To the editor:
Three years ago, all the children living in Cross Lake and attending school in Fort Kent, like mine, were informed that they had to attend a different school district. We were told it was due to a busing issue.
To keep my kids at Fort Kent, I decided I would drive them to school and sent in the paperwork. When the Superintendent of Unorganized Territories (based in Southern Maine) approved one of my kids but denied the other, I was shocked. I tried to fight the denial but got nowhere — it was clear she didn’t care that my son had only known the Fort Kent school system, and refused to meet with parents in my situation. All she said was “sometimes change is hard.”
I was distraught so I reached out to Troy Jackson as a last-ditch effort. I didn’t know him personally but I explained the situation, outlined my efforts and sent him copies of all the correspondence I had. Less than 10 days later, I got word that my son had been approved to stay in the Fort Kent school system.
It turns out Troy already had a meeting scheduled with the education commissioner. He told shared my story — a nobody from the St. John Valley and one little boy fighting to stay in the only school he had known.
Before answering my call, Troy had no idea who I was. He didn’t know me and he didn’t have to share my story with the commissioner. In fact, most politicians wouldn’t have done that. Most would claim they’re “too busy” or have “more important and pressing” issues to deal with — not Troy. Troy does exactly what he promises us he will do, and that’s fight for his constituents.
So when you hear the baseless attacks on Troy, I want you to remember this story. I should’ve been a “nobody” to Troy, but that’s not who he is or how he feels about parents. And that’s why he has my vote.
Natasha Plourde
Cross Lake
