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I think closing the U.S. Department of Education and restructuring is necessary in these times of government waste. I also believe that parents having school choice will be key in the survival of some schools.
High schools in small towns with small enrollments will close. Many of these small high schools only offer core subjects and bus their students for alternative classes like shop and welding. It doesn’t matter if you have three or 40 students on the bus, the expense is the same.
When states have to fund the entirety of the cost of the education of students you will likely then see change. Teachers who have their masters degree may then be paid accordingly. Town budgets where over 50 percent is for schooling will also likely change. Closing them and busing their students would probably cost less. I think they will only be losing a basketball team and offering a better education for their kids.
Maine.gov under Data Warehouse has all the statistics for enrollment, busing, and more information on your town’s school expenses. I suggest people start looking at the numbers, they don’t lie.
Susan Lara
Perry