Cape Elizabeth has fallen from 25th in the state in per pupil school spending when I moved here in 1995 to 162^nd out of 260, during a time of greatly increasing mandatory requirements from the state and federal government and the growing importance of technology as part of a well-rounded education. 

No matter how creative schools are in meeting those needs and requirements, these changes cost money. When the cost of crude oil rose, every quality manufacturer of goods in this country increased pricing to account for it. They did not decide to cut the quality of products or spin their wheels endlessly debating how to overhaul a system that was already exemplary to somehow maintain the same exact pricing. Our schools are no different except that we produce educated children rather than tile, windows or widgets.

 Our schools already cost below state average per pupil and deliver amongst the best academic results in the state, only to be chastised for not being creative enough. I frankly think it is a disgrace the wealthiest town in Maine in both personal and per capita income  will not take part in the ground breaking Maine laptop initiative because “we can’t afford it.” 

Though we won’t be able to vote on it, I disagree with the decision to break the promise made to our dispatchers. Yet for some, claiming to represent us “all,” even these sacrifices are not enough.  They want to see the school budget cut even further than proposed. They want us to break our written contract regarding teacher raises even though our teachers are comparatively underpaid and being lured away by neighboring towns offering thousands more. It is inevitable that these cuts will eventually be reflected in declining academic scores. 

Ilene Schuchman

Cape Elizabeth