Maine’s Education Commissioner Recommends New Regional High School
State Education Commissioner Susan Gendron is recommending that Katahdin area school officials explore all options for consolidation of school resources, including sharing services to the creation of a new regional high school.
Gendron said that, contrary to speculation, the state is not trying to force School Union 113, encompassing East Millinocket, Medway, and Woodville, to consolidate with neighboring Millinocket. She said that she was not telling people of the Katahdin area that an SAD was the only way to go.
“I think it’s important to look at what is the best solution for the area,” she said. “That may not be the ultimate decision.”
Genron suggested that officials look at the strengths, weaknesses, dynamics of the population and enrollments across the area, saying that it was important that people come together to consider what they want for their children, what they hope to deliver, and how the economy can support it.
Gendron insisted that it was important for school officials to include local development officials in their talks, so that they can learn more about the needs of potential new businesses.
“In this way, you’ll end up having a common purpose, which is not only to have well-educated students graduating, but also to have a healthy economy,” she said.
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