a presentation from EOLIAN Renewable Energy was made as represented by two men - Travis Bullard being the primary representative. Their presentation was worth listening to, I must say. Not the multi-page letter read with objections to various standards that are included in the Eddington Planning Board proposed Wind Ordinance. The issues read in the letter got lost in a blur of sound - BUT the power-point map that followed - showing sound levels from the top of Black Cap mountain which is the ONLY spot where EOLIAN is proposing to create a wind farm (of ?? wind towers) to where homes are located near Highway 46. That Map IS Significant - as are the sound levels NOW of numerous areas where there are NO Wind Towers. Then compare those NATURAL noise levels to the sound levels in the proposed Ordinance.
EOLIAN also stated they do have a project for Eddington they would like to submit for construction IF the final and approved Ordinance will work for them. It may generate up to $120,000/annually for the town in taxes and up to $2.4 million over the life of the project in addition to the employment opportunities. Something we may want to hear more about.
I saw members of the Planning Board watch that map and the sound levels and listen to the objections (and explanations) and it was my impression the members of the Planning Board may be talking today..... Perhaps there will be some changes in the proposed Ordinance even before the Pubic Hearings. Who knows.
BUT, in order for that map and that information to be presented/included at the Eddington Town Meeting where the final vote will be taken, the EOLAIN representatives will have to be allowed to speak (it's in the rules because they are not voters/residents). Just something to remember.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Like I said, it was a long night and a Big agenda. But a good one. well worth attending.
This writer was a bit late and therefore missed most of Fire Chief Ellis's report, which had to do with Staff Scheduling and Regionalization. Readers interested in finding out what the Chief had to say should contact Town Manager Russell Smith for a copy of the meeting minutes.
Sheriff's Deputy Mason reported that the Route 9 road construction is supposed to be done by this Saturday, October 2. We'll see. The crew still needs to do the paint striping which shouldn't take much time but...we'll see. Deputy Mason said that, with the improved road and fewer obstructions, he's seeing more speeding, more OUIs, and more marijuana "problems." That is resulting in more tickets, etc. Just a warning, people. There have also been a few home burglaries and attempted burglaries. Deputy Mason suggested that some individuals may be trying to get in their last licks before the winter snows and summer folks lock up and leave for parts south. A word to the wise to lock up before going into town for shopping, one would think.
The BIG PARTS of the agenda came under New Business:
ECOMAINE, represented by Allison McReady, is making a bid to bring Single Stream Recycling to Eddington. Ms. McReady provided a PowerPoint presentation showing how Single Stream Recycling (where more items can be recycled than the ones currently processed by the Bangor Processing Center and which do not have to be sorted by item) can be gathered and compressed in a single truck) can save costs to a community.
It was a detailed presentation with many possible benefits to a community. The Bottom Line of the presentation was that, at no cost to the town, Ms. McReady will provide a cost analysis for the Town of Eddington to see if Single Stream Recycling would be beneficial for Eddington on both a cost basis and a potential recycling basis. What this writer liked, in particular was that ECOMAINE transports its collected and compacted recycled trash to Portland, ME where it is sorted and sold to various places all over the world (including places in Maine) to be turned into re-usable products. This generates jobs IN MAINE. While there is one other competitor in the single stream recycling business operating in Maine, that company transports its compacted trash to Massachusetts for distribution. No jobs for Mainers there. The more Mainers being employed, the better for our state's economy. And that's better for our tax base - our school district funding. What goes around comes around. Now THAT'S Recycling!!!
***
Then there was a loooong discussion about the Planning Board's proposed/work on Wind Energy Ordinance.
Bottom Line: The initial Eddington Town Moratorium had an expiration date of October 1, 2010. State law is that there can only be one extension to any Moratorium. The Planning Board was requesting one such extension to allow time for up to two Public Hearings on the proposed Wind Energy Ordinance. This would allow time for any Public Feedback and subsequent changes/corrections if needed before the proposed Ordinance would have to go to a Required Town Meeting for a Vote.
It was suggested the Board authorize a 180-Day extension (the maximum allowed) or until the Ordinance was approved or voted down. (What will happen if the Ordinance, with whatever changes may come to pass, is voted down - with no more Moratorium allowed, is unclear in this writer's mind. Maybe the town is then required to go with the standards the state has written which this writer has heard are less stringent than those being proposed by the Eddington Planning Board. Maybe not so good.)
At first the Board was equally split on extending any Moratorium at all. Chairwoman Brooks and Vice Chair Grover were for the extension; Board members Baker and Lyford were opposed. With Member Goodwin absent and unable to break the tie (he usually votes with the Chair) the Moratorium extension appeared dead in the water. Not so good. There was discussion that there were no applications for any wind towers currently pending; however, what would happen if there was an application after October 2 and there was no extension of the Moratorium. There would be no ordinance to prevent any wind tower farms to be approved (or maybe it would only have to meet the state's standards).
With reluctance, Chairwoman Brooks allowed this writer to speak up (it was not Public Access time and this writer in not a member of the Planning Board or the Selectmen). But I felt it was important to speak before the matter became moot. I pointed out that extending the Moratorium was only a Safety Net for the town. Without the extension, there was simply not enough time for the Public Hearings, feedback from town members, any changes, etc. or even the Town Meeting to vote on the Ordinance. It was clear, the only person who might change his vote was Charles Baker. Peter Lyford seemed adamant to let the Ordinance die. ???
The vote was reconsidered and Baker did change his vote and the Moratorium was extended for 180 days or until the vote is taken (one way or another).
And THEN...a presentation from EOLIAN Renewable Energy was made as represented by two men - Travis Bullard being the primary representative. Their presentation was worth listening to, I must say. Not the multi-page letter read with objections to various standards that are included in the Eddington Planning Board proposed Wind Ordinance. The issues read in the letter got lost in a blur of sound - BUT the power-point map that followed - showing sound levels from the top of Black Cap mountain which is the ONLY spot where EOLIAN is proposing to create a wind farm (of ?? wind towers) to where homes are located near Highway 46. That Map IS Significant - as are the sound levels NOW of numerous areas where there are NO Wind Towers. Then compare those NATURAL noise levels to the sound levels in the proposed Ordinance.
EOLIAN also stated they do have a project for Eddington they would like to submit for construction IF the final and approved Ordinance will work for them. It may generate up to $120,000/annually for the town in taxes and up to $2.4 million over the life of the project in addition to the employment opportunities. Something we may want to hear more about.
I saw members of the Planning Board watch that map and the sound levels and listen to the objections (and explanations) and it was my impression the members of the Planning Board may be talking today..... Perhaps there will be some changes in the proposed Ordinance even before the Pubic Hearings. Who knows.
BUT, in order for that map and that information to be presented/included at the Eddington Town Meeting where the final vote will be taken, the EOLAIN representatives will have to be allowed to speak (it's in the rules because they are not voters/residents). Just something to remember.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Like I said, it was a long night and a Big agenda. But a good one. well worth attending.
SAD 63 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27
Board Attendees: Don Varnum, Rep. from Holden; Jessica Gray, Rep. from Clifton; Mario Tiesl, Rep. from Holden; Therese Anderson, Rep. from Eddington and President of the Board; Christopher Doering, new Rep. from Holden; Karen Clark, Rep. from Eddington; and Pam Dorr, Rep. from Eddington. Absent: Kevin Mills, Rep. from Holden.
It was an interesting and well attended meeting Monday night at the Holbrook School. Since this writer hadn't been to any meetings since the close of last year (and the budget hearings), it was nice to see so many members of the public in attendance in addition to the school principals and district department managers. Of course there wasn't the number of parents who were at the Budget and Finance Committee meetings last spring. Which was too bad because the Board is already talking about next year's budget - cuts, the possibility of moving next year's 4th grade to the Holbrook School and the various impacts to other operations that will impose (food, transportation, etc.)
It was pointed out that the trailing class (this year's second grades in both Holden and Eddington) are large classes. The only reason the plan is being considered for moving what will be the incoming 4th grade to Holbrook in the Fall of 2011 is because the current 3rd grade classes at Holden and Eddington are small.
Question: Is it wise to made all the cost adjustments and school operation changes for fiscal year 2010-2011 (associated with moving the 4th graders to Holbrook School in the Fall of 2011) when the Fall of 2012 4th graders may need to be moved back to Holden and Eddington Schools because the number of students will be too large to be accommodated at Holbrook?
Granted, Mario Teisl stated they are only beginning to look at the issue because the Board understands it is/will be complicated. And Board President Anderson stated there are many months before next years budget has to be finalized. But - the more time people can take to look at any and all issues, the better the chance the outcome will be better. As Anderson pointed out, the districts never find out from the State what amount we will/won't be able to depend on the state to be paying. Better we should be taking the leadership role - and sooner rather than later.
Parents who have a vested interest in the operations of the school district would be wise to attend the monthly School Board meetings to stay abreast of issues being raised and discussed. Waiting until April and May of each year is asking to be behind the eight-ball.
***
It was discussed and decided to send out a Brochure from the SAD 63 district to all voters announcing a Public Hearing to present the proposed AOS (Alternative Organized Structure) which will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot. The Public Hearing will be held at the Holbrook School on October 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. SAD 63 voters unable to attend that meeting could attend the Public Hearing that will be conducted by CSD 8 - although this writer has no information regarding the date or location of that meeting. It is suggested anyone interested contact Superintendent Dave Anderson at the Holden School to request information if needed.
The AOS is an alternative option to a consolidated school structure and is allowed by the state legislature. Under the proposed AOS plan, SAD 63 will have one "partner," - the Airline District, otherwise known as CSD 8, with which SAD 63 has shared various central services (business services and superintendent services) since 1987. Under the AOS structure, both districts would continue to have separate School Boards and separate school budgets. One significant benefit to the approval of the AOS structure would be the elimination of the state imposed tax penalty which cost SAD 63 towns $180,000 this year (money which the taxpayers in Eddington, Clifton and Holden had to make up through increased property taxes).
The Public Hearing on October 19 will outline more details of how the AOS would work IF APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN ALL OF THE TOWNS INVOLVED (meaning all of the towns that are under SAD 63 AND CSD 8). Unless all of the towns approve the AOS, we go back to Square 1 AND the tax penalty next year, too.
The referendum will be on the November 2 ballot in all of the required towns.
It should be noted that at the meeting, this writer provided print-outs of the two postings from October 26 & 27 to the three SAD 63 school principals/SAD 63 superintendent. In the course of which I learned that one of the principals had been reading the October 26 posting. I was advised that there were more recent test scores. Once this writer obtains that information, it will be posted here.
Related to the subject, it was encouraging to see there will be a SAD 63 Board Curriculum Committee meeting in October. Until parents and taxpayers see 4th and 8th grade Reading and Math scores in the 80 percent passing range, this writer doesn't think anyone (anyone - meaning teachers, Board members, parents or students) should be bragging about the wonderful level of education our students are receiving.
At the same time, perhaps the Curriculum Committee should consider finding a way to include a method of verifying parents are fulfilling their responsibilities as well.
Education is not limited to the classroom. Parents are responsible as well - providing a place at home where homework can be done without distraction (television, arguing parents, loud music, etc.); sufficient sleep and rest; a schedule for dinner, relaxation, play and study; and parent supervision, review and verification that homework has been done. One has to wonder, for those students who are not passing the standard tests - are they receiving the support they need at home? Are they too tired to pay attention to be able to learn at school?
On the other hand, what standards are being utilized in the schools to verify that the teachers being employed are able to teach? Who is reviewing their performance and evaluating their success rate?
Consider this: 60-70% equals a D grade. 70-80% equals a C grade; 80-90% equals a B grade; and 90-100% equals and A. Any score below 60% equals an F/failure.
Now go back and look at the 4th and 8the grade Reading and Math scores posted for our three schools for 2009-2009 as shown on Educationnation (posted October 26 & 27 on this blog site). Then look at our school district budget/tax bills. What do you think?
It was an interesting and well attended meeting Monday night at the Holbrook School. Since this writer hadn't been to any meetings since the close of last year (and the budget hearings), it was nice to see so many members of the public in attendance in addition to the school principals and district department managers. Of course there wasn't the number of parents who were at the Budget and Finance Committee meetings last spring. Which was too bad because the Board is already talking about next year's budget - cuts, the possibility of moving next year's 4th grade to the Holbrook School and the various impacts to other operations that will impose (food, transportation, etc.)
It was pointed out that the trailing class (this year's second grades in both Holden and Eddington) are large classes. The only reason the plan is being considered for moving what will be the incoming 4th grade to Holbrook in the Fall of 2011 is because the current 3rd grade classes at Holden and Eddington are small.
Question: Is it wise to made all the cost adjustments and school operation changes for fiscal year 2010-2011 (associated with moving the 4th graders to Holbrook School in the Fall of 2011) when the Fall of 2012 4th graders may need to be moved back to Holden and Eddington Schools because the number of students will be too large to be accommodated at Holbrook?
Granted, Mario Teisl stated they are only beginning to look at the issue because the Board understands it is/will be complicated. And Board President Anderson stated there are many months before next years budget has to be finalized. But - the more time people can take to look at any and all issues, the better the chance the outcome will be better. As Anderson pointed out, the districts never find out from the State what amount we will/won't be able to depend on the state to be paying. Better we should be taking the leadership role - and sooner rather than later.
Parents who have a vested interest in the operations of the school district would be wise to attend the monthly School Board meetings to stay abreast of issues being raised and discussed. Waiting until April and May of each year is asking to be behind the eight-ball.
***
It was discussed and decided to send out a Brochure from the SAD 63 district to all voters announcing a Public Hearing to present the proposed AOS (Alternative Organized Structure) which will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot. The Public Hearing will be held at the Holbrook School on October 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. SAD 63 voters unable to attend that meeting could attend the Public Hearing that will be conducted by CSD 8 - although this writer has no information regarding the date or location of that meeting. It is suggested anyone interested contact Superintendent Dave Anderson at the Holden School to request information if needed.
The AOS is an alternative option to a consolidated school structure and is allowed by the state legislature. Under the proposed AOS plan, SAD 63 will have one "partner," - the Airline District, otherwise known as CSD 8, with which SAD 63 has shared various central services (business services and superintendent services) since 1987. Under the AOS structure, both districts would continue to have separate School Boards and separate school budgets. One significant benefit to the approval of the AOS structure would be the elimination of the state imposed tax penalty which cost SAD 63 towns $180,000 this year (money which the taxpayers in Eddington, Clifton and Holden had to make up through increased property taxes).
The Public Hearing on October 19 will outline more details of how the AOS would work IF APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN ALL OF THE TOWNS INVOLVED (meaning all of the towns that are under SAD 63 AND CSD 8). Unless all of the towns approve the AOS, we go back to Square 1 AND the tax penalty next year, too.
The referendum will be on the November 2 ballot in all of the required towns.
It should be noted that at the meeting, this writer provided print-outs of the two postings from October 26 & 27 to the three SAD 63 school principals/SAD 63 superintendent. In the course of which I learned that one of the principals had been reading the October 26 posting. I was advised that there were more recent test scores. Once this writer obtains that information, it will be posted here.
Related to the subject, it was encouraging to see there will be a SAD 63 Board Curriculum Committee meeting in October. Until parents and taxpayers see 4th and 8th grade Reading and Math scores in the 80 percent passing range, this writer doesn't think anyone (anyone - meaning teachers, Board members, parents or students) should be bragging about the wonderful level of education our students are receiving.
At the same time, perhaps the Curriculum Committee should consider finding a way to include a method of verifying parents are fulfilling their responsibilities as well.
Education is not limited to the classroom. Parents are responsible as well - providing a place at home where homework can be done without distraction (television, arguing parents, loud music, etc.); sufficient sleep and rest; a schedule for dinner, relaxation, play and study; and parent supervision, review and verification that homework has been done. One has to wonder, for those students who are not passing the standard tests - are they receiving the support they need at home? Are they too tired to pay attention to be able to learn at school?
On the other hand, what standards are being utilized in the schools to verify that the teachers being employed are able to teach? Who is reviewing their performance and evaluating their success rate?
Consider this: 60-70% equals a D grade. 70-80% equals a C grade; 80-90% equals a B grade; and 90-100% equals and A. Any score below 60% equals an F/failure.
Now go back and look at the 4th and 8the grade Reading and Math scores posted for our three schools for 2009-2009 as shown on Educationnation (posted October 26 & 27 on this blog site). Then look at our school district budget/tax bills. What do you think?
Monday, September 27, 2010
MORE ON SAD 63 SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION NATION SCORECARD - SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TONIGHT
The SAD 63 School Board Meeting tonight is at HOLBROOK Middle School - @ 6:30pm (not the Eddington Elementary School as previous posted). This is according to information received this afternoon from the Eddington Town Manager. According to the agenda, there will be discussion of the AOS which has been approved by the State Commissioner of Education. The voters of the school district will need to vote on the matter, scheduled for the November election. Stay tuned for whenever the School Board plans to hold the required Public Hearing so voters will learn of the pros and cons of the issue.
NOW - MORE ON THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON HOLBROOK AND HOLDEN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE (2008-2009) Currently being shown NATIONALLY on the EDUCATION NATION special project in New York. (See information on Eddington Elementary School, Bangor High School and Brewer High School and Maine's standards v. Federal standards posted yesterday)
All data is for 2008-2009.
HOLDEN SCHOOL had an enrollment of 169.
The 4th grade READING exam had a 67% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 77% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 4th grade MATH exam had a 50% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 52% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was slightly higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 66%.
HOLBROOK SCHOOL had an enrollment of 282 (grades 508)
The 8th grade READING exam had an 84% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district,the average was also 84%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 8th grade MATH exam had a 60% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district, the average was also 60%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 53%.
Again, these statistics are based on Maine's standards. (Please refer to the information regarding Maine's standards compared to the Federal standards as posted in yesterday's blog posting.)
Maine's 8th grade students rank 35th in the nation in their Math scores using the national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education.
Any reader who wants to check out any public school in the country can do so at: www.Educationnation.com . Go to the Tab marked "Learn More" and then click on the Scorecard category. There is a place where you can type in the name of the school you want to look at. If there are more than one school with the c=same name, you can pick the one you want by identifying the town and state you are looking for. The Holden School is listed that way, as is the Holbrook School. The Holden School is not listed as Holden Elementary School, as an example.
But, looking as these results, one has to wonder what the teachers and school board members were referring to last spring when they were defending the "high quality of education" being provided to our students. Not with these scores - particularly with the lower standards the state of Maine uses as compared to the Federal standard which our students have to compete with when applying for college and being able to hold their own when they get there.
NOW - MORE ON THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON HOLBROOK AND HOLDEN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE (2008-2009) Currently being shown NATIONALLY on the EDUCATION NATION special project in New York. (See information on Eddington Elementary School, Bangor High School and Brewer High School and Maine's standards v. Federal standards posted yesterday)
All data is for 2008-2009.
HOLDEN SCHOOL had an enrollment of 169.
The 4th grade READING exam had a 67% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 77% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 4th grade MATH exam had a 50% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 52% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was slightly higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 66%.
HOLBROOK SCHOOL had an enrollment of 282 (grades 508)
The 8th grade READING exam had an 84% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district,the average was also 84%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 8th grade MATH exam had a 60% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district, the average was also 60%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 53%.
Again, these statistics are based on Maine's standards. (Please refer to the information regarding Maine's standards compared to the Federal standards as posted in yesterday's blog posting.)
Maine's 8th grade students rank 35th in the nation in their Math scores using the national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education.
Any reader who wants to check out any public school in the country can do so at: www.Educationnation.com . Go to the Tab marked "Learn More" and then click on the Scorecard category. There is a place where you can type in the name of the school you want to look at. If there are more than one school with the c=same name, you can pick the one you want by identifying the town and state you are looking for. The Holden School is listed that way, as is the Holbrook School. The Holden School is not listed as Holden Elementary School, as an example.
But, looking as these results, one has to wonder what the teachers and school board members were referring to last spring when they were defending the "high quality of education" being provided to our students. Not with these scores - particularly with the lower standards the state of Maine uses as compared to the Federal standard which our students have to compete with when applying for college and being able to hold their own when they get there.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
EDUCATION PERFORMANCE IN SAD 63 ACCORDING TO NATIONAL DATA
Have you have been watching the National News this weekend (or the promotions last week) regarding the Special Project called "Education Nation" being highlighted on the Today show and Meet the Press? If so, you have seen where people can check out the performance of their specific and individual public schools across the nation. This writer did so.
I specifically checked out the Eddington Elementary School Reading and Math performance scores, which also provided all of SAD 63 4th grade scores (thereby providing the scores for Holden Elementary School as well). And then I checked out the graduation rates for Brewer High School and Bangor High School. John Bapst Memorial High School was not included because it is a private school. The following information is both disturbing and interesting from a local and state-wide perspective (not to mention from a taxpayer's perspective).
The following data is based on 2008-2009 scores.
Eddington Elementary School: 88% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
SAD 63 District as a whole: 77% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Maine (statewide average): 71% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Eddington Elementary School: 55% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SAD 63 District as whole: 52% passed the 4th grade Math exam
Maine (statewide average): 66% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SUMMARY: Eddington Elementary School (and SAD 63) scores were better than the Maine average in Reading, but worse than the Maine average in Math.
Questions regarding these scores and what is being done to improve the teaching of these subjects to our elementary students should be raised at the School Board meeting tomorrow night, September 27, at the Eddington Elementary School at 6:30.
Another important area the Education Nation Project is addressing is the percentage of American students who are graduating from High School. So, using the same tool - www.Educationnation.com - I wrote in the two high schools (Bangor High School and Brewer High School) to which we are sending the majority of our students. The following is the data provided. Again, the data is 2008-2009.
Brewer High School had an enrollment of 1,735 with a graduation rate of 82%
Bangor High School had an enrollment rate of 3,930 with a graduation rate of 80%.
According to the state of Maine, the average state-wide high school graduation rate is 83%, so both of our two high schools falls below the state's average.
Again, because John Bapst Memorial High School is a private school, data was not available.
(It is interesting to note that only 39% of our students graduate from college.)
More interesting data regarding students who do and do not graduate from High School:
*A High School graduate earns an annual income of $25,610.
*A High School dropout earns $17,886.
NOTE: Maybe the dropout rate (and the low rate of college graduates (along with the high taxation rate) contributes to the state of near poverty across the state.
According to the information provided on the charts which came up when this writer queried our local high schools' performance, the following national information was most interesting.
"State expectation for students"
"The national test uses a common set of metrics for students in all states and sets a high bar for student achievement. States' expectations and standardized tests vary greatly. Compared to the national test, Maine sets a much lower bar for student achievement." (emphasis added by this writer)
Questions from this writer: (1)If Maine sets a "much lower bar for student achievement" and our local students are still performing worse than the Maine average, how can we expect them to do well once they move on to higher education? To college? Into the work force where Math and Reading comprehension are essential components? (2) While it is fine and good to proclaim Maine is "independent", it cannot expect its students to become successful in their employment or career goals if they can not compete academically with those individuals whose standard of education has been set at "a higher bar". Independence comes from having the ability to choose from multiple opportunities - not just having to take whatever is left over.
"State graduation report"
"The Federal government uses a well-regarded calculation to estimate high school graduation rates. The calculation used by Maine produces an estimate that is similar to than the Federal government's estimate."
(Translation to the italicized phrase: Maine decided to use "a similar estimated" calculation rather than use the standardized one. Question: Why not use the Federal standard calculation? Could it be that the Maine graduation rates would look even worse under the Federal calculation? The information provided on the Education Nation charts indicates that would be the case. It states, "Each state has its own math and reading tests and graduation rate calculation." It even shows a map with results of national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. Using the Federal standard calculations, the high school graduation rates for Maine shows an overall average of 79% - not the 83% the Maine state government reported.
Perhaps Maine parents should wonder about the validity of the other scores as well. Maybe they aren't really as high as they have been reported to be even as late as 2008-2009.
I specifically checked out the Eddington Elementary School Reading and Math performance scores, which also provided all of SAD 63 4th grade scores (thereby providing the scores for Holden Elementary School as well). And then I checked out the graduation rates for Brewer High School and Bangor High School. John Bapst Memorial High School was not included because it is a private school. The following information is both disturbing and interesting from a local and state-wide perspective (not to mention from a taxpayer's perspective).
The following data is based on 2008-2009 scores.
Eddington Elementary School: 88% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
SAD 63 District as a whole: 77% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Maine (statewide average): 71% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Eddington Elementary School: 55% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SAD 63 District as whole: 52% passed the 4th grade Math exam
Maine (statewide average): 66% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SUMMARY: Eddington Elementary School (and SAD 63) scores were better than the Maine average in Reading, but worse than the Maine average in Math.
Questions regarding these scores and what is being done to improve the teaching of these subjects to our elementary students should be raised at the School Board meeting tomorrow night, September 27, at the Eddington Elementary School at 6:30.
Another important area the Education Nation Project is addressing is the percentage of American students who are graduating from High School. So, using the same tool - www.Educationnation.com - I wrote in the two high schools (Bangor High School and Brewer High School) to which we are sending the majority of our students. The following is the data provided. Again, the data is 2008-2009.
Brewer High School had an enrollment of 1,735 with a graduation rate of 82%
Bangor High School had an enrollment rate of 3,930 with a graduation rate of 80%.
According to the state of Maine, the average state-wide high school graduation rate is 83%, so both of our two high schools falls below the state's average.
Again, because John Bapst Memorial High School is a private school, data was not available.
(It is interesting to note that only 39% of our students graduate from college.)
More interesting data regarding students who do and do not graduate from High School:
*A High School graduate earns an annual income of $25,610.
*A High School dropout earns $17,886.
NOTE: Maybe the dropout rate (and the low rate of college graduates (along with the high taxation rate) contributes to the state of near poverty across the state.
According to the information provided on the charts which came up when this writer queried our local high schools' performance, the following national information was most interesting.
"State expectation for students"
"The national test uses a common set of metrics for students in all states and sets a high bar for student achievement. States' expectations and standardized tests vary greatly. Compared to the national test, Maine sets a much lower bar for student achievement." (emphasis added by this writer)
Questions from this writer: (1)If Maine sets a "much lower bar for student achievement" and our local students are still performing worse than the Maine average, how can we expect them to do well once they move on to higher education? To college? Into the work force where Math and Reading comprehension are essential components? (2) While it is fine and good to proclaim Maine is "independent", it cannot expect its students to become successful in their employment or career goals if they can not compete academically with those individuals whose standard of education has been set at "a higher bar". Independence comes from having the ability to choose from multiple opportunities - not just having to take whatever is left over.
"State graduation report"
"The Federal government uses a well-regarded calculation to estimate high school graduation rates. The calculation used by Maine produces an estimate that is similar to than the Federal government's estimate."
(Translation to the italicized phrase: Maine decided to use "a similar estimated" calculation rather than use the standardized one. Question: Why not use the Federal standard calculation? Could it be that the Maine graduation rates would look even worse under the Federal calculation? The information provided on the Education Nation charts indicates that would be the case. It states, "Each state has its own math and reading tests and graduation rate calculation." It even shows a map with results of national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. Using the Federal standard calculations, the high school graduation rates for Maine shows an overall average of 79% - not the 83% the Maine state government reported.
Perhaps Maine parents should wonder about the validity of the other scores as well. Maybe they aren't really as high as they have been reported to be even as late as 2008-2009.
Monday, September 20, 2010
SEPTEMBER SELECTMEN'S MEETING CHANGED
The Selectmen's meeting scheduled for September 21 has been postponed to September 28. It will still begin at 6PM.
The Eddington Farmer's Market has ended for the season. This year there didn't appear to be as much interest as last year (translation: not as many customers). It will be interesting to see if the Farmers Market will be held next year.
Although one source on the Route 9 paving project from down near the Clifton end reports that one of the crew members has stated that the deadline for completion is October 2, it will be a miracle if that comes to pass. Another source reports that the project must be done by November 1 because asphalt will not be produced after that date because of projected low temperatures. (No kidding!) Sure hope the crews get around to putting in the middle-of-the-road stripping SOON. It is down right dangerous driving the road after dark without the reflective lines. And if there is a late-night accident because of no reflective line... can the injured parties sue the DOT for neglect or contributing to the causation? Would be something to think about, one would think.
The Eddington Farmer's Market has ended for the season. This year there didn't appear to be as much interest as last year (translation: not as many customers). It will be interesting to see if the Farmers Market will be held next year.
Although one source on the Route 9 paving project from down near the Clifton end reports that one of the crew members has stated that the deadline for completion is October 2, it will be a miracle if that comes to pass. Another source reports that the project must be done by November 1 because asphalt will not be produced after that date because of projected low temperatures. (No kidding!) Sure hope the crews get around to putting in the middle-of-the-road stripping SOON. It is down right dangerous driving the road after dark without the reflective lines. And if there is a late-night accident because of no reflective line... can the injured parties sue the DOT for neglect or contributing to the causation? Would be something to think about, one would think.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
EDDINGTON POST OFFICE - PARKING LOT TO BE PAVED
Anyone who picks up her/his mail at the Eddington Post Office is well aware of the pothole dilemma that has plagued the place for the past two years. The land owner has chosen to fill in the holes to China with cold tar for who knows how long, only to see the holes re-appear each spring. (For those who don't know, the Postal Service leases the land from someone and doesn't own the land. Lee, the Postmaster who retired this past spring had urged the Postal Service to buy the land at one point but that idea went nowhere.)
Our new Postmaster (for who knows how long) really got on the issue this summer. And yesterday, the 15th, some people showed up to evaluate the job, take measurements, etc. Sometime next week bids are due and the entire parking lot is expected to have a Bona Fide re-paving. Hooray! Something nice to go with the newly paved Route 9/Main Road that goes right by the Post Office.
The Plan, according to this writer's source, is to have half of the lot done first (to allow drivers to gain access to their mail, etc.) and then the second half. As long as the job is completed before the first frost, it will be a Good Thing.
Now, if the DOT contractors working on Route 9 can get these asphalt curbs in place...because you have to wonder how well they're going to hold up with the snow plows... Not just the DOT snow plow doing Route 9, but the individual homeowners plowing their driveways. Snow has to go somewhere when it gets to the end of the driveway at Route 9. Plow to the right or left and there's a good chance the plow blade is going to hit up against those curbs. Something will have to give, either the plow blade or the asphalt, or the snow is going to get plowed straight out into the road, the "law" be danged. Where else can the snow go for heaven's sake?
I just hope someone on one of the two DOT crews I talked to takes the water runoff problems I showed them into consideration. I'm tired of having to repair my driveway every time we have a big rain. Those of us who have gravel driveway do have problems with rain. But we don't have the ice problems people with asphalt driveways have in the winter.
On the other hand, I have neighbors who are tired of having full grown trees uprooted on their property from the water erosion because of the water runoff coming down from Route 9. It's enough, living on shoreland property, to be paying a higher rate of property taxes. But when the state is destroying the value of the property that is paying the bills.... What's that about biting the hand that feeds you? The hand has been known to form a fist, you know.
I do love the new road. Don't get me wrong. But what's is so strange about correcting a problem that wasn't there before the road got paved the LAST time. Or correcting problems that have been identified to be existing now? Repeating current and existing problems is no way to get ahead or achieve the best use of tax money being spent. Just a thought. Because - when will Route 9 get this kind of attention again? So why now do it right now? I know - that's radical.
Our new Postmaster (for who knows how long) really got on the issue this summer. And yesterday, the 15th, some people showed up to evaluate the job, take measurements, etc. Sometime next week bids are due and the entire parking lot is expected to have a Bona Fide re-paving. Hooray! Something nice to go with the newly paved Route 9/Main Road that goes right by the Post Office.
The Plan, according to this writer's source, is to have half of the lot done first (to allow drivers to gain access to their mail, etc.) and then the second half. As long as the job is completed before the first frost, it will be a Good Thing.
Now, if the DOT contractors working on Route 9 can get these asphalt curbs in place...because you have to wonder how well they're going to hold up with the snow plows... Not just the DOT snow plow doing Route 9, but the individual homeowners plowing their driveways. Snow has to go somewhere when it gets to the end of the driveway at Route 9. Plow to the right or left and there's a good chance the plow blade is going to hit up against those curbs. Something will have to give, either the plow blade or the asphalt, or the snow is going to get plowed straight out into the road, the "law" be danged. Where else can the snow go for heaven's sake?
I just hope someone on one of the two DOT crews I talked to takes the water runoff problems I showed them into consideration. I'm tired of having to repair my driveway every time we have a big rain. Those of us who have gravel driveway do have problems with rain. But we don't have the ice problems people with asphalt driveways have in the winter.
On the other hand, I have neighbors who are tired of having full grown trees uprooted on their property from the water erosion because of the water runoff coming down from Route 9. It's enough, living on shoreland property, to be paying a higher rate of property taxes. But when the state is destroying the value of the property that is paying the bills.... What's that about biting the hand that feeds you? The hand has been known to form a fist, you know.
I do love the new road. Don't get me wrong. But what's is so strange about correcting a problem that wasn't there before the road got paved the LAST time. Or correcting problems that have been identified to be existing now? Repeating current and existing problems is no way to get ahead or achieve the best use of tax money being spent. Just a thought. Because - when will Route 9 get this kind of attention again? So why now do it right now? I know - that's radical.
Monday, September 13, 2010
MAINE - PUBLIC ASSISTANCE & CONVICTED FELONS
The following information is more from the "Fixing the System" report released last week from the Maine Heritage Policy Center. Previous postings contain attitional information contained in the report. (Any bold markings are the choices of this writer.)
***
"According to the federal Government Accountability Office, Maine is only one of 9 states in the nation that not only allows convicted drug felons to receive taxpayer-funded Food Stamps and TANF cash assistance, but makes no further demands on them whatsoever, such as requiring drug treatment or testing."
(Writer's note: Is this Welfare for drugs - or just a way to avoid dealing with both problems?)
"There are work requirements for those who ultimately enroll in TANF, but Maine has evidently chosen not to strictly enforce these requirements. According to FY 2008 data from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 11.4 percent of Maine's TANF-receiving famlies with work requirements actually completed work activities during FY 2008, far less than the national average of 29.4 percent. In neighboring New Hampshire, by contrast, 47.4 percent of TANF families with work requirements worked."
(Writer's note: Maybe this is why taxes are so much lower in N.H. Do you think?)
"Maine's TANF families are not even working a little. In Maine, 77.5 percent of TANF families with work requirements had zero hours of work participation in FY 2008. In only one state that year - Missouri - were fewer TANF enrollees with work requirements actually working.
"These low levels of job holding are not the result of welfare enrollees dealing with disabilities. According to the ACF, only 0.7 percent of Maine TANF recipients also collect disability benefits. 99.3 percent do not."
(Writer's note: These stats are from 2008; can't blame the 99.3 percent on the economic situation since President Obama has taken office. These are just people who chose to be on welfare and chose to not seek any kind of "qualifying" work. The word is LAZY. And the working and retired taxpayers are supporting these BUMS.)
"Work rates are low in Maine even though the state's TANF program has a very broad definition of "work." According to the welfare advocacy organization Maine Equal Justice Partners, among the "activities" that "count" toward TANF work requirements are paid employment, volunteer work at a "public or non-profit agency," up to six weeks a year of job searching, or participation in various education and job training programs. For the year ending Septemebr 2007, only 25 percent of TANF-enrolled adults in Maine had paid employment. Another 16.5 percent participated in various work activities such as those described above, while the remaining 58.5 percent had no employment or work activities of any kind.
(Writer's note: For those 58.5 percent, see LAZY and BUMS above.)
"The high degree of unemployment and underemployment among Maine TANF recipients may be related to the program's long list of approved excuses for failing to meet work requirements. According to Maine Equal Justice Partners, these "good cause" reasons for "not doing" what the program requires include justifiable excuses such as serious medical or domestic violence issues, but they also include "bad weather" as an excuse, and that the "activity required that you travel more than two hours round trip."
(Writer's note: Gee, "bad weather." They live in Maine. May have even moved here for the easy access to welfare. And "bad weather" is an excuse for not seeking employment. Get real! As for two hours round trip travel, that's one hour one way. To get a job? To actually earn their way. Life is tough. Wouldn't want to expect too much from the free-loaders, would we?)
"As a consequence, the vast majority of Maine's TANF recipients are not only jobless, they are not even seeking employment. Remarkably, just 23.1 percent of Maine's adult TANF enrollees were considered "employed" during FY 2008, and 11.6 percent considered "Unemployed." The remaining recipients, a staggering 65.3 percent of the total, were classified as "not in the labor force," meaning they were not even looking for a job. In only four other states were such a high percentage of adults on TANF considered to be "not in the labor force." Nationally, only 27.3 percent of TANF adults were classified as not seeking work in FY 2008."
(Writer's Note: Don't blame the federal government for the state of Maine's welfare drain on the taxpayer's dollar. Federal welfare program require recipients to seek work. The problem is that deferal law allows the individual state's to opt out of that requirement for any state-funded welfare programs.)
"Despite the work requirements imposed by the 1996 federal welfare reform law [under President Clinton], those enrolling in Maine's welfare system seemingly do not need to seek work in order to receive cash assistance."
Seems to this writer that the way the Maine Democratic Party has been able to stay in office has been to buy the votes - literally - through the never-ending, always expanding welfare programs for which there is no accountability. When do the taxpayers - the bill payers - plan to stand up and say, "Enough already." This writer can only hope that time will be this coming November.
***
"According to the federal Government Accountability Office, Maine is only one of 9 states in the nation that not only allows convicted drug felons to receive taxpayer-funded Food Stamps and TANF cash assistance, but makes no further demands on them whatsoever, such as requiring drug treatment or testing."
(Writer's note: Is this Welfare for drugs - or just a way to avoid dealing with both problems?)
"There are work requirements for those who ultimately enroll in TANF, but Maine has evidently chosen not to strictly enforce these requirements. According to FY 2008 data from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 11.4 percent of Maine's TANF-receiving famlies with work requirements actually completed work activities during FY 2008, far less than the national average of 29.4 percent. In neighboring New Hampshire, by contrast, 47.4 percent of TANF families with work requirements worked."
(Writer's note: Maybe this is why taxes are so much lower in N.H. Do you think?)
"Maine's TANF families are not even working a little. In Maine, 77.5 percent of TANF families with work requirements had zero hours of work participation in FY 2008. In only one state that year - Missouri - were fewer TANF enrollees with work requirements actually working.
"These low levels of job holding are not the result of welfare enrollees dealing with disabilities. According to the ACF, only 0.7 percent of Maine TANF recipients also collect disability benefits. 99.3 percent do not."
(Writer's note: These stats are from 2008; can't blame the 99.3 percent on the economic situation since President Obama has taken office. These are just people who chose to be on welfare and chose to not seek any kind of "qualifying" work. The word is LAZY. And the working and retired taxpayers are supporting these BUMS.)
"Work rates are low in Maine even though the state's TANF program has a very broad definition of "work." According to the welfare advocacy organization Maine Equal Justice Partners, among the "activities" that "count" toward TANF work requirements are paid employment, volunteer work at a "public or non-profit agency," up to six weeks a year of job searching, or participation in various education and job training programs. For the year ending Septemebr 2007, only 25 percent of TANF-enrolled adults in Maine had paid employment. Another 16.5 percent participated in various work activities such as those described above, while the remaining 58.5 percent had no employment or work activities of any kind.
(Writer's note: For those 58.5 percent, see LAZY and BUMS above.)
"The high degree of unemployment and underemployment among Maine TANF recipients may be related to the program's long list of approved excuses for failing to meet work requirements. According to Maine Equal Justice Partners, these "good cause" reasons for "not doing" what the program requires include justifiable excuses such as serious medical or domestic violence issues, but they also include "bad weather" as an excuse, and that the "activity required that you travel more than two hours round trip."
(Writer's note: Gee, "bad weather." They live in Maine. May have even moved here for the easy access to welfare. And "bad weather" is an excuse for not seeking employment. Get real! As for two hours round trip travel, that's one hour one way. To get a job? To actually earn their way. Life is tough. Wouldn't want to expect too much from the free-loaders, would we?)
"As a consequence, the vast majority of Maine's TANF recipients are not only jobless, they are not even seeking employment. Remarkably, just 23.1 percent of Maine's adult TANF enrollees were considered "employed" during FY 2008, and 11.6 percent considered "Unemployed." The remaining recipients, a staggering 65.3 percent of the total, were classified as "not in the labor force," meaning they were not even looking for a job. In only four other states were such a high percentage of adults on TANF considered to be "not in the labor force." Nationally, only 27.3 percent of TANF adults were classified as not seeking work in FY 2008."
(Writer's Note: Don't blame the federal government for the state of Maine's welfare drain on the taxpayer's dollar. Federal welfare program require recipients to seek work. The problem is that deferal law allows the individual state's to opt out of that requirement for any state-funded welfare programs.)
"Despite the work requirements imposed by the 1996 federal welfare reform law [under President Clinton], those enrolling in Maine's welfare system seemingly do not need to seek work in order to receive cash assistance."
Seems to this writer that the way the Maine Democratic Party has been able to stay in office has been to buy the votes - literally - through the never-ending, always expanding welfare programs for which there is no accountability. When do the taxpayers - the bill payers - plan to stand up and say, "Enough already." This writer can only hope that time will be this coming November.
BREWER EVENT ON "FIXING THE SYSTEM" - HOW TO CHANGE THE WELFARE SYSTEM IN MAINE
Register Today For the Maine Heritage Policy Center Brewer Event
"Fixing the System:
Freeing Maine Families from Welfare Dependency"
Please join us for a presentation explaining why Maine, although less poor than the average state, has some of the highest levels of welfare system dependency in the nation. Welfare dependency is skyrocketing across Maine while job growth is virtually nonexistent. Maine's dependency crisis is a direct result of a welfare system that punishes hard work and traps parents and children in poverty.
Come discover how to free Maine families from dependency on Maine's welfare system by increasing accountability and opportunity. The Maine Heritage Policy Center will outline ways to fix Maine's broken welfare system as part of its "Fixing the System" project.
Mr. Stephen Bowen, Director, Center for Education Excellence
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Brewer
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Jeff's Catering (15 Littlefield Way, Brewer)
$5.00 - Refreshments Provided
You may register for the event by e-mailing Amanda Clark
at aclark@mainepolicy.org or calling 207.321.2550.
"Fixing the System:
Freeing Maine Families from Welfare Dependency"
Please join us for a presentation explaining why Maine, although less poor than the average state, has some of the highest levels of welfare system dependency in the nation. Welfare dependency is skyrocketing across Maine while job growth is virtually nonexistent. Maine's dependency crisis is a direct result of a welfare system that punishes hard work and traps parents and children in poverty.
Come discover how to free Maine families from dependency on Maine's welfare system by increasing accountability and opportunity. The Maine Heritage Policy Center will outline ways to fix Maine's broken welfare system as part of its "Fixing the System" project.
Mr. Stephen Bowen, Director, Center for Education Excellence
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Brewer
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Jeff's Catering (15 Littlefield Way, Brewer)
$5.00 - Refreshments Provided
You may register for the event by e-mailing Amanda Clark
at aclark@mainepolicy.org or calling 207.321.2550.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
WELFARE IN MAINE - MORE GROWTH THAN EMPLOYMENT THANKS TO OUR STATE GOVERNMENT
The latest multi-page document from the Maine Heritage Policy Center was issued today in Brewer. The 35-page report, entitled "Fix The System" is devoted to Maine's welfare dependency crisis. What follows is a brief synopsis of that report. In the following days and weeks, this blog will attempt to provide some of the critical information provided in the report, something every Mainer and voter should read before the November election.
***
"Maine's welfare system undermines hard work and traps parents and children in poverty. We must fix the system to free families from dependency through hard work and accountability.
"That is the conclusion of MHPC's latest, 35-page report on Maine's welfare dependency crisis, released today at a press conference in Brewer.
"Fix the System: Freeing Maine Families from Welfare Dependency," is a detailed report examining the policies that have caused skyrocketing welfare enrollment and reforms to move people from welfare to work.
Among the report's findings:
Maine's Welfare System in Broken
During the Baldacci administration, the number of people trapped in Maine's welfare system skyrocketed.
Between 2003 and 2010, welfare system enrollment grew 70% (226,000 to 381,000)
Almost 1 in 3 Mainers are trapped in the welfare system.
29% of Maine's total population is on some form of welfare
Maine ranks second in the nation in the percent of its population on Food Stamps, second for TANF cash assistance, and second for Medicaid.
Maine's poverty rate is growing despite the welfare system's huge cost and size.
Between 2001 and 2007, the portion of Mainers living in poverty grew from 10.3% to 10.9%
Maine spent $2.506 billion on its welfare system alone; more than it spent on:
Attracting new jobs ($47.6 million)
K-12 public education ($2.499 billion)
In just a few short hours, this breaking report has already been covered by the Portland Press Herald, the Kennebec Journal, the Lewiston Sun Journal, and Capital Weekly.
The report lists a series of proven reforms policymakers should adopt to reduce Maine's welfare dependency crisis:
Fix the System
1. Focus aid on the truly needy.
2. Tighten income eligibility requirements
3. Eliminate handouts for drug felons and non-citizens
4. Define Success as a new paycheck, not more welfare checks.
5. Help people toward work and self-sufficiency first, with welfare as a last resort
6. Create real and enforceable work and job search requirements
7. Establish clear and firm timelines
Overhaul Maine's welfare bureaucracy
1. Rename Maine's welfare bureaucracy from Office of Integrated Access and Support
to
Maine EMPOWER (Employing and Moving People Off Welfare and Encourage Responsibility)
2. Simplify and streamline the system to show a clear path to self-sufficiency
3. Set Work and Self-Sufficiency Goals for recipients, and report total results to taxpayers each month
MHPC's report draws attention to a critical challenge facing our state. Maine's level of welfare system dependence has huge costs, both fiscal and moral, and must be reformed. MHPC will continue its research into this important issue, and continue to advocate for the responsible, compassionate reforms that will free Maine families from welfare dependency.
***
"Maine's welfare system undermines hard work and traps parents and children in poverty. We must fix the system to free families from dependency through hard work and accountability.
"That is the conclusion of MHPC's latest, 35-page report on Maine's welfare dependency crisis, released today at a press conference in Brewer.
"Fix the System: Freeing Maine Families from Welfare Dependency," is a detailed report examining the policies that have caused skyrocketing welfare enrollment and reforms to move people from welfare to work.
Among the report's findings:
Maine's Welfare System in Broken
During the Baldacci administration, the number of people trapped in Maine's welfare system skyrocketed.
Between 2003 and 2010, welfare system enrollment grew 70% (226,000 to 381,000)
Almost 1 in 3 Mainers are trapped in the welfare system.
29% of Maine's total population is on some form of welfare
Maine ranks second in the nation in the percent of its population on Food Stamps, second for TANF cash assistance, and second for Medicaid.
Maine's poverty rate is growing despite the welfare system's huge cost and size.
Between 2001 and 2007, the portion of Mainers living in poverty grew from 10.3% to 10.9%
Maine spent $2.506 billion on its welfare system alone; more than it spent on:
Attracting new jobs ($47.6 million)
K-12 public education ($2.499 billion)
In just a few short hours, this breaking report has already been covered by the Portland Press Herald, the Kennebec Journal, the Lewiston Sun Journal, and Capital Weekly.
The report lists a series of proven reforms policymakers should adopt to reduce Maine's welfare dependency crisis:
Fix the System
1. Focus aid on the truly needy.
2. Tighten income eligibility requirements
3. Eliminate handouts for drug felons and non-citizens
4. Define Success as a new paycheck, not more welfare checks.
5. Help people toward work and self-sufficiency first, with welfare as a last resort
6. Create real and enforceable work and job search requirements
7. Establish clear and firm timelines
Overhaul Maine's welfare bureaucracy
1. Rename Maine's welfare bureaucracy from Office of Integrated Access and Support
to
Maine EMPOWER (Employing and Moving People Off Welfare and Encourage Responsibility)
2. Simplify and streamline the system to show a clear path to self-sufficiency
3. Set Work and Self-Sufficiency Goals for recipients, and report total results to taxpayers each month
MHPC's report draws attention to a critical challenge facing our state. Maine's level of welfare system dependence has huge costs, both fiscal and moral, and must be reformed. MHPC will continue its research into this important issue, and continue to advocate for the responsible, compassionate reforms that will free Maine families from welfare dependency.
EDDINGTON IN THE NEWS - AGAIN
Yesterday I received a telephone call from an Eddington resident who was traveling outside the area and listening to a talk-radio station. According to my caller, the station was the most listened to talk-radio station in Maine. I don't recall the call letters of the station - seldom listen to talk radio frankly. My impression of the species is that most of them are hosted by hyper-active talkers who are angry at something most of the time, not the most conducive driving environment. And they can take a nothing issue and turn it into the cause celebre for the next world war - as though we need either (a cause or a world war).
So, back to the phone call. My caller said that s/he had just heard on the radio that the Eddington School had been placed in "lock-down" Tuesday. The radio program "host" had a lot to say apparently in the negative about what could have justified such an action in such a no-town place as Eddington, Maine and how ridiculous the school superintendent was to have done such a thing. My caller wanted to know what I knew about the situation. (Apparently some readers of this blog thing I know everything that goes on around here and why. Not sure if that's a compliment, but thanks for the vote of confidence.)
I said I hadn't heard of the incident but, taking the caller's number I promised to check out whatever sources I could dig up and get back when I had some FACTS - not whatever that radio station was working off.
Then I hit the phones and looked at the online BDN. I figured if the situation had been serious enough to cause a lock-down, the BDN would have something. Besides, most of the radio and TV stations around here pick up their news stories from a local paper or vice versa. My keen mind figured the radio station probably used the BDN as its source.
According to the BDN reporter, Nok-Noi Ricker, there was a situation Tuesday morning at the school when two parents of the same child created some kind of a disturbance serious enough for Principal Spencer to put the school into lock-down mode at 9:15. Superintendent Anderson supported the decision. Maine State Troopers responded and talked with both parents. The situation was sufficiently resolved for the lock-down to be lifted at approximately 11:25am. No details or names were provided regarding the disturbance, the parents' names or the student's. And of course no one knows (or could know) the potential of violence that could have resulted, or any weapons that might have been in the parents car(s) on the grounds. Seems like Principal Spencer made a decision based on the welfare and safety of all of the students and staff entrusted to his care.
Once I had as many facts as I could gather in a reasonable period of time, I called back my caller. Read most of the online BDN article out loud. And then I added my own thoughts of Principal Spencer, having observed him personally at many School Board meetings and the Financial Planning meetings this past spring. I think the parents of children attending the Eddington Elementary School are fortunate in having such a principal. And I know having Dave Anderson as district Superintendent in an improvement over the past couple of years. No further comment needed there.
Of course the radio station program "host" apparently didn't think any discussion was necessary regarding the potential of violence that can come from parents creating some kind of disruption over a child at a school. This writer wonders if that "host" has ever observed or even read about the consequences that arise out of domestic violence situations. Might be a good idea. The consequences don't have to occur just in the home.
The Comments section of the online BDN certainly thought the appropriate actions were taken, and the commendations for Principal Spencer, school secretary Susan Poole, and the school staff were laudatory.
It appears that some form of follow-up counseling or intervention action took place yesterday that involved the necessary parties.
News jaberwockies who don't seem to feel it necessary to find out the facts before trying to incite and stir up disruptive emotions bring out the worst in people who are already under a lot of stress and worry.
So, back to the phone call. My caller said that s/he had just heard on the radio that the Eddington School had been placed in "lock-down" Tuesday. The radio program "host" had a lot to say apparently in the negative about what could have justified such an action in such a no-town place as Eddington, Maine and how ridiculous the school superintendent was to have done such a thing. My caller wanted to know what I knew about the situation. (Apparently some readers of this blog thing I know everything that goes on around here and why. Not sure if that's a compliment, but thanks for the vote of confidence.)
I said I hadn't heard of the incident but, taking the caller's number I promised to check out whatever sources I could dig up and get back when I had some FACTS - not whatever that radio station was working off.
Then I hit the phones and looked at the online BDN. I figured if the situation had been serious enough to cause a lock-down, the BDN would have something. Besides, most of the radio and TV stations around here pick up their news stories from a local paper or vice versa. My keen mind figured the radio station probably used the BDN as its source.
According to the BDN reporter, Nok-Noi Ricker, there was a situation Tuesday morning at the school when two parents of the same child created some kind of a disturbance serious enough for Principal Spencer to put the school into lock-down mode at 9:15. Superintendent Anderson supported the decision. Maine State Troopers responded and talked with both parents. The situation was sufficiently resolved for the lock-down to be lifted at approximately 11:25am. No details or names were provided regarding the disturbance, the parents' names or the student's. And of course no one knows (or could know) the potential of violence that could have resulted, or any weapons that might have been in the parents car(s) on the grounds. Seems like Principal Spencer made a decision based on the welfare and safety of all of the students and staff entrusted to his care.
Once I had as many facts as I could gather in a reasonable period of time, I called back my caller. Read most of the online BDN article out loud. And then I added my own thoughts of Principal Spencer, having observed him personally at many School Board meetings and the Financial Planning meetings this past spring. I think the parents of children attending the Eddington Elementary School are fortunate in having such a principal. And I know having Dave Anderson as district Superintendent in an improvement over the past couple of years. No further comment needed there.
Of course the radio station program "host" apparently didn't think any discussion was necessary regarding the potential of violence that can come from parents creating some kind of disruption over a child at a school. This writer wonders if that "host" has ever observed or even read about the consequences that arise out of domestic violence situations. Might be a good idea. The consequences don't have to occur just in the home.
The Comments section of the online BDN certainly thought the appropriate actions were taken, and the commendations for Principal Spencer, school secretary Susan Poole, and the school staff were laudatory.
It appears that some form of follow-up counseling or intervention action took place yesterday that involved the necessary parties.
News jaberwockies who don't seem to feel it necessary to find out the facts before trying to incite and stir up disruptive emotions bring out the worst in people who are already under a lot of stress and worry.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
...BUT THE LOBSTER WAS GREAT
My brother gifted me with two tickets for a treat last night. First I was able to take a good friend to a lobster feed under a big tent right behind the performance stage on the waterfront where the Tim McGraw concert was to be held. The lobster dinner was put on and co-sponsored by the BangorMetro magazine, McLaughins Seafood, Grandville Stone and Rentals, Whoopie Whoopie Pies, Live Nation (the organizers of the waterfront concerts) and a winery whose name I don't recall. It was a great affair. I'm sure the tables, chairs and linens were supplied by Granville Party Rentals. And the dinner of lobster, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, whole steamed lobsters with melted butter and lemon slices, and shelled shrimp with cocktail sauce (provided by McLaughlins) was delicious.
Mock magazine covers featuring Tim and Faith had been created for the three magazines published by WebsterAtlantic Corporation, BangorMetro's publisher showing Tim on the cover of BangorMetro, his touring company on the cover of MaineAhead, and Tim's wife, Faith Hill on the cover of Real Maine Weddings. And a gift basket from the winery with some other Maine products had been prepared for both Tim and Faith. According to "the plan," Tim and Faith were to drop in and say Hello, according to Live Nation who requested the pre-event event.
However, the McGraw family reportedly wanted to see Mt. Desert Island and Arcadia National Park yesterday and the story goes they got a late start because of "Earl." Apparently they didn't get back to Bangor until too late to put in an appearance at the lobster feed - in the tent right behind the performance stage...(!) The lobster dinner was over by 6:30pm and everyone took the opportunity to freshen up. The opening act was scheduled to begin at 7:30.
Perhaps the best thing that can be said about the opening act was that everyone stayed in their seats while listening, clapping, and yahooing. However, everyone was able to actually see the stage and the performers. From our position in the Reserved Seating section, it looked like it was going to be an enjoyable evening. Appearances can be deceiving.
Then the two men that constituted the opening act left the stage. And people got the idea that Tim McGraw was "in the house - Showtime." Except all we heard - for over thirty minutes - was taped music that wasn't even coutry western! But people THOUGHT Tim McGraw was coming. He was right there behind that black curtain. Gotta stand up to see just that glimpse that MIGHT be him. And so the people stood up. And they stayed standing. Even though absolutely NOTHING happened. For over thirty minutes nothing happened.
But everyone found it necessary to stand in place to be prepared to greet him. And they never sat down again. From that point on - with pretty pricey seats (perfect viewing)- we couldn't see a single person on the stage the entire concert. So many people were taking cell phone "flix" versions of the show, holding their cell phones high over the heads of the people in front of them just so they could see the stage, when they would have had a perfect view IF everyone had just sat down in the seats they had - and if people without seats had not been allowed to move into the aisles and open spaces in front of the stage and stand, thereby blocking the view of the people with seats. Ludicrous!
My description of the stage and the show will forever be a green and blue plaid shirt worn by a twenty-something college basketball player over six-foot five swaying, with his arms around his girlfriend, intersperced with a piercing white light aimed from the top of the stage out toward the audience.
Of course, when my friend and I left, immediately after my brother and his fiance (about two-thirds of the way through the concert), I could see even more of the problem. Others who could not see the stage had moved out into the side aisles. There was nowhere anyone could move without having to actually "relocate" (I don't want to say gently "shove") bodies to one side or another just to get through what was supposed to be the ACCESS aisles. No one was sitting down, with the exception of a few elderly people in wheelchairs who had no option! They certainly couldn't see anything but the behinds of all the people standing around them. Imagine how frightening that situation must have been for them with people crowding around their wheelchair or oxygen tank!
I wonder how anyone in the "seats area", or those who were already physically handicapped, who might have needed medical attention would have fared. They probably would have been dead before anyone could have gotten help or help could have gotten to them.
While there were plenty of "Alcohol Enforcement" personnel and uniformed personnel on duty at the entrance gates going in, one has to wonder about Live Nation's responsibility about letting the aisles become so congested during the concert. What this writer observed was ridiculous and irresponsible.
Anyway, we got out of there and to our car. About three blocks down the street we saw people sitting in lawn chairs in front of the Gold Dry Cleaning establishment. They could hear the concert just as well as we were able back in our reserved seating - and see it as well, too. (Saved a lot of money, too.) Of course they probably hadn't had a pre-concert lobster dinner. But you never know.
Hope the McGraw's enjoyed the Gift Basket.
Mock magazine covers featuring Tim and Faith had been created for the three magazines published by WebsterAtlantic Corporation, BangorMetro's publisher showing Tim on the cover of BangorMetro, his touring company on the cover of MaineAhead, and Tim's wife, Faith Hill on the cover of Real Maine Weddings. And a gift basket from the winery with some other Maine products had been prepared for both Tim and Faith. According to "the plan," Tim and Faith were to drop in and say Hello, according to Live Nation who requested the pre-event event.
However, the McGraw family reportedly wanted to see Mt. Desert Island and Arcadia National Park yesterday and the story goes they got a late start because of "Earl." Apparently they didn't get back to Bangor until too late to put in an appearance at the lobster feed - in the tent right behind the performance stage...(!) The lobster dinner was over by 6:30pm and everyone took the opportunity to freshen up. The opening act was scheduled to begin at 7:30.
Perhaps the best thing that can be said about the opening act was that everyone stayed in their seats while listening, clapping, and yahooing. However, everyone was able to actually see the stage and the performers. From our position in the Reserved Seating section, it looked like it was going to be an enjoyable evening. Appearances can be deceiving.
Then the two men that constituted the opening act left the stage. And people got the idea that Tim McGraw was "in the house - Showtime." Except all we heard - for over thirty minutes - was taped music that wasn't even coutry western! But people THOUGHT Tim McGraw was coming. He was right there behind that black curtain. Gotta stand up to see just that glimpse that MIGHT be him. And so the people stood up. And they stayed standing. Even though absolutely NOTHING happened. For over thirty minutes nothing happened.
But everyone found it necessary to stand in place to be prepared to greet him. And they never sat down again. From that point on - with pretty pricey seats (perfect viewing)- we couldn't see a single person on the stage the entire concert. So many people were taking cell phone "flix" versions of the show, holding their cell phones high over the heads of the people in front of them just so they could see the stage, when they would have had a perfect view IF everyone had just sat down in the seats they had - and if people without seats had not been allowed to move into the aisles and open spaces in front of the stage and stand, thereby blocking the view of the people with seats. Ludicrous!
My description of the stage and the show will forever be a green and blue plaid shirt worn by a twenty-something college basketball player over six-foot five swaying, with his arms around his girlfriend, intersperced with a piercing white light aimed from the top of the stage out toward the audience.
Of course, when my friend and I left, immediately after my brother and his fiance (about two-thirds of the way through the concert), I could see even more of the problem. Others who could not see the stage had moved out into the side aisles. There was nowhere anyone could move without having to actually "relocate" (I don't want to say gently "shove") bodies to one side or another just to get through what was supposed to be the ACCESS aisles. No one was sitting down, with the exception of a few elderly people in wheelchairs who had no option! They certainly couldn't see anything but the behinds of all the people standing around them. Imagine how frightening that situation must have been for them with people crowding around their wheelchair or oxygen tank!
I wonder how anyone in the "seats area", or those who were already physically handicapped, who might have needed medical attention would have fared. They probably would have been dead before anyone could have gotten help or help could have gotten to them.
While there were plenty of "Alcohol Enforcement" personnel and uniformed personnel on duty at the entrance gates going in, one has to wonder about Live Nation's responsibility about letting the aisles become so congested during the concert. What this writer observed was ridiculous and irresponsible.
Anyway, we got out of there and to our car. About three blocks down the street we saw people sitting in lawn chairs in front of the Gold Dry Cleaning establishment. They could hear the concert just as well as we were able back in our reserved seating - and see it as well, too. (Saved a lot of money, too.) Of course they probably hadn't had a pre-concert lobster dinner. But you never know.
Hope the McGraw's enjoyed the Gift Basket.
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