Editor:

The South Portland School District is on the Continuous Improvement Priority School for 2008-2009 for both math and reading for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities have failed to make adequate yearly progress in the content area of reading for the past four years and has failed to make adequate yearly progress in the content area of math for the past five years and the class sizes for elementary students who reside in the most economic disadvantaged area of the city have the highest class sizes in the district — although the district has just completed yet another redistricting?

   Despite these glaring inequities and problems, the concern of the school district seems to be how to obtain voters approvals for more new schools and what questions should go onto the ballot to receive taxpayers approvals. To add insult, there is no discussion as to what may be done to alleviate the class sizes at the elementary schools or what the district is going to do to insure that students of all abilities receive an appropriate education — the discussion seems revolve around the desire new schools and “contingency” funds set aside for sixth grade students to attend an overnight trip to Camp Kieve.  Although Camp Kieve is an excellent experience for students and the camp has received many accolades for their fine program, I question where the “contingency” funds are to make sure that all students in the disrict receive a quality education — regardless of economic background or disability?   

Kathy Dechaine

South Portland