To the editor:
I want to say thank you to all the voters who re-elected me to the MSAD 1 School Board. As I campaigned, I heard many times, “What a thankless job it was to be on the school board.” For me, I count this community service as a high honor and privilege to help guide the educational programs of our children and grandchildren. I always have a warm positive feeling when I see graduates become teachers, hospital medical staff, business owners, farmers or one of many other professions or businesses. I am glad to have the opportunity to continue supporting our excellent educational team.
I know there are going to be hard decisions made in the near future. There are some realities that I have experienced on the board that include seeing the elimination of over 60 administrative and staff positions, the loss of student enrollment, the aging of district school facilities, the push for tax reduction and the community desire not to make any substantial changes to the district. As some might say, these realities describe the district as between a rock and a hard spot. The future challenge of preparing our students for life in the next 20 to 30 years and beyond will come with painful decisions, but also with some creative and innovative work by our teachers and administrators. I thank you for your trust in me that I can help the district find best possible solutions to meet the school district needs.
For me and any other board member to be successful, please stay in touch with us by asking questions, making suggestions and continuing your support of our schools and education team. As your board representative, please feel free to contact me at any time with questions, ideas or concerns.
Terry Sandusky
Mapleton
