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RSU #10

RSU #10. (formally known as SAD 39, SAD 21, SAD 43, Hanover). 21 + 39 + 43 = 10. Don’t worry, I am not a math teacher. Vocabulary.

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RSU #10

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  1. RSU #10 (formally known as SAD 39, SAD 21, SAD 43, Hanover)

  2. 21 + 39 + 43 = 10 Don’t worry, I am not a math teacher

  3. Vocabulary • Consolidation is a broad term applied to describe the combining of schools districts, or administrative units in rural areas of America in an effort to create administrative efficiencies that provide a broader academic experience for students in sparsely-populated schools. • RSU – Regional School Unit

  4. The Law • In 2007, a law passed requiring all school units in the state of Maine to: 1. work with other units to reorganize into larger, more efficient units; or 2. prove that expansion of their unit would me impractical, but need to reorganize administrative structures to reduce costs.

  5. Why? • This is all in effort to have: equitable educational opportunities, rigorous academic programs, uniformity in delivering programs, a greater uniformity in tax rates, more efficient and effective use of limited resources, preservation of school choice and maximum opportunity to deliver services in an efficient manner.  • This has been done already in one school district in Maine

  6. Forced to do it? • The penalty written into the consolidation mandate was the law's primary enforcement mechanism. Delaying penalties doesn't change that fact, said David Connerty-Marin, spokesman for the Maine Department of Education. • "The reduced subsidy is still there for next year, and the year after, and each year after that," he said. "I think the districts are very clear on what's facing them if they don't conform. Everyone is becoming increasingly clear with the financial reality of the revenue picture."

  7. Where were we? • The aim was for each district to be around 2,500 students. • As of 2007: • MSAD 43: 1,591 students; 4 schools • MSAD 21: 1,003 students; 4 schools • MSAD 39: 629 students; 2 schools • Hanover: ?? students; 1 school

  8. The Process • Plan approved by the DOE • Reorganization planning committee • Financial planning • Teachers transferred • Creating new budgets • Transition work • DOE Support

  9. Where are we now ~The basic numbers • Implementing the 140 plans that were approved, 125 have been deemed non-conforming • The state is providing $5000 grants to help with reorganization with the support of Mary McCalmon • 84% of all students in districts with approved plans • 98 school districts organized into 26 RSUs

  10. Where are we now ~In the News • 5.13.09 - RSU #10 Approved their budget after just 3 short months of the board organizing • 6.4.09 – The house narrowly rejected a bill to repeal Maine’s School district consolidation law and granted communities a 1 year reprieve from penalties. This allowed the citizens initiative repeal to move forward and to be voted on in November. • 6.20.09 – Year long reprieve signed by the governor for penalties on small and rural schools districts as long as they continue to work in good faith towards mergers. • 7.1.09 – 97 districts officially merged into 25 larger RSUs, (the state is down to 218 districts), ~RSU #10 is formed • November - if the referendum is repealed, the legislature would have an emergency session to allow the districts that are already an RSU to continue to exist

  11. RSU 10 now As of 2009: • RSU 10: 2,975 students; 11 schools • Combined into one Central office in Dixfield • Combinations of many directors including transportation, special education and food services • Trying to get equality between the schools for staff and students – each school can be different but there needs to be consistencies with curriculum and staff development • So many small things to consider now that we are one large district

  12. Where are we going? • Schools are going to continue to keep their individual personalities for now • 3 unique high schools with very strong programs, can we share the unique programs? Students should be able to go to a school that is the best setting for them – small school setting, arts program, technical programs • Not as many superintendent agreements with SAD 17 – offer these programs within the RSU • Have 3 teacher contracts to negotiate into one this year • Offer sports programs to students which their high school does not currently have – lax, X-country skiing

  13. What does this change mean?

  14. What does this mean for RSU 10 • There will be improvements in technology, maintenance, central office services and curriculum/ instruction • There is an initial $600,000 in savings which saved many programs that would otherwise had to be cut • There is greater access and support to district wide resources

  15. Effects on Students • It is going to streamline the system better • Distant learning opportunities – AP calculus this year • Buckfield and Dirigo High School receiving laptops this year • “The school’s should keep their own personalities and my hope that the only changes that will be noticeable will be positive. Schools to students and staff should feel the same” ~ Dr. Tom • Effects of the penalties

  16. Effects on Staff • Many teacher positions were saved this year through consolidation • This stabilized the support staff positions and made it possible to continue to support the students the way that they need to be • Don’t know what will happen in future years but we will try to retain staff in the positions they are in • Possible to move staff between schools to retain staff - could be used to keep programs open but would not be ideal • use expertise of people with in the district to teach others

  17. Effects on Community • There should be no effects on local control • All communities still have board representatives • Creation of a new website will enhance communications and the access to information

  18. Pros / Cons • Students • Staff • Community

  19. Was it worth it? “It was the right thing to do for the children of the RSU and the right time” ~ Dr. Tom

  20. School Leaders with this change • Continue to focus on the students • Look for new opportunities that can now be offered because of the cooperativeness of the three old districts • Look for the positive in all the new changes

  21. Philosophical difference • There are many philosophical difference between the schools, and teachers • Consolidation makes for a more equitable curriculum even if it is not all the same

  22. THE FUTURE? • Who does this effect? • What does this mean for them? • What does this mean for education in Maine?

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