District 1 Residents,
I'm excited to send my School Report for the Observer so soon after the November Elections! I'm a proud resident of Munjoy Hill and excited to represent my neighborhood on the School Committee for the next three years. The last six months was a great learning opportunity for me as I sought input from residents about Portland's educational future.
I don't become an official voting member of the Committee until December; by then Superintendent will have already taken the unusual step to announce budget cut recommendations for the current school year. The recession has taken a $200 million toll on our state with every area of government feeling its impact. Anticipating this loss in funding, the Portland School Committee directed the Superintendent to find $2.7 million in the budget to protect us from this curtailment. Next year, our schools are told to anticipate no less than $7 million cut from state educational funding.
Making tough choices may be the most difficult part of being a public servant. In his weekly column for The Portland Forecaster, new superintendent Dr. Jim Morse states, "every cut will result in some loss of student services, materials and a better-prepared workforce." I believe this is true, but in the face of these challenging times, I'm fortunate to live in such a resilient community.
Communities find ways to support each other during hard times. The School Committee, City Council, and Portland legislators have found ways to work together. The motivation that I've seen in our community for education has been an inspiration.
I will continue to seek your input regarding finances and future direction of schools. The Portland schools is accepting budget suggestions here: http://www.portlandschools.
-District 1 School Committee Member-Elect, Jenna Vendil
