To the editor:
I would like to congratulate the Washburn District High School Class of 2007 on their outstanding SAT scores published in the January 10th edition of The Star-Herald. It appears you are well prepared to continue with the next level of your education. In addition, I would like to recognize your parents as well as the administration, faculty, and staff of SAD 45 for their contributions to your education. I am sure they are extremely proud of you as well.
Governor Baldacci has recently revealed his plans to consolidate districts under fewer superintendents. This is merely the first step in a grander scheme to eventually consolidate smaller schools into larger ones, eliminating many schools in the process. All of this in effort to save money despite the fact that it is widely recognized among educators that students perform better with smaller class ratios. SAD 45 has consistently kept their per-pupil cost well below the state average as their students continue to perform well on assessments. Gov. Baldacci would be well served by examining model schools like those of SAD 45 that are able to show excellent academic achievement coupled with fiscal responsibility.
Again, my congratulations go out to the WDHS Class of 2007. In the wake of discussions of school consolidation I hope that your achievements will provide encouragement to everyone involved with SAD 45 that they are doing a superior job educating their students. I look forward to my sons continuing their education in the SAD 45 system and I also look forward to hearing of the future achievements of the Class of 2007.
Laura Turner
Washburn
